Cheryl Denise Cohen-Vader ’77

Cheryl died Aug. 30, 2025, after managing Alzheimer’s since 2018.  

She majored in sociology and joined the Bank of New York. After a Columbia MBA in finance, she joined Citicorp and rose to vice president, Citicorp securities department, public finance. In 1990, Cheryl moved to Denver. She became chief deputy manager for the construction of the Denver International Airport, deputy mayor of the City of Denver, chief executive officer of the Stapleton Development Corp., and chairman of the Retirement Board for the Denver Employees Retirement Plan.  

Sharp with a dry sense of humor, Cheryl was a loyal and devoted friend, who listened but never judged. Her father was a bishop in Miami and faith was an important part of her. Cheryl married later in life, but her husband predeceased her.  

Cheryl loved all things Princeton, was a ’77 class trustee and a member of the ABPA. She roomed in Lourie-Love with Beverly Lewis, Nancy Lin, Gabriella Morris, and Linda Tarver Pirolli. Nancy recalls, “Despite all her accomplishments, she stayed down-to-earth and loved watching the Muppets with my children. She was a big foodie and loved to travel.” Emily Lewis Penn misses “all things Cheryl, especially her wry sense of humor, deep spirituality and love of adventure.” Her life showed leadership, resilience, and groundbreaking achievements in the public and private sectors and devotion to family.  

The class extends its sympathies to Cheryl’s siblings Joel, A. Melvin, and Shawna; and niece Latoya Cohen Johnson.