Ilona Kaete Neuman

Ilona was born on June 29, 1949 to John and Christa Heri in the town of Meisen, Germany. They immigrated to America and Ilona grew up in Irvington, NJ with her sister Renee. Later in life she met who would become the love of her life, Frederick Neuman. They would be married on August 23, 1975 and would soon start a family of their own, having two sons, Brian and Steven, in Union, NJ. Ilona and her family would live in Union until she and her husband retired to Punta Gorda, FL and built their new home in 2004. In their new home they made many friends and Ilona would enjoy her days tending to her beautiful trees and flowers that decorated their property. She then turned her passion for gardening into taking on the role of President of the Deep Creek Garden Club, putting her talents and passion to work on the beautification of the community.

Her sons would also find the loves of their lives and give Ilona her four grandchildren. Brian and Pamela would bring Brooke and Paul Neuman into the world and Steven and Andrea would bring Henry and Dylan Neuman into the world. She would always send her grandchildren the most thoughtful gifts for every occasion, and sometimes just because she found something that made her think of them. When they visited, she would always have amazing activities planned for them, and would always have the sunscreen on hand. She was an amazing cook, and would always prepare her grandkids favorite meals whenever a trip to Florida was in the works, especially her world famous pink chicken (even her kids were partial to the delicious meal).

She also had five grand puppies, Bella, Beau, Pepper, Gauge and Dutch that she adored so much so that she refused to wipe their snout marks off the sliders for weeks after the visits (They were pretty fond of her too).

She was a loving wife and rock to her husband after celebrating 50 years of wedded bliss in 2025, a wonderful and caring mother, and the best Nana in the world. She will be missed but never forgotten as her light will always shine as a bright beacon for those who were blessed to know her.

Ilona did not want to have a big service when she passed (probably because she never wanted to be a bother to anyone). Instead she chose to be cremated and will remain with her husband Fred in their home. We ask that in lieu of flowers, a donation to St. Jude’s hospital be made in her remembrance.