My Dear Husband, Joseph Varga, throughout our 61 years of marriage, we
together have enjoyed reminiscing about our past (1954-2021). Through
stories, photographs, and documents which you, your dear mother and your
longtime friends shared with me long ago, I know that you were born on
Wednesday, May 16th, 1934. You were born in your Varga family-home in
Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Your parents Maria Stucz-Varga and Gustav Varga
christened you “Joseph”. You were a strong, good-looking, happy baby, a
charming, obedient toddler, and an industrious, helpful teenager.
As a young teenager, you resourcefully found for yourself your first job “of
many summers”. On the green grass of the “Royal Montreal Golf Club”, you
were the golf caddie for the then “rich and the famous”. Due to your superb
work-ethic, diplomacy, artistic talent, and your gentlemanly personality, you
were invited to be caddie-master along with other interesting Golf Club related
responsibilities. This you enjoyed each summer until 1954. In 1954 you
completed your “initial studies” for your well-chosen, well-suited career as a
“Pioneer in Television Broadcasting in Canada”. Immediately upon graduation,
Dear Joseph, you were chosen to begin your lifelong successful career in
Montreal, with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC Television),
Société Radio-Canada (SRC Television) and the Olympics Radio and Television
Organization (ORTO) (1954-1990). During your successful career of 36 years,
you enjoyed numerous broadcast-related functions and responsibilities and
the telecasting of a vast number and variety of Television Programs on (CBC)
and (SRC) Television.
Thinking back to early in your career Dear Joseph, your Family and your
Friends enjoyed recognizing your handsome face when you appeared on (CBC)
Television, as the “Presenter of Congratulations’’ and the “Presenter of
Trophies’’ to winning Contestants and to winning Teams of Contestants on
(CBC) Television Programs.
Dear Joseph, you have experienced “hands on” some 4 decades of interesting,
challenging, notable and historic television programming, including the “live”
television coverage of “NASA’s” “Man in Space Voyages” and “Montreal’s Man
and His World” broadcasts to the world. You were on the broadcast teams, of
the “Pan American (Pan Am) Games”. You enjoyed your role in telecasting
numerous Federal, Provincial and Municipal “Elections” on (CBC) and (SRC)
Television during the years 1954 to 1990.
In the 1970’s during your years with (ORTO), as the “Assistant Manager of
Technical Operations, Broadcast Centers (Television)”, some of your
responsibilities were related to the creation of the “Master Control” for the
Broadcasting Center of the Montreal 1976 Summer Olympic Games. Dear
Joseph, you represented the broadcast team of the Montreal 1976 Summer
Olympic Games at the Innsbruck 1976 Winter Olympic Games in Austria and
there you provided interviews to the “International Press” in three languages.
We your family, read your interviews with “Love” and we looked forward to
your caring ‘phone calls which arrived absolutely every evening. For you Dear
Joseph, your Family is always your “priority”.
Throughout your career and your retirement years (1954-2021) you
generously included us, your family of 4 generations, into the various
(CBC)(SRC)(ORTO) events and activities. Dear Joseph, we, your family, are so
proud and privileged to have witnessed the “Respect” that your colleagues
have for you.
In 1990, following your interesting career of 36 years, your colleagues, and
your family, celebrated you Dear Joseph and your career, during a grandiose
retirement Event held in the Montreal (CBC) (SRC) Tower. You received
congratulations from Federal, Provincial, Municipal and Church Dignitaries
with whom you, Dear Joseph, became acquainted with through your career in
Broadcasting and those Dignitaries whom you became acquainted with on
Parliament Hill, Ottawa, during our politically interesting years, when our son
Joseph John was “Attaché de recherche”, The Senate of Canada, Ottawa.
Following your retirement Event, after midnight, you invited us, your family,
up to your 16th floor office to enjoy together, for the last time, your panoramic
view of Montreal from your longtime office environment (1976-1990). This
was another special “family time” before you retired from your career as the
“Television Production Manager, English Services, Province of Quebec, (CBC)
(SRC)”. Following your retirement from your career in 1990, Dear Joseph, you
continued a strong connection to your career as a member of the (CBC) (SRC)
volunteer committee “Réseau Amitié” with the purpose of assisting your
fellow retirees (1990-2021).
Dear Joseph, I have been super proud of you every day of our Life and here I
will reminisce about the times that you were invited by the Montreal “Les
Canadiens” “Montreal Canadians” Hockey Team, to skate with the team on
their official “Forum” ice. (You were always “at home on the ice” as you skated
like a “pro”.) This was one of your “perks” in recognition of your proficiency in
ice-skating and especially in recognition and in appreciation for your many
years of providing television-viewers with quality viewing on the long-running
popular television program “Molson’s Hockey Night in Canada” on (CBC) and
(SRC) Television. Also, Dear Joseph, you were the “Star” on the “McGill
University Football Field” in the 1980’s, when you represented (CBC) (SRC)
Television in the annual Media Football Tournaments. Dear Joseph, “Thank
You” for the “fun memories”, throughout the years.
