Obituary of Ilona Marie Durham

With deep sadness we share the passing of Ilona Marie Durham on April 23, 2020. Ilona is survived by her dedicated husband and partner of over 40 years, Jay, and their two four-legged children, Lexi the Rottweiler, and Ruger the border collie mix. Ilona was a spitfire and a passionate woman. She spent much of her time barefoot in the greenhouse or on the floor playing with the dogs. Ilona is remembered by her family as the most compassionate of animal lovers, known to save dogs from dire conditions and bless them with a life of endless love. Ilona also enjoyed pick of the litter, show-worthy rottweilers. Her love for animals wasn’t limited to dogs. For years, Ilona enjoyed riding horses, caring for birds of all kinds, turkeys at one point, turtles, and even a cat along the way. Ilona inherited her mother’s green thumb and carried the legacy of a manicured yard with bright, flower-filled beds for many years. Her loved ones remember that it was impossible to end a phone call or a visit with just one hug or ‘I love you’. Ilona is deeply missed and will live on in our hearts and memories as she joins loved ones lost ahead of her: her sister Erica and her parents, Patrick and Margarete McGiveney.