Mrs. Ilona Szigeti

Szigeti, Ilona . Born August 1922 in Korond, Transylvania (Hungary). She passed away peacefully on September 25, 2014 at the age of 92 surrounded by her loving family. Ilona immigrated from Hungary with her late husband and two children following the Hungarian Revolution and settled in Vancouver in 1957. She and her husband operated a rooming house on Connaught Drive in Vancouver for many years, taking in young Hungarian refugees and helping them start new lives in Canada. She was a pillar and great supporter of the Hungarian community in Vancouver.

Ilona is pre deceased by her husband of 59 years, John Sebo Szigeti (March 31, 2005) and only son, John Anthony Szigeti (August 11, 2011). She is survived by her daughter Violet (Robert) Unger of Vancouver, daughter-in-law Lorraine Szigeti of Richmond, grandchildren John Jason “JJ” Szigeti, Amanda Szigeti and Austin Byler, niece Marta (Leslie) Novak of Vancouver and Anna Fabian of Korond and grand niece Leslie Novak. Ilona will be sadly missed by her neighbours and many friends in Canada and extended family in Transylvania and Hungary.

Ilona experienced health issues during the last years of her life and worked through these with much dignity, determination and courage. The family would like to express their appreciation and thanks to the staff at Braddan Private Hospital for the compassionate care Ilona received during her final months and to her cardiologist, Dr. Kenneth Gin and family physician, Dr. Roberta Pauls.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, Oct 2, 2014 at our Lady of Hungary Church, 1810 East 7th Ave, Vancouver with Father Denes Lakatos. There will be a viewing at 10:30 am with Mass to follow at 11:00. Refreshments will be served following Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations to our Lady of Hungary Church are appreciated.