Miriam Calenoff

Miriam (“Miri”) A. Calenoff, PhD, age 92, of Chicago, Illinois, died peacefully on November 23, 2025.

Born in Bucharest, Romania, to Alexander and Sofia Aronovici, Miri’s early life was shaped by the disruptions of World War II, hiding from Nazis, Romanian death squads and Allied bombing raids on nearby Ploiesti’s oil fields alike. When the communists came into power, Miri and her family “voluntarily” deported to Eretz Israel. In the years following, she met the love of her life, Leonid Calenoff, in Strasbourg, France. They emigrated together to the United States in 1955 with little in their pockets and started building the foundations of the life to which they long aspired.

Despite not formally finishing high school in war-torn Romania, Miri began pursuing higher education in Strasbourg and continued in the United States when her daughters were school-aged. With remarkable determination, she went on to earn both a Bachelor of Science and a PhD in molecular biology, and did important research work in cancer virology at Northwestern University under the auspices of Katherine Rundell—achievements that reflected her intellect, resilience, and unwavering commitment to learning.

Miri was devoted to her family, and she expressed her love most generously through cooking. A wonderful and passionate cook, she filled family gatherings with warmth, tradition, and unforgettable meals. She was also an accomplished linguist, speaking five languages with ease, and had an abiding passion for animals. Miriam unstintingly gave to those less fortunate and provided a surrogate family when coworkers were away from home.

Fun and laughter were important to Miri. She created many memorable moments for her children and grandchildren, whether it was making Halloween costumes by hand or creating adventures like scavenger hunts in her apartment. She took (or sent) her family to the opera, theater, and symphony, and on many trips to different parts of the world.

Survived by her daughters, Jean Calenoff and Debbie (Cory) Lipoff; her adoring grandsons, Matt (Faye) Lipoff, Drew Lipoff, and Harry Zucker; her great-grandson, Jacob Lipoff; her devoted brother, Stefan Arnon; her nephews, Andrew and Alex Arnon; and her cherished cousin, Adrianna Baarspul, and preceded in death by her beloved spouse, Dr. Leonid Calenoff.

Miri will be remembered for her elegance, grace, brilliance, strength, generosity, and the deep love she held for her family. Her legacy lives on in all who were fortunate to know her.

Donations in her memory may be made to the FRAXA Research Foundation at Fraxa.org.