To live in hearts we leave behind is to live in eternity.
Obituary
Yona (Antonina Taube) Eckstein nee Melman, born on December 20, 1941, passed away peacefully in Richmond, Virginia on June 18, 2026 at the age of 84. She will be deeply missed by her three children, six grandchildren, and dear sister and cousins, as well as by all those fortunate enough to have known her warmth and generosity.
Yona was born in Mankent, Kazakhstan, after her family fled Poland during WWII. She and her family returned to Poland after the war, and later immigrated to Israel, ultimately moving to the United States. She had three children, Gabriel, Maya and Michal, and six grandchildren: Noah, Eitan, Phoebe, Avi, Rhapsody, and Serenity.
Professionally, Yona was a chemist and industrial polymer scientist, best known for work in polyurethanes, adhesives, electrostatic-dissipative materials, composites, and applied polymer R&D. She held a PhD in Chemistry from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and later in life obtained an MBA from Cleveland State University. She worked at Owens Corning, BF Goodrich, Noveon, and Lubrizol before retiring in 2004, and holds more than 45 patents in industrial polymer materials, especially thermoplastic polyurethane technologies such as flame-retardant TPU, electrostatic-dissipative polymers, melt-spun TPU fibers, polyurethane electrolyte systems, and lightweight thermoplastic composites.
Yona's life was marked by a spirit of compassion and kindness. She was known to family and friends as someone whose caring nature touched everyone she met. Her generosity extended not only to her loved ones but also to the broader community. Supportive and nurturing, Yona was always there to lend a listening ear or a comforting word, making her a cornerstone in the lives of those around her.
A zest for life characterized Yona’s journey. She began running marathons in her mid-50s, and then walked a marathon-a-week into her late 70s. In her retirement, she founded and ran an online business selling children's books translated into multiple languages to schools and libraries around the country. She approached each day with enthusiasm and an adventurous outlook, eager to discover new places and experiences. She loved to travel and spent much of her retirement exploring different countries and visiting family and friends around the world. Her fun-loving spirit brought light and laughter into many homes and hearts.
Yona leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and resilience. Her memory will endure in the lives of her family and friends, the stories she shared, and the many lives she enriched through her selfless actions. Those who knew her will forever cherish the joy, support, and unwavering compassion she so freely gave. May her remarkable spirit continue to inspire all who remember her.
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Ben and I only met Yona recently but found her most engaging, friendly, and welcoming. We enjoyed hearing her tell her story and your part in it! She will be missed.
Cheryl and Ben Ragsdale
To the family, I’m so sorry for your loss. May her memory be a blessing.
Sue
The memory wall for Yona is very special, Thank you for sharing with us.
Much love,
Hedy
Yona and I crossed path for over 70 years.
I know how much she loved her children, grandchildren, sister, aunt, and cousins.
She had a special bond to her cousins who survived the war years together.
Although Yona had a challenging life, she took comfort in her close relationship with her sister, aunt and cousins.
May her Memory be a Blessing .
BDE
You will always stay with us.
נוחי על משכבך בשלום
She will be missed, but her memories will live on.
Heartfelt condolences to all who will miss this wonderful woman.
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