Dear Joseph, looking back to your school years at “Montreal West High”, you
excelled on the “football, basketball, and hockey teams”. Later in Life, you
were masterful on the “tennis court” and on the “golf course”. I, Ilona, truly
enjoyed keeping you company as I drove your golf-cart and kept score. Golf,
we enjoyed together as a twosome and with family or with golf buddies close
to home and especially on unique golf courses very far from home. When, in
your wisdom, you no longer participated in these games, you sponsored and
encouraged the next two generations of our Varga family onto the “tennis
court” and onto the “golf course” and you Dear Joseph, thrived on their
pleasure and on their success.
In the 1960’s when bicycles were quite rare on Montreal roads and bicycle
paths and bicycle helmets were not yet in style, Joseph, you would invite us,
your family, to join you for “together exercise time” bicycling in our quiet
home-neighborhood. When we would leave our quiet neighborhood, to bike to
our neighborhood parks, riding on our bicycles, we felt secure because
Joseph, you were our security “lead” on the busy roads. We are always secure
in your caring presence.
Dear Joseph, your “artistic talent” is evident since your childhood. As a
youngster, one of your favorite “quiet activities” was transposing pleasant
landscapes into art via watercolor. Later in your Life, during your studies at
the “Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, School of Art”, and thereafter, your “works
of art” are peaceful pastoral scenes which you created in oils on canvas.
Following your retirement from your career, Dear Joseph, you, together with
our son Joseph John, enjoyed your art courses at the “McGill University School
of Architecture”. Then and thereafter, you created large pieces of “art” via
pastels and graphite pencil. Reminiscing further about your “art”, you know
how proud I am when frequently, through the years, your penmanship and
your signature are considered in the category of “art”. Also, Dear Joseph,
during the many years when, we as a Family, were involved in annual
“Montreal Social Debutante Balls”, your impressive penmanship was
requested by the Ball Committees for the individual seating-place cards and
appreciated by the Ball Guests (1984-2004).
Joseph Dear, during your busy, generous, productive Life, when you found for
yourself personal “quiet time” you chose “reading”. You enjoyed your carefully
chosen books from our home-library, and you always made time for your daily
newspapers and your comics section. Each day, you shared with me, the best
of the “comics of the day” and you finished your “quiet reading time” with your
satisfied relaxed smile which made me smile and which now I, your Ilona, miss
so much.
We together, Dear Joseph, discovered a special annual “quiet time” just for
two, just for me and for you. We would travel far from the city, away from
radio, television, traffic, computer, telephone, and alarm clock. We would
arrive at a quiet Seminary for a “self directed retreat” for 3 or 4 days. This was
an amazing “quiet time” for perfect soulmates like us. During our drive home
we looked forward to our next “retreat” the following year.
As a family, each year we “travelled” far and near for pleasure and to learn
through new places, new experiences. Our souvenirs are the many
“memories” which we brought home with us and which we lovingly share
when we reminisce. Whether we travelled by air, by water or if you, Dear
Joseph, were at the wheel of our automobile during thousands of miles across
countries, with you in our presence, every mile is a peaceful, positive memory.
The year 1954 is “our year”. 1954 is the special year for Joseph and his Ilona.
The summer of 1954 for us is miraculous. In 1954 you Dear Joseph, completed
your “initial studies and formation” for your lifelong career. Immediately you
were chosen to begin your career with (CBC) (SRC) (ORTO). That summer of
1954, you and your parents decided to celebrate these “Milestones” at the
annual 1954 community picnic, held in a large, lush forest of mature
evergreens, on the west side of the Island of Montreal. For that very same
beautiful summer Sunday, I, Ilona, had an invitation to attend another annual
outdoor event which my family and I attended together annually, traditionally.
For a reason unknown to me at the time, I felt a strong calling, a strong desire
to attend the picnic in the forest. With “difficult arrangements”, with the
assistance and the approval of my dear parents, I arrived at the event of my
choice, at the picnic in the forest. This was my very first time at this Event and
my very first time attending such an event without my family. Upon my arrival,
I felt comfortable. I saw teenagers like myself. I heard some guests speaking
the language of my mother-tongue. The “live” vibrant familiar dance music,
echoing through the trees, invited me to join the youth who were gathering
around the large, elevated dance floor. The musicians provided “live” vibrant
dance music with their violins, the base, the unique string instrument the
“cimbalom” and the accordion. (Yes, the accordion, the instrument that Joseph
Varga played in school operettas, at concerts and on the then popular “radio
talent shows”). Dear Joseph, in the 1950’s your musical talent and your rich
tenor voice was appreciated by the well respected “Montreal Youth Choir” in
which you were a member. Also, in the 1950’s your “spoken voice” was
broadcast when you read “live commercials” on (CBC) Television.
