Lois Jean Eskenazi

Lois Jean Eskenazi (nee Cohen), 92, of Indianapolis, Indiana and Palm Beach Gardens, Florida passed away peacefully in Jupiter, Florida on Sunday January 4, 2026.

Lois was born on February 20, 1933 to Sam and Helen Cohen, and grew up in the Pullman District on the south side of Chicago. She attended Indiana University, where she met the love of her life and husband of over 70 years, Sidney Eskenazi. They had three children Sandra, Dori and David, raising them in Indianapolis.

Lois was a gifted painter and also skilled in pastels, exhibiting in the Hoosier Salon and Indiana State Fair, often winning recognition. She captured the humanity of those in her work; a viewer could almost read their thoughts expressed in her paintings. She was also an avid golfer, finding both endless frustration and a true love of the game.

Most importantly, Lois was simply a nice, gentle person, exhibiting kindness to all. She did not make a big impression, but interactions with others left them feeling valued and listened to.

Later in life, Lois and Sid found joy in their many philanthropic endeavors including the Sidney D. & Lois Eskenazi Hospital and Health Foundation. They had a shared love of Indiana University and endowed both the Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art, and the Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design, both in Bloomington. She also loved her time participating in the Women’s Philanthropic Colloquium at Indiana University where she made many longstanding friends.

Lois is survived by her beloved husband Sidney, children Sandra Eskenazi, Dori Meyers (David), and David Eskenazi (Julie), as well as grandchildren Sara Meyers, Zoie Meyers, Samantha Meyers, Ethan Meyers, Mae Eskenazi, Sophie Eskenazi, and Ella Eskenazi. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, including Mindy (Crandus) Sircus, Larry Crandus, Esther Harris, Joellyn Stoliar, Sanford Cohen, and Jay Stein. She was predeceased by her parents Sam and Helen Cohen, as well as her beloved brother Charles (Chuck) Cohen, and sister Roz Crandus and her husband Harold.

A funeral is planned for Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 11 AM in Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, 6501 N. Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN with Burial following at Etz Chaim Cemetery. You may watch the livestream of her service at https://ihcindy.org/streaming/. Funeral Arrangements are being handled by Flanner and Buchanan - Speedway.

Donations may be made in her honor to the Eskenazi Health Foundation www.eskenazihealthfoundation.org/donate; the Herron School of Art and Design, Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Art Scholarship, Checks can be made payable to: IU Foundation/ Herron; mail to IU Foundation, P.O. Box 6460, Indianapolis, IN 46206 or online at https://give.myiu.org/iu-indianapolis/P370007456.html; or to the charity of your choice.