A Standing Ovation for Risa Amazing Igelfeld
1917-2026
Risa Igelfeld lived through more than a century of history. But those who knew her remember something more intimate: her determination to count her blessings, push away negative thoughts, and greet life with joy. So many people who heard her remarkable story called her “amazing” that Risa eventually adopted it as her middle name. Risa Amazing Igelfeld—and she wore it well.
Risa, a longtime participant in Jewish Family Service LA’s Holocaust Survivor Program and a regular at Café Europa, died recently at the age of 108. Even in the final weeks of her life, she continued to attend the JFSLA social group, sharing friendship, music and community with fellow Holocaust survivors.
Risa was photographed with dancer Jenna Dewan for the celebrated photo exhibit “Borrowed Spotlight.”
Born in Vienna, Austria, in 1917, Risa’s life changed dramatically when the Nazis invaded Austria in 1938. She witnessed Jewish businesses being destroyed and Jewish men rounded up. At 21, with the help of a college professor who secured a visa for her, Risa escaped to England, leaving her father and stepmother behind without knowing whether she would ever see them again. Years later, she learned they had survived, and the family was eventually reunited.
In England, Risa found joy in music and became a popular performer, eventually singing in 17 languages. She married Gershon Igelfeld in 1948, and the couple later settled in Los Angeles, where they raised two children.
Risa often said she had two professions: she taught at the Westside Jewish Community Center for 40 years and performed as a singer, pianist and accordionist.
Her later years brought devastating losses. Her husband died in 2000 after 52 years of marriage. Her daughter died of cancer in 2014, followed by the death of her son the next year.
Still, Risa chose joy.
She spoke often about counting her blessings, refusing to let negativity take hold and treating others with generosity and kindness. Even as she expressed concern about rising antisemitism, she believed the best response was to set an example through love.
Even her farewell reflected that spirit. Guests at her funeral were asked to wear bright, lively colors rather than somber ones. During shiva, family and friends were encouraged to bring musical instruments.
And Risa had one more request: don’t simply be sad. Instead, give her a standing ovation. So those gathered at Mount Sinai Memorial Park rose to their feet and did exactly that.
It was a fitting farewell for a woman who had survived some of history’s darkest moments and still filled her life with music, purpose and an unmistakable zest for living.
Risa leaves behind a simple challenge for the rest of us: count your blessings, push away the negative, and make room for joy.
May Risa’s memory be a blessing.
“May the whole world love each other,
like I love all of you.”
— Risa Amazing Igelfeld
