Eva J. Varga

Originally from Koszeg, Hungary she was one of four children and the only daughter of Frank and Katalina Kraly. Brought up on a farm in Hungary, she would tell happy childhood stories about her life and family. In 1956 at the young age of 19, to escape communist persecution during the Hungarian uprising, Eva, her fiancé John Varga Sr. and one brother fled under the cover of darkness and through barbed wire to Salzburg, Austria where the young couple wed and vowed to come to Canada to give their future family a better life. Having Immigrated to Canada in 1959, they settled and had two children in Halifax.

The two worked hard to provide a good home for their children John and Maria. When sickness took her husband in 1977, Eva was left with the sole responsibility of looking after her family. She worked long, difficult hours but her love and kindness continued to shine through. She found a second chance at love with Peter Melkert in 1979 with whom she enjoyed dancing, traveling, summer days at ‘the camp’ and the simple pleasures of being with family. Through the years the two were blessed with grandchildren and the story of ‘Mama and Opa’ began. Together they were members of Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church and gave to many charities throughout the years by donation and volunteer work.

She lived and loved her family with all of her heart taking pride in their accomplishments and in her ability to love, to care, protect and feed each one. She could always be found cooking her heart-warming soups, baking her miraculous cakes and polka dancing in her kitchen. People who knew her will know she was forever giving, never allowing a visitor to leave with an empty stomach nor empty handed. Her joyful and playful soul created a happy, warm and welcoming atmosphere full of love for her family and friends. She will be remembered for her generosity, healing recipes, endless compassion and sympathy, her profound love for her family and a never-ending zest for life.

She is survived by her daughter Maria Andersen (Varga) and son John Varga Jr. (LeeAnn Varga), granddaughters Brittany, Ava and Anna, grandsons Bryce, Auden and Arne, her loving companion Peter Melkert and his children (Peter Jr., Danny,

Anita, Ricky and Deme) their spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was the last surviving member of her Hungarian family and was predeceased by her husband John Varga Sr.

A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, August 15 at 9 am at Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church at 5900 Inglis Street, Halifax with reception to follow.

Donations may be made to the Red Cross or to the charity of your choice.

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