Dear Joseph, soon after I arrived at the picnic dance floor, I sensed your
presence arrive next to me. So very politely you introduced yourself, you asked
me for my name, and you invited me to dance with you. I looked up at you,
Joseph Varga, a tall, fit, tanned, handsome young man. I looked into your
amazing clear blue eyes, blue as the sky behind you. I was impressed by your
perfect smile which created “a dimple in each cheek of your handsome face”.
My heart whispered, “Yes, Joseph Varga, I wish to dance with you Forever”.
You gave me your comfortable, strong, gentle hand and helped me up onto the
raised dance floor. We danced as though we had been dance partners Forever
and that is what we became. Throughout our Life, Dear Joseph, you have been
a “wow” dancer and I have been the “Lucky girl” who has been your dance
partner during the 67 years, since our first dance at the picnic in the forest.
When the musicians took a “break”, you told me that, in the forest of
evergreens, there exists an interesting walking-path and you invited me to
walk with you. We walked, we talked, we shared, we laughed, and we were
completely comfortable in each others company from the start. We returned
to the music for the last few dances. Dear Joseph, you introduced me to your
parents. Your parents and I chatted while you went to get “for me” a souvenir
of our meeting. It is the most beautiful fan, in soft pastel shades of the rainbow.
“I keep it Forever in my Heart”. Together we watched the “sunset” on the
“Horizon”. Joseph Dear, you said to me, “Ilona, each “sunset” is a sample of
God’s many unique works of art”. We agreed and we also agreed that we hope
to meet again. My Dear Joseph, with your eyes of an “angel” and that of an
“artist” you see in the “sunset” and in all of nature “God’s works of art”. Please
know, My Dear Joseph, that throughout our Life, my Eyes, my Heart, my Soul,
all of me, recognizes God’s amazing “Work of Art” in “All that is You”.
When I returned home from the picnic, I gratefully thanked my parents for
making it possible for me to attend the picnic in the forest. I shared with my
parents every moment of my special day with you Dear Joseph. I told my
parents empathically that when I grow up, “I wish to marry the young man,
Joseph Varga, whom I met at the picnic”. My dear parents were happy for my
happiness, and they reminded me that my next birthday would be only my 15th
birthday.
On the Sunday afternoon following our meeting at the picnic, you Dear Joseph,
found me again. You ‘phoned my home. My dear mother answered the ‘phone.
You introduced yourself and asked if you may visit. My family and I welcomed
you. When you thanked us for our hospitality and you ran to “catch the
streetcar” for your long ride home, we waved to you and my family agreed
with me that you, Joseph Varga, are definitely “a Keeper”.
For Joseph and Ilona, the next five years were busy formative years (1954-
1959). We both continued and completed our education, we established our
careers, you Dear Joseph in broadcasting and I, Ilona, in education. You and I,
we came to know, respect, trust, enjoy and Love one another. We became “very
best friends”. Our parents respected our relationship. On my 20th birthday, on
Tuesday, September 1st, 1959, you, Dear Joseph, put my beautiful diamond
engagement ring on my finger. You know, My Dear Joseph, that I appreciate
and treasure it and you also know that it is You, My Joseph Varga, who is the
“Diamond in my Life”.
One year later, July 2nd, 1960, was a warm, sunny pleasant summer day in
Montreal. Our friends and family from very far and from near were gathered
in Montreal. It was the “Wedding Day” of Joseph Varga and Joseph’s bride,
Ilona (Helen) Julianna Vekony. It was our “Wedding Day”!
Following our Matrimonial Ceremonies, we left our Parish Church as,
“Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Varga”. Our parents gifted us with a memorable
“Wedding Reception” which we thoroughly enjoyed. We danced until early
Sunday morning July 3rd, 1960. Then, you My Joseph and I your Ilona, together
with our 4 bridesmaids and our 4 groomsmen, drove as a “wedding cortege”
to the “Montreal Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica” in “Old Montreal” to attend
the celebration of “Mass at Sunrise”, our first Mass as “Husband and Wife”.
We Honeymooned on the Island of Bermuda. On our way home to Montreal,
over the waters, our flight was caught in a fierce threatening storm. Our fellow
passengers were panicking. You, My Joseph, took my hand, told me that we
would “quietly pray together” and “all would be well”. We experienced an
emergency landing in New York city. As always, you were correct My Dear
Joseph. No matter what happens, throughout our Life, “as long as we are
together, all is well”.
