Joni Merfeld nee Alexander, age 71

Joni Merfeld nee Alexander, age 71. Beloved wife of Jim Merfeld. Dear mother of Brian (Andrea) Merfeld and Lindsey (Merrill) Gad. Proud Noni of Jordyn, Lexi, and Addisyn. Cherished sister of Dean (Margo) Alexander and Max (Sabina) Alexander. Joni was an accomplished interior designer for over 50 years with a degree from the University of Maryland (’74). She was an avid Mahjong, scrabble, and crossword player. Joni was proud of her New England roots. She was a well-seasoned world traveler from an early age and her favorite destinations included Disneyland and Disneyworld. Her greatest joy was seeing the magic of Disney through her grandchildren's eyes. Among her favorite cities were Paris, London, Munich, Rome, Venice, and Vienna. As part of Jim’s graduate studies in Israel, she joined him in 1975 and again in 1977 before starting a family in Baltimore. She was generous to her family and the many organizations she supported. She made yearly contributions to a wide variety of charities. Most of all Joni was a devoted daughter, mother, and grandmother. She collected friends like people collect baseball cards – opening a new pack everywhere she went. Her childhood in Connecticut, her midyears in Baltimore, before finally finding her home in Chicago. Joni was deeply loved by all who knew her and loved deeply in return. Service Monday 10 AM at Chicago Jewish Funerals, 195 N. Buffalo Grove Road (One block north of Lake Cook Road) Buffalo Grove. Interment Shalom Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hadassah North Shore Chapter 60 Revere Drive Suite 800, Northbrook, IL 60062 www.hadassah.org. To attend the funeral live stream, please visit our website. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals – Buffalo Grove Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com