Ivonne Goldstein
January 15, 2009
Goldstein, Ivonne, 82, homemaker and professional volunteer, passed away Thursday, January 15, 2009. Service 1:00 P.M., Sunday, January 18, Congregation Emanu-El, 7011 East Central. Ivonne was Chairman of the Board of Directors for Kamen Wiping Materials Co., Inc. Survivors: husband, Leonard Goldstein; daughters, Andrea Stras of Wichita and Laurie (Bob) Berman of Tulsa, OK; son, Steven Cohan of Denver, CO; brother, Harlan Kamen of Westminster, CO; grandchildren, David (Heather) Stras, Daniel Stras and Stacy Berman; great-grandchildren, Brandon Stras and Benjamin Stras. Ivonne was the most successful fundraiser in Wichitas history. Her work spanned the gamut of community causes, social causes, religious activities and even politics. She served on the board or raised money for over 50 organizations, which are too numerous to list individually. The significance of her impact on the community can be shown by a listing of the awards and honors bestowed upon her during her life: Uncommon Citizen Award from the Wichita Area Chamber of Commerce, Women in Business Honoree by the Wichita Business Journal, Wing Walker Award from the Wichita State Center for Womens Studies, WSU Ecumenical Campus Ministry Board Award, Ivonne Goldstein Day Proclaimed by Sedgwick County Commission, Dominos Pizza Community Award, Goodwill Industries Volunteer of the Year, Public Citizen of the Year from the Kansas Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, Samaritan Award from Counseling and Mediation Center, Gordon W. Evans Award from the Wichita Sedgwick County Arts and Humanities, Sisterhood Award from the National Conference of Christians and Jews, and Volunteer Fundraiser Award from the National Society of Fundraising Executives. In addition to her community and charity fundraising, she was a fundraising co-chairman for former Congressman Dan Glickman, and was honored as a Kansas Olympic Torchbearer in 1996. Every organization and every volunteer who served with Ivonne Goldstein will miss her. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Congregation Emanu-El, 7011 East Central, Wichita, KS 67206, or one of the many community causes that Ivonne spent her life supporting. Downing Lahey Mortuary East.
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Harlen…….we were so sad to learn of Ivonne’s passing…….we remember the fun we had with she and Boots and their husbands on our wonderful trips provided by Kamen Supply. Ivonne and I ran into each other frequently thru the years……usually around a buffet table (always eating)…..she and Bob were in the same graduating class at East so enjoyed the reunions when possible. We know she will be greatly missed in Wichita….and more by her family. We will remember her beautiful smile and sunny disposition. Our thoughts are with you at this time………our best always….
What a beautiful, loving, vibrant, giving, and honest lady – mother, grandmother, friend, neighbor, citizen, advocate for the arts and for the poor! Ivonne was truly the busiest and hardest working volunteer. The time, energy, and her own resources that she committed to helping people from all walks of life, and in all ways, was truly amazing. And from what I experienced, what made her stand out as much as her involvement in the betterment of her beloved city was her humility. I am so very fortunate to have known her and work with her very closely for several years when she was President of the BOD of the YWCA Women’s Crisis Center. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her and the thousands that never knew who she was or the positive impact she had played in their lives.
Ivonne was certainly a grande dame in Wichita. I consider it my honor and privilege to have known her. I first met Ivonne 25+ years ago when we served on The American Cancer Society board. Ivonne was a mentor to me. Wichita will be hard pressed to replace her energy and enthusiasm in our community.
I worked at the Wichita Community Clinical AIDS Program (WCCAP) as a social worker for a number of years. I was aware that Mrs. Goldstein supported that program, assisting the director with fund raising. It was a time when AIDS was a ‘scurge’ and funding was difficult to obtain. With her efforts the program was able to survive and many people were helped. I’m sure her reward in heaven is great for the many people who found relief and comfort from her love and care. She will be rememebered.
Dearest Leonard and family, we are so sorry to hear about your loss of Ivonne! We will always remember how she contributed her time and efforts to help so many people!!! She was always ‘upbeat’ and had a smile for everyone!! We send you our heartfelt sympathy!! With love, Dorothye and Melvyn Abels(now from Missouri City, TX)
Our deepest sympathies on Ivonne’s passing. Pike Sullivan Andrea Frazier Meadows of Dan VA