Along Life’s beautiful path, My Dear Joseph, we became “parents” to our son
Joseph John Varga in 1964. We became “in-laws” to our daughter-in-law Edith
Cecilia Varga in 2003. (Very deservedly, you My Dear Joseph were the
gracious, handsome “Best man” at our son’s wedding). We became
“grandparents” to our grandson Joseph-John Varga, Junior (Joey) in 2008 and
“grandparents” to our grand-daughter Eva-Maria Varga in 2011. Thanks to
you, My Dear Joseph, all our descendants are gifted with your amazing blue
eyes.
My Dear Joseph, we met in 1954 and we were married in 1960. During those
6 years my parents came to know you well. They saw in you what I saw in you
“Everything Good”. Early in our marriage they referred to you as “Son” and you
referred to my parents as “Mommy and Daddy” as I did. This was earned
through mutual respect.
In the late 1970’s my parents were elderly. During those years your work
schedule kept you at work late most nights. After your responsible long hours
of work, you My Angel Joseph, would drive to the home of my parents to make
certain that “all is well” with “Mommy and Daddy” and you took care of
whatever was needed. Your generous Heart knew that our Family would sleep
better. Dear Angel Joseph, “Mommy and Daddy” will greet You with loving
open arms on your arrival in Heaven”.
My Dear Amazing Angel Joseph Varga, I thank God for You. I thank God for my
Gift to Live my Life with You, an Angel, my Angel, with such precious rare
qualities in your Heart and in your Soul, qualities for which I deeply Respect,
Admire, Love and Adore You. Since we met 67 years ago, my Angel Joseph,
you have never complained, you have never criticized anyone, you have never
been angry, never impatient. You, My Dear Joseph, are God’s Special Angel
and my Precious Gift from God. “To know You Angel, is to Love You”, my Dear
Angel Joseph Varga.
Chapter 2
Volunteering and RVM
Since 1969, during 50 years, My Dear Joseph, you have been an active
Volunteer in the community – at – large, on worthy committees encompassing
charity, church, education, government and social and workplace endeavors.
Because we wisely believe that “The family that works together, plays
together, and prays together stays together” you invited me onto your
volunteer teams, and I joyfully accepted every one of your invitations. Thank
you, My Dear Joseph (1969-2021),
During the 1970’s many Saturday nights, your work schedule went into the
early hours on Sunday, however on Sunday mornings, always in a positive
mood, you faced teaching Sunday School with me, preparing the youth of our
parish for their Sacraments. Decades later, it pleased you so, when the next
generation of our Varga family followed in our footsteps. In the area of
education, Dear Joseph, you were the President on the “Parent-Teacher
Associations” and you were the Representative of our “Montreal Catholic
School Commission (MCSC)” school district, during our son’s High School
years. I, Ilona, was the secretary on your teams. In the 1980’s you Dear Joseph
and I, Ilona, we were the Parent Representatives on the “College President’s
Committee” at “Marianopolis College”, the College attended by our son Joseph
John. Our rides to Marianopolis College were long car rides following your full
day of work but because it was an important cause and because we were
together as a team, we enjoyed every meeting, especially our time together
during our long ride home late at night.
Dear Joseph, your community – mindedness through your volunteerism
during some 50 years was recognized and appreciated by several respected
organizations locally and internationally. You were invited and investitured
into respected organizations of “movers and shakers”. You accepted the
recognition with your “natural humility”, and together we enjoyed the new
friendships through the years.
My dear Joseph, looking back to 25 years ago, to the spring of 1996, when we
were preparing for a trip to a reunion with your American maternal cousins in
California and in Colorado, you received an invitation from the Catholic
Archdiocese of Montreal. You were asked to Volunteer to save the
broadcasting license of the French Religion Radio Station “Radio Ville-Marie”
(RVM) by creating and hosting weekly radio programs in the English language,
with Catholic Content. You were trusted with “carte blanche” regarding the
“themes” for each of your radio programs. You volunteered to accept this
responsibility for one year beginning in September 1996.
We went on our family vacation. As you drove along the oceanside, in Pacifica
California at sundown, the “sunset” was “remarkable”, and we agreed that
your new venture on radio would be “Horizon”. Dear Joseph, you invited me to
be your partner on “Horizon”. Thanks Joseph. I accepted enthusiastically.
We returned to Montreal 6 weeks later. The summer weather was pleasant.
