Judith Szathmary Heymann died at age 79. She passed away peacefully after a brave battle with lung cancer that had significantly spread elsewhere. She was born on March 31st 1939 in Nyíregyháza, a vibrant city northeast of Budapest, Hungary to Anushka & Bellah. At the time of her birth Russia had already forced Hungary into communism. Judith later would tell us of her upbringing under that regime, but especially of her and her older sister Eva's brave escape after the 1956 revolt.
While in Budapest, she loved school but her passion has always been art and the performing arts. She practiced ballet with dedication and passion since age 3. Her forever eventually landed her a staring role as the prima ballerina during Budapest Opera House summer's program. Later that year, at the age of 16 she and her family, together with many other brave and courageous people, would attempt to escape the brutal Russian dictatorship. She and her sister Eva made it out safely and eventually were taken in by the US as refugees. Her parents were not so fortunate. Ten years would pass before her family was allowed to visit each other again.
Many refuge youngsters were assigned to US foster families. Judith was no exception. The Schmidt family opened their home to help her find her way in America. The family was kind to her. The University of Louisville Kentucky offered her an extendable academic scholarship as long as she maintained an A average. Considering that she was separated from her sister, her family and spoke no English (Hungarian and Russian only), at the time of classes starting; the road was very tough. However, no match to Judith's attitude and drive to succeed. So away she went everywhere with her dictionary and her determined attitude. She graduated on time with a BS in Chemistry. She fell in love with her husband of 57 years, Roberto Peter Heymann, and were soon married after graduating. Peter's job took them to LA where she started a family and had Idette & Richard.
Judith was a most dedicated mother first and foremost. She treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. Her children and grandchildren were the pride and joy of her life. She especially loved her role as “Nushi”, a nickname her grandkids affectionately would call her. She had a vivacious personality and always made people around her feel welcome. She would charm you with her incredible cooking and hospitality, and was always the first to win in a game of Gin Rummy.
Nushi was also known for her frank opinions, not holding back her thoughts and a knack for “telling like it is”. She always told you the truth even if it wasn't what you wanted to hear, and that's why everyone always knew where they stood with her.
She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts. She is survived by her son Richard Heymann, daughter Idette Rumann, son-in-law Argie Rumann, favorite niece and nephew Dina & Isi Haiat, adored grandchildren; Brandon, Benjamin, Samantha, Jacob, Michelle and Annabelle and cousin Dr. Alex Marchosky & family. The legacy of her kind spirit, passion for life, love of reading, and zest for family will live on through all of us.
She was preceded in death, by three months, by her loving husband Peter Heymann, her dearest sister in law Raquel Haiat-Heymann, her mother and father in law Hans and Annie Heymann, her beloved sisters Eva Martin Szathmary & Valica Szathmary, and by her adoring parents Anushka & Bellah Szathmary. All whom loved her dearly and will never forget her tenacity, wit, charm, grace and undying love and care for them.
A celebration of “Nushi's” life will be held at Dignity Forest Park East, 21620 Gulf Fwy
Webster, TX 77598, on Sunday March 10th, 2019 at 12:30 pm.
Please join us for a reception afterwards held at the Shiva home 2304 Columbia Circle, League City, Tx 77573.
Shiva and Minyan will be observed Sunday (starting after the funeral), and on Monday & Tuesday from 4pm to 8pm.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Cancer Society www.cancer.org
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