November 4, 1961 - July 15, 2025
Ivona passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, friends, and an abundance of love. The eldest of two siblings, Ivona cherished her family deeply and found joy in shared experiences—whether exploring new destinations, skiing down snowy slopes, swimming, or playing the piano.
Ivona’s Polish heritage was central to her identity, and she embraced her culture, traditions, and language with pride and affection throughout her life. Her vibrant spirit and love of connecting with others left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Ivona pursued her undergraduate studies at UCLA, where she excelled academically and demonstrated her exceptional talent as a writer. Her compassionate heart and profound love for animals were constants in her life. She was often surrounded by her beloved dogs and cats who brought her immeasurable happiness.
She is survived by her devoted sister, Eva, and her loving nieces, Alexa and Julia. She was preceded in death by her cherished parents, Maria and Teodor Polak.
To honor Ivona’s memory, donations may be made to an animal rescue organization of your choice