You began preparing your radio programs in readiness for the September
1996 season opening. Joseph Dear, you enjoyed the outdoors. On sunny warm
days you created your radio programs under the old shade-trees in our quiet
garden. On rainy days, Dear Joseph, you found your inspiration for creating
your “Horizons” on our roof-covered balcony, enjoying stimulation from
nature’s “pitter-patter” of the rain. For the “themes” of your radio programs,
you were deservedly trusted with “carte blanche”. Each of your 624 hours of
“Horizon” is a “unique work of art”. Each “Horizon” has a unique inspirational
message with related inspirational music. Dear Joseph, the “themes” for your
624 hours of radio programs are based on your most valued principles and
your amazing personal qualities, “Love, Family, Marriage, Faith, Faithfulness,
Honesty, Trust, Trustworthiness, Kindness, Contentment, Peace, Goodwill,
Empathy, Forgiveness, Purposefulness, Friendship, Loyalty, Integrity,
Generosity, Appreciation, Celebration, Nature, Perseverance, God’s work of
Art, Community, Volunteerism and so many more beautiful inspiring “themes”
during your 624 radio hours on your radio programs “Horizon” (1996-2008).
To save the broadcasting license of (RVM) you, Dear Joseph, volunteered to do
this radio project for one year (September 1996 – September 1997). You very
successfully completed the mandate and saved the license for (RVM) by
September 1997. In answer to the strong local and international “audience -
appreciation” for your “masterful work”, and for the “inspiration” your
programs provided to your listeners, you Dear Joseph, continued to create
weekly “Horizons” for 11 more years (1996-2008). You created 624 “Horizons”
and “The Varga Family Christmas and New Year Season Special annual radio
programs” and “The Varga Family Easter Season Special annual radio
programs” (1996-2008).
Dear Joseph, your tireless, positive, purposeful spirit, “to share”, on radio,
inspired our son, by then, Lawyer Joseph John Varga, (B.A.) (B.C.L.) (L.L.B.), to
volunteer to give to us, his parents, a 13 week “break”, from radio, each
summer. With his “Canon Law” background, our son created the successful
weekly radio programs, “House of God”, “Maison de Dieu”, by following in the
generous footsteps of his amazing Father. My Dear Joseph Varga, You have
always been the calm, gentle, organized, steady, persevering wise influence
in the successes of our Family and that you will always be. Under your
guidance and inspiration, we your Family, experienced 12 very busy,
interesting, happy, purposeful, and rewarding years on radio (1996-2008).
Dear Daddy, My Precious Joseph Varga, being on your team is always a
Blessing, a memorable privilege.
In 2008 we received the fantastic news that our son, Joseph John, the host of
radio programs “House of God”, “Maison de Dieu” and his wife Edith Cecilia
were to become Parents in October 2008, and we would become
Grandparents. The Varga Family took a sabbatical from radio in 2008, to fully
enjoy our role in the special privilege of Parenting and Grandparenting. My
Dear Joseph, You have been the perfect grandfather (Nagypapa).
Dear Daddy, Nagypapa, My Angel Joseph Varga, during those 12 years of
volunteer work, as a family radio-team, we your Family, learned from your
“superb work-ethic”. Throughout our Life we learned through your “goodexample” in all aspects of Life.
Chapter 3
1980’s – 1990’s Faculty of Law
My Dear Joseph, during the “Summer Season and the Autumn Season” of our
Life Cycle, our little family was Blessed with numerous “Wonderful
Milestones”, challenges were met, obstacles conquered, life goals attained,
lifetime careers successfully and rewardingly fulfilled, prominent careers
resourcefully earned and embraced.
In the 1980’s our son Joseph John graduated from Marianopolis College.
Immediately he was accepted by Mc Gill University into the Faculty of his
choice.
From Mc Gill University, in 1987 our son, Joseph John, received with “Great
Distinction” his Bachelor of Arts Degree B.A. in Industrial Relations and
Economics. He was designated “University Scholar” and “Faculty Scholar”.
Our son was the Recipient of the “James Mc Gill Award”. Joseph John was
honoured by “Academic Merit Scholarship” and “Fellowship”.
My Dear Joseph, your caring, purposeful good advice, your guidance, and your
precious good example in Life, has been a Blessing to our Family during our
son’s Academic Years and always. Our son’s other achievements during those
Academic Years that you encouraged, supported, and appreciated are many.
Our son Joseph John is the:
• Editor and Illustrator of the Mc Gill University Journal of Labour
Management Relations 1986-1987;
• Winning Designer of 3 Mc Gill Campus Crests;
• Alumni Class Representative for the Mc Gill University Arts and Science
Graduates, Class of 1987;
• Chairman of Class Reunions;
• Alumni Class Representative for the Mc Gill University Faculty of Law,
Class of 1991.
During this period in our Life, you continued your demanding career but in your
organized caring Fatherly fashion, you were always available, accessible, and
present for our Family. You always “offered”, you always “gave” before we
asked. Thank You Dear Dad. We love You.
