StarBulletin.com

Publicist Elissa Josephsohn dies at 60


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POSTED: Friday, August 21, 2009

Publicist Elissa Josephsohn, who handled many prominent entertainment events, as well as restaurants and arts organizations, died Thursday night of primary peritoneal cancer. She was  60.

Josephsohn’s death was announced in a statement late Thursday from Richard Vida, a member of the committee that helped organize a benefit on her behalf last year.

 Her final theatrical project was “MAMMA MIA,” which played for three weeks at the Blaisdell Concert Hall in May. 

 Josephsohn was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer in 2007, just after working on the Diamond Head Crater Celebration. She battled the disease through many treatments at Kapiolani Women’s Cancer Center and Cedars Sinai Women’s Cancer Center in Los Angeles — including surgery to remove eight tumors.

 Plans are under way for a memorial service at Hawaii Theater; details will be announced soon.

 Donations may be made to the Elissa Josephsohn Spirit Fund, established at the Kapiolani cancer center, in lieu of flowers and gifts. Send checks to the  Kapiolani Health Foundation, 1319 Punahou St., Honolulu 96826.