Congregation Beth Israel mourns the loss of Rena Leah Tonkin, z”l, who passed away on Mar. 7, 2024, at the age of 96.

Rena was born in Bellingham, Wash., to Harry and Fanny Baron, younger sister to Mayer. She spent her early years in Hawaii for her mother's health before the Baron family returned to Washington and settled in Seattle. Even as a child, she was a spitfire, precocious and imaginative.

By the time she graduated from Garfield High School in 1945 she was garnering awards for her artwork and recognition as an inspiring class leader. Rena's pride in her Jewish heritage compelled her to speak out against injustice and prejudice of any kind.

At the University of Washington, Rena excelled in art and design, but a blind date with a sorority sister's handsome brother who was visiting from Portland upended her plans to transfer to Parsons School of Design - Marv Tonkin.

For Rena, family always came first, but community was a close second – she gravitated to the Social Action committee at Congregation Beth Israel, served on Jewish community boards, and in the broader community became a founding member of the Asian Art Council at the Portland Art Museum and the Portland Japanese Garden.

Once her children left home for college, Rena launched her design firm, Rena Tonkin Interiors, specializing in residential design. Rena's keen eye and dedication to her clients made her an instant success.

Rena Tonkin is survived by her daughter, Cheryl Tonkin, grandsons, David Lerner and Daniel Lerner, Dan's wife, Bonnie Lerner, and great-grandchildren, Max and Maisie Lerner.

Rena was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin R. Tonkin, z”l and son, Alan Baron Tonkin, z”l.

Her funeral was held Thursday, Mar. 14, at Congregation Beth Israel.

Donations in Rena's memory may be directed to: Congregation Beth Israel's Social Action Fund, The Portland Art Museum, The Alan Baron Tonkin Memorial Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation and CASA.