On Friday, March 13th, 1987, our son Joseph John was at Mc Gill University
completing his Bachelor of Arts Degree. An envelope arrived in the mail with
the return address “The Mc Gill University Faculty of Law”. The envelope was
addressed to Mr. Joseph John Varga. That envelope remained guarded and
unopened on our living room table until You Dear Daddy, our son Joseph John
and I were at home, together, seated comfortably in the living room. “What a
thoroughly intense, exciting, memorable few moments we shared Together as
a Family”.
“Our son Joseph John Varga was warmly welcomed into the Mc Gill University
Faculty of Law, into the Program of his choice.”
Together the 3 of us gave “thanks” for another happy “Milestone” in the Life of
our Family.
My Dear Joseph, through your “good example” you taught the value of
“purposeful resourcefulness”. Our son chose the “full time”, full “National Law
Program” at Mc Gill University. During the summer months, during the
“summer break” from Law School our son practiced “Extra-Judicial
Investigation” at the “Tribunal Ecclésiastique”, the “Church Court” in Montreal.
The French Language Proficiency Exam, compulsory for Lawyers in the
Province of Quebec, Joseph John earned with ease, as his third language, his
language for litigation in the courthouses of the Province of Quebec. Joseph
John also chose to earn a strong background in “Negotiation” and in
“Arbitration”.
Our son believes, as you do Dear, in the value of relevant experience and he
earned an interesting, valuable background as “Attaché de recherche” at the
Senate of Canada, Ottawa. Dear Dad, thanks for your Fatherly caring, support,
and your Love.
Our son Joseph John was invited by the “Federal Government Department of
Justice, Canada”, as “Stagiaire en Droit” with the responsibility to “litigate” for
the “Federal Department of Justice, Canada” representing the “Attorney
General of Canada” in Court.
My Dear Joseph, at this time, you were newly retired from your lifetime
broadcasting career with (CBC) (SRC) (ORTO) and I, your Ilona, was retired
from my career in education with the Montreal Catholic School Commission
(MCSC). “Great Timing”! We together were free to choose how we wished to
enjoy the “Autumn Harvest” years of our Life Cycle.
For the two of us, for you, My Dear Joseph, and for me, your Ilona, this was a
quick, easy, delightful decision. Together we agreed that the most rewarding,
most interesting, most satisfying project for the two of us, at this time in our
Life, was to witness “our young attorney son” in courthouses, near and far, as
he litigated for the “Department of Justice, Canada”, in his third language, in
the French Language.
My Precious Joseph, You would drive to courthouses, near, far and very far.
Anonymously, Together, My Dear Joseph and I your Ilona, we would sit in
courtrooms, witnessing litigation by our son. As we prefer to do, we would
hold hands. Your comfortable, warm, strong, gentle hand, your caring blue
eyes, your perfect smile on your handsome face, that face that I, your Ilona
could “read” so well, expressed to me what “Fatherly Pride” you felt in your
caring Heart. Please know My Dear Angel Joseph, that You were always
“there” in our son’s Life every step on the way to our son’s successes.
Dear, Dear Dad, My Precious Joseph, throughout Life you earned, you deserve
the “Father’s Pride that dwells in your Devoted Heart”.
1991 – 1994
Mc Gill & Barreau
My Dear Joseph, in 1991, from the University of Mc Gill, Faculty of Law, in
Montreal, our son Joseph John received his Bachelor of Civil Law Degree
(B.C.L.) and his Bachelor of Laws Degree (LL.B.).
He enjoyed quick success at “Ecole du Barreau”, and our son was welcomed
as a “Member of the “Barreau du Québec”. In 1992 our son Joseph John Varga
was “sworn in” as “Lawyer”. Lawyer Joseph John Varga, (B.A.) (B.C.L.) (LL.B.)
My Precious Joseph, it was time to pause, to give “thanks” and to “celebrate”
these Blessings, these “Milestones” in our Life. We celebrated gratefully with
Family and with Friends of a Lifetime and with new Friends, at our son’s
impressive “swearing-in” Ceremony.
Dear, Dear Dad, My Precious Joseph, throughout our Life our Family has been
your “Priority”. Life lived in your Devoted Paternal Family Love, Guidance, and
your Spiritual Wisdom, allows for all successes to be attainable.
In January 1994, as announced in the Mc Gill University newspapers and in the
“Mc Gill Association of University Teachers” (MAUT) newsletters, “Lawyer
Joseph John Varga (B.A.) (B.C.L.) (LL.B.)” was appointed “The First
Professional and Legal Officer, with the role of advising the (MAUT) Executive
and Council, the Mc Gill University Academic Community.
