Ilana Joy Iwens Kennell passed away Oct. 4, 2018.
Born April 19, 1952 in Milwaukee, WI, her parents Sidney and Edith Iwens, both Holocaust survivors from Lithuania, preceded her in death.
Wife of Richard Kennell, former dean of the College of Musical Arts at Bowling Green State University. Ilana met Richard while undergraduate students at Northwestern University, they had been married 43 years. Ilana and her husband had resided in Bowling Green, Ohio since 1980.
Survived by sons, Jonathan (Emily), Aaron (Christine); grandchildren, Benjamin, Abigail, and Adalyn; sister, Judy Eidelson and nephews and nieces.
Ilana completed her Master’s degree at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She retired as a senior adjunct faculty member at the University of Toledo in 2010 where she taught piano in the Department of Music. During her many years as a performing musician, she was active as a collaborative pianist throughout the Bowling Green and Toledo areas. The Music Teachers National Association of Ohio previously honored Ilana as piano teacher of the year. Ilana was a former faculty member at the Interlochen Arts Camp in northern Michigan where she taught piano for ten summers.
In retirement, Ilana enjoyed spending winters on Siesta Key in Florida, socializing with retired friends old and new, and entertaining at annual Hanukah parties and especially swimming. In retirement she became interested in art and jewelry making. She especially enjoyed visiting her children and grandchildren in Texas and New York.
A private burial will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery in Bowling Green, Ohio.
A memorial service will take place at Temple Shomer Emunim, 6453 Sylvania Ave., Sylvania, OH at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 7, 2018. The family will be receiving friends and family immediately following the memorial service in the Temple Lounge.
Memorial donations may be made to the National MS Society or the University of Toledo Department of Music.
Arrangements by the Robert H. Wick/Wisniewski Funeral Home (419)535-5840.
www.wickfh.com
