Iona Wishner Levenfeld

Iona Levenfeld, Family Matriarch, Lifelong Learner and Jewish Community Leader

Iona W. Levenfeld passed away on June 12, 2026, at the age of 95 in Canton, Massachusetts. Iona was born on August 20, 1930 in Chicago, Illinois. She is survived by three children Barry (Jill Shafton), David (Deborah Rivel) and Judy (Anthony Hollenberg), 11 grandchildren Tali (Dror), Jacob (Lydia), Robert (Tori), Yoni (Hadas), Adam (Lauren), Gabi (Alon), Sam, Eric, Dani (Hagit), Jonny and Nate (Rachael), and ten great grandchildren, Lia, Shalev, Cora, Sonya, Maya, Roni, Oz, Rafael, Adrian and Alexandra. She was a proud family matriarch, taking great interest and immense pleasure in the accomplishments of her progeny across the globe. She was the last of her generation, and adored by her children, nieces and nephews.

The funeral will take place at Stanetsky Memorial Chapel, 475 Washington Street, Canton, MA on Monday, June 15th at 8:30 AM, with burial to follow at Sharon Memorial Park.

Iona (Hannah Raisel) was the daughter of Hyman and Frances Wishner, immigrants from Ukraine and Russia respectively. She was the younger sibling of Maynard (Maishe) Wishner, married to Elaine Wishner, all of whom pre-deceased her. She grew up in Chicago during the depression years, and spent most of her life in Chicago and north suburban Highland Park (from 1956 to 2014). Since 2014 she was a resident of Orchard Cove in Canton.

At the young age of 16, Iona attended the University of Chicago on a special early admissions program, where she met and married Milton Levenfeld on December 18, 1949. She graduated from the University of Chicago with a BA in English and a Masters degree in Education. She taught at the University of Chicago Laboratory School with great pride following her graduation.

A lifelong learner, Iona attended courses at the University of Chicago Extension school for decades. She was particularly drawn to the works of Dostoevsky and enjoyed quoting John Kenneth Galbraith's wry observation: “All things being equal, I would rather be rich and powerful than poor and impotent.”

Iona was a respected and beloved leader in Jewish communal activities. As members of North Suburban Synagogue Beth El in Highland Park, she and Milton found community, educated their children and donated a community Sukkah still in use today. She held countless leadership positions with the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, and was proud to wear the Lion of Judah pin recognizing her philanthropic achievements. Iona served for many years on the national UJA board which allowed her to travel and cultivate friendships across the country and the world. She was also a supporter of the Friends of the IDF, honoring, among others, her grandchildren serving in the Israeli army.

Iona, together with her brother Maynard, grew up immersed in Yiddish literature, song and culture. She spoke Yiddish at home, and actively embraced the cultural aspects of the Workman’s Circle Labor Zionist tradition of her parents.

Iona was also a devoted supporter and attendee of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Ravinia Festival. Every summer, Iona and Milton regularly attended concerts at Ravinia Park, and on days they did not attend, they could hear the sounds of Ravinia drifting into their back yard on Stonegate Drive. They also took great joy in the nearby Chicago Botanical Garden.

Iona spent her final years at Orchard Cove in Canton, Massachusetts, initially with her Milton until his death in 2021. She was proud of the achievement and character of her three children, and took great joy as her grandchildren grew into accomplished and loving young adults. She danced at the weddings of seven of her grandchildren and welcomed ten great grandchildren in recent years.

Iona was a voracious reader, and was known for her intellectual curiosity, sharp wit, strong opinions, stylish beauty and unwavering devotion to family. She left an enduring legacy and will be greatly missed by all who loved her. May her memory be for a blessing.

Donations may be made to the Friends of the IDF, at their website www.fidf.org, or by check to FIDF, 29 East Madison Street, Suite 1010, Chicago, IL 60602.