Chapter 4
Garden
My Precious Joseph, as we now reminisce, let us please look back to the early
“Summer” of our Life Cycle, 60 years ago. Together, we embraced our
important, interesting new project of researching and searching for our
perfect little “nest”. Together we truly enjoyed our search. We found the “Nest”
of our dreams. Our land behind our “nest” was large, vacant, and quiet. Our
project for this, our outdoor private land, was for the two of us Together, to
create “Our perennial garden of our Lifetime of Memories” in our little piece of
God’s Universe.
Joseph Dear, you began our “project” by planting dozens of hardy shrubs and
building fences around our property, for the security of our “little one”. The
product of your energetic, caring, purposeful work continues to fulfill its
purpose throughout 6 decades. Everything that you have done in your Life, you
did “Well”. All of your 87 years has been “purposefully, beautifully Lived”, our
Dear Daddy, Nagypapa, My Dear Angel Joseph Varga.
Together, “hands on” we created “Our perennial Garden of our Lifetime of
Memories” by planting a meaningful hardy perennial tree or two to celebrate
each “Milestone” in our Life, “as time goes by”. To make our “garden” even
more meaningful, we were fortunate to inherit the trees and flora from the
gardens of our parents, souvenirs from the gardens of our “Past”.
To celebrate our miraculous meeting “at the picnic in the forest of
evergreens”, from the “apple orchard” of “Mommy and Daddy” we inherited
numerous fresh hardy baby evergreens. These are now as tall and as lush as
the mature evergreens we admired together in 1954 during our meeting “at
the picnic in the forest of evergreens”.
We inherited several hardy baby lilac trees, of the tall variety, producing large
flowers of various shades. These were to celebrate the birth of our son Joseph
John in 1964. These lilac trees are now two stories high and providing color,
shade, privacy, and each Springtime, we are gifted with the pleasant scent of
lilac. Dear Joseph, so eagerly, so positively you did the transplanting, the
transporting, the planting of the trees into our Garden. Your young strong
purposeful energy was contagious and is appreciated.
As each “Milestone” of our Life arrived, we inherited trees from the gardens
of our dear parents. Together we transplanted these trees around the borders
of our “garden”, to create a frame of Maple, oak, lilac, evergreens, pussywillow, and catalpa trees and one apple tree, as our “Milestones” arrived, as
time went by.
Dear, Dear Daddy, Dear Nagypapa, My Precious Joseph, we your Family
appreciate all the caring, generous, precious time, energy, and Love that you
devoted for our welfare, for our comfort, for our pleasure, for our desires. All
that“Love” flowed from the “Devoted, Love-filled Heart” of our amazing Daddy,
our very special Nagypapa, My Precious Forever Angel Joseph.
My Dear Joseph, in these trees we have enjoyed the company, the songs and
the beauty of our feathered friends, the scarlet cardinal, the large blue bird,
robin redbreast, little sparrows, the busy woodpecker, and occasionally the
beautiful yellow bird. Many of our feathered friends built their nests and
started their families in the trees in “Our“perennial garden of our Lifetime of
Memories”.
In this “garden” throughout 6 decades, as a couple and as a Family, we have
shared stories, memories, relaxation, rewards and losses, prayers, concerns,
plans, humor, laughter, a few tears, celebration, advice, exercise and sports
and playtimes during 4 Seasons.
Dear Joseph, in our “garden” You arranged so that in suitable weather we
could play basketball and badminton.
My Precious Joseph, when our son Joseph John was a little boy, each summer
you created an area in our garden perfect for a small, safe pool “age
appropriate” for our son and his close neighborhood friends to enjoy during
the hot days of summer, while we supervised their safety and Together, we
enjoyed their childhood pleasure.
When our son was a kindergartener, for quality “father-son-time” together,
the two of you, created a small “garden patch” with fertile, well-prepared soil
which produced “sunflower seeds”, many giant “carrots” and one interesting
“pumpkin”. My Dear Joseph, this was a time to teach, a time to learn, a time
for togetherness, a time for Love, a purposeful time to be remembered and we
do remember, Thanks Dear Daddy.
My Dear Joseph, when our son was a toddler, you built for him a large,
interesting vivid orange sandbox. Together, the two of you filled it with the
whitest sand and with the appropriate toys. My Dear Joseph, you created in
our “garden” a happy corner for our son and his friends to gather, to play, to
laugh.
Joseph Dear, you arranged our “garden” so that during the winter months the
center of our “garden” was transformed into a large ice hockey skating rink.
Thanks Dear for the outdoor winter exercise, in the fresh winter air, in the
privacy of “Our perennial garden of our Lifetime of Memories”, thanks to our
amazing “Daddy”, Joseph Varga.
Chapter 5
Building Library and Art on walls
My Dear Joseph, you enjoyed a long successful lifetime career (1954-1990).
