Statement on the Passing of Ellen Cohen – Disability Community Mourns Her Loss

It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that we share this joint statement below to inform our communities of the sudden passing of our Board member and 2nd Vice-Chair, and dear friend, Ellen Cohen. Ellen passed on March 13, 2025 while in Geneva, Switzerland as part of the Canadian Civil Society Group advocating on behalf of disability communities at the United Nations.

Ellen joined ARCH’s Board in 2022, and has been a partner and supporter of ARCH for decades in her many advocacy roles. Her contributions have been invaluable to ARCH and to our communities. She was an integral part of ARCH’s national and international advocacy work. Ellen was highly respected and regarded within all communities that she worked with. Ellen’s larger than life personality, unparalleled compassion and generosity, unrelenting drive, and unwavering integrity were among the many incredible qualities that made her such an effective leader.

ARCH is deeply grateful for Ellen’s invaluable contributions to our organization and to the disability rights movement.  Her tireless commitment for full inclusion will continue to inspire us. Our thoughts and sympathies are with Ellen’s family and her many friends.  She will be deeply missed. Our joint statement about Ellen’s passing can be found below: