Maria Jacso

She was the oldest of two children. She was predeceased by her parents and brother. Her family were landowners, so she learned at a young age about hard work and working the land. Maria loved being a Matyo leany. She would dress in traditional Matyo dress to go to church. She was part of the choir and a member of the Matyo Egyuttes. She worked for the Matyo Haz az an embroiderer. Her love of her city and birth country were always number one wherever she went. Maria left Hungary in January of 1957 after the 1956 uprising. She loved her country but would not be held back by the regime at the time. Maria was a very strong willed, determined woman. When she set her mind to something, it was going to happen. Maria arrived to Windsor and was greeted by her cousin, Father Marton Gaspar. She worked in the tobacco fields until she made her way to Toronto. There she studied at Marvel Hairdresser School and became a hairdresser. She met my father and moved to Kitchener, where she opened "Mary's Hairstyling" in the basement of our home on Fairway Rd. After this, she worked at Sears and the Holiday Inn. She finally made a work change to Dare Foods where she stayed for 25 years.

Maria worked hard and played hard. She was a devout member of the Kossuth Hall. She spent many a weekend helping in the kitchen, or wherever she was needed. She was proud sponsor of the Kossuth dancers and was an integral part in their transition from the Kossuth hall to an independent entity. If she wasn't working at the hall, she was there singing and dancing (on the table) till the wake of dawn. She loved to be around people. She was a fantastic cook and baker. Often having people over at the house. The door was always open. Many friends and family passed through the door of the house or cottage, and were greeted with freshly baked goods and a beverage or two.

In Maria's latter years, she started to suffer from dementia. A disease which robbed her of her skills but never her smile and happy attitude. The workers at Forest Heights Long Term Care always said she was a pleasure to have around since she was always smiling and singing.

There will be services and a celebration of life held at the Kossuth Hall, 979 Kossuth Rd., Cambridge on Friday, June 14th starting at 11:00 a.m., followed by a luncheon.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer Society of Waterloo Wellington, Kossuth Hall or Kossuth Folk Dancers ([email protected]). Arrangements entrusted to Westmount Memorial Celebration Centre, Kitchener, (519-743-8900). Online condolences at www.westmountfuneralchapel.com