(21 March 1943 - 3 March 2010)

Obituary Published in The New York Times on March 6, 2010:

QUEST--Ilona Madis, dearly beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, died on March 3, 2010. Born in Tallinn, Estonia, March 21, 1943, she immigrated with her parents and brother to the United States after WWII. A graduate of Briarcliff College and Columbia University, Ilona was a successful Occupational Therapist before dedicating her life to her family - raising her children, guiding her grandchildren, and supporting her husband's professional career.

The gracious and elegant Ilona is survived by her husband, Donald Oliver Quest, her three daughters and sons-in-law, Wendy and Peter Trevisani, Amy and Ted Pogorelc, and Susan and Jared Demark, and her eight beautiful grandchildren who gave her such tremendous joy: Blake, Halle, Luke, Jack, Dylan, Pierce, Hugh, and Jordan. Noted for her joie de vivre and nurturing spirit, her ability to brighten every occasion and make everyone feel special, beautiful Ilona will be missed by everyone whose life she touched.

A funeral service will be held Monday, March 8 at 11am at St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church, 169 Fairmount Road in Ridgewood. A memorial service will also be held at a later date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations will be gratefully accepted at the following entity dear to Ilona's heart: The Donald and Ilona Quest Endowed Professorship in Neurological Surgery, Columbia University, The Neurological Institute of NY, Dept of Neurological Surgery, 710 W. 168th St., New York, NY 10032.