Eva Maria King

Eva Maria King, a longtime resident of Encinitas, passed away in San Marcos on February 15, 2024, at the age of 85. She will be remembered for her endearing sense of humor, her generous kindness and compassion, her strong Catholic faith, and her love of family, friends and anyone in need.

Born in Budapest, Hungary, in 1939, Eva and her family fled the turmoil of the Second World War, ultimately immigrating to the United States in 1949. Alongside her parents, Matthew and Eva Zovanyi, and three siblings, she settled in Culver, Indiana, where she remained through her high school years. In 1958, her family moved to San Diego County, spending time in Del Mar before settling in Encinitas. In the same year, she met the love of her life, Jack King. The two married on June 25, 1960, and had four sons. Following Jack’s death on December 19, 1991, Eva remained faithful, never remarrying and continuing to act as a pillar for her children and eventual grandchildren.

Eva’s life was defined by her empathy, compassion, and her steadfast commitment to Jesus’s teachings. Despite the difficulties she faced during her tumultuous early years, she always put others before herself. She raised her four sons in the Church, making sacrifices to ensure they received a Catholic education at St. John’s. She and Jack acted as foster parents for more than 20 years, and she volunteered as a counselor at Juvenile Hall. She also organized a group for unwed mothers, providing those in need with diapers, formula and baby clothes.

She is survived by her children – David (Jill), Jeff (Cecelia), Steven (Patricia), and Scott (Kimberly) –her grandchildren – Lindsay, Corey, Cassie, Sasha and Stella, great grandson Wyatt and her brothers – Gabor and Peter. Her sister Laurie preceded her in death. Eva’s legacy of selfless compassion and unwavering faith will live on in the hearts of those whose lives she changed for the better.