Livia Erzsebet Kovacs

Livia was born in Budapest, Hungary, in 1937, where she grew up with her mother and sister. At the age of 18, she met her future husband, Lazlo (Laci) Kovacs, beginning a lifelong love story that would take them across continents and into a new life together.

Following their marriage, Livia and Laci, along with her mother, lovingly known as Omi, left Hungary in the aftermath of the Hungarian Revolution, seeking the promise of a new beginning. Their journey eventually brought them to Montreal, where they began building their lives in Canada. After several years in Quebec, the family made the journey across the country to British Columbia. They settled in Surrey, where they found a welcoming community of Hungarian friends and families who would become an important and enduring part of their lives.

It was in Surrey that Livia truly flourished. She had a remarkable love for homemaking and homesteading. Her floral gardens were stunning, her vegetable gardens abundant, and her animal husbandry quarters were a testament to the care she gave to everything in her keeping.

And then there was her cooking. Livia was an exceptional cook and baker, and food was one of the many ways she expressed her love. Her table was a place where family and friends gathered, stories were shared, laughter filled the room, and no one ever left hungry. Laci contributed his own special touch with his handcrafted wine and homemade pálinka, and together they created gatherings that became cherished memories for everyone fortunate enough to be invited.

After the meal, the evening was far from over. Card games would begin and often continue late into the night, surrounded by good friends, good humour, and the unmistakable warmth of Livia and Laci’s home.

When she wasn’t tending her gardens, preparing wonderful meals, or welcoming guests through her door, Livia found joy in the quieter pleasures of life. She loved needlepoint, sewing, and crossword puzzles—activities that reflected her patience, creativity, and wonderfully curious mind.

But perhaps Livia’s greatest gift was the way she made people feel. Her love of life was legendary. Her door was always open, and so was her heart. She was a warm and steadfast friend, a compassionate listener, a generous host, and a loyal supporter to those she loved. She had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcome, cared for, and at home.

Livia leaves behind a beautiful legacy—not only in the family and friendships she nurtured, but in the countless memories created around her table, in her gardens, in her home, and in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Livia will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.