Martha Ruth Cohen (née Block; 1920 – February 26, 2015) was a Canadian community activist and philanthropist best known for her long-standing support of civic life in Calgary and Alberta. Over many decades she combined fundraising, board service and private giving to strengthen cultural, educational and health initiatives. Her work earned national and provincial recognition.

Contributions and areas of focus

Cohen’s philanthropy covered several fields commonly supported by community leaders: the performing arts, health care, higher education and Jewish community organizations. She was active in mobilizing resources, convening donors and serving on boards or advisory groups. Her approach emphasized sustaining institutions, improving access to services and building civic infrastructure.

Examples of impact

  • Support for cultural venues and performing arts programs, including a downtown Calgary theatre that bears her name.
  • Contributions to hospitals, clinics and health-related fundraising campaigns aimed at expanding patient care and facilities.
  • Backing for educational initiatives and scholarship support to help students and strengthen local universities and colleges.
  • Engagement with Jewish community and interfaith activities as part of broader civic involvement.

Honors and legacy

Cohen received several formal recognitions for her service, including appointment to the Order of Canada and the Alberta Order of Excellence, as well as honorary degrees (LLD) from academic institutions. These honours reflected both the scale of her philanthropy and the sustained civic leadership she provided. For official citation details see the Order of Canada citation.

Buildings, performance spaces and charitable programs that carry her name continue to remind the public of her contributions. Her legacy is often cited as an example of how individual philanthropy can shape cultural life, healthcare capacity and educational opportunities in a growing city.

Background and personal notes

Born into a Jewish family in 1920, Cohen remained engaged with her faith community while also taking a broad, civic-minded approach to philanthropy. She died in 2015. Observers of Alberta’s civic history remember her for combining personal commitment with practical fundraising and governance work to benefit multiple generations.