During decades You were a generous, industrious Volunteer in very worthy
endeavors in the community-at-large (1969-2021), however, your “priority”
has always been your Family. Throughout our Life you have been our amazing,
Devoted Patriarch, to us your immediate Family and to our extended Family
(1954-2021).
My Precious Joseph, we found our little “nest” 6 decades ago. We love the
location, our neighborhood, our “garden” and our little “nest”. As time went by,
I would suggest some possible changes to the physical interior of our little
home. My Dear Joseph, whatever, our son or I suggested, you patiently,
caringly, listened to us and you discussed it with us. Together, pleasantly, as
a team, we planned each project. My Dear Joseph, you would draw it out
precisely and you would do the work impeccably.
Whatever work you did in our little home, your work area was always tidy and
neat, and the sound of your work-tools harmonized with your pleasant,
peaceful, relaxing “whistle” or your meditative silence while you concentrated.
Please know how very much we miss your human presence, and we know how
very Blessed we are for every moment with You.
Since the time that we found our little “nest”, with your positive attitude,
creative energy and with your warm strong gentle hands, you have built,
refurbished, repaired improved our little “nest” as no one else could, as no one
else would. My Dear Joseph, in your wisdom, you accepted these projects as
a “purposeful hobby”. To you My Dear Joseph, these family-oriented projects
were “not chores”, for you this was “not work”. For You Dear, this was “Love”.
About 40 years ago, as a Family, the 3 of us agreed on a project which would
be perfect for a “father-son-project”. Our son was a teenager. It was the
summer vacation period for both father and son, The project was major and
suited for my two big, strong men. The project was to convert a room into a
library room from wall to wall, from floor to ceiling. The project was completed
purposefully to hold tons of books. The project is impeccable with aesthetic
wood-workmanship, and it is purposefully amazingly strong. My experience of
hearing and seeing the two of you together building our personal library in our
little “nest” is for me, for your Ilona, a precious memorable gift. For the 3 of us
it was “quality time”. Through the experience of working on this project and
other projects with you Dear, our son learned how to build and how to teach.
“Thank you, Dear Dad”. Decades later, this project continues majestically to
fulfill its purpose.
My Precious Joseph, as now I reminisce, I will mention that your hands, your
gentle, generous, strong, creative hands, they began to decorate our little
“nest” long ago when your “little-boy hands” long ago, created your precious
watercolor landscapes, later with your teenage hands you created your
pastoral oil paintings and with your strong, gentle manly hands you created
large pastels and graphite pencil art.
“This collection of the Art of the Lifetime of our Angel Joseph”, now decorates
the walls of our little “nest”. I am so proud of all your talents. I am Blessed to
have lived all this “wonder” with My Precious Joseph Varga.
Montreal University
My Dear Joseph, you successfully, precisely, and purposefully worked on
numerous projects inside of our home and on and around the outside of our
home. There is one unique project I would love to reminisce about with you
now. One summer, following our son’s graduation from Marianopolis College,
he was accepted into a unique 100% French total-immersion “summer-school
program” at “l’Université de Montréal”. It was a 24/7 program during 3 full
months. Most of the students were international students. It was a firm
requisite that all the students in the “program” live in private dorm rooms in
the large University dormitory on the University Campus. Dorm rooms were
assigned days before the Program began and we were welcome to visit at our
convenience. My Dear Joseph, you drove the 3 of us to the University
dormitory. There was dormitory parking. With light-hearted anticipation, by
elevator, the 3 of us arrived on the designated floor and at Joseph John’s
assigned room.
The room was tiny. It had a window, a sink, and a bed. The cot bed was
permanently affixed. My Dear Joseph, you asked our son to try the bed for size.
This bed was too short for Joseph John, his legs hung down at the foot of the
bed. (Joseph John is 6 feet 4 inches tall). We learned that absolutely every
room was identical, and the bed could not be changed. My Dear Joseph, you
proposed an idea that the 3 of us agreed to. You took measurements. You made
precise drawings. You were always precise.
The dorm room seemed clean but because we arrived with pails and cleaning
items, I was pleased to volunteer to make good use of the pails and cleaning
accessories while my 2 men were gone to shop for the items required for the
dorm room project. From the dorm window I waved “goodbye” to my two men.
As you drove by, I saw two familiar handsome smiles in our car. I cleaned and
I cleaned and when I was polishing the window, I was pleased to see the two
of you arrive and park the car. You both arrived with your hands full of supplies
and your handsome faces full of enthusiasm. The two of you worked as a team.
An extra-extra long bed was created, the same length as our son’s bed at
home. We were able to work until very late into the evening because the
dormitory was not yet occupied.
My dear Joseph, the following day was a workday for you, while I prepared
food to take to our son’s dorm room and I prepared the pillows and the linens
for the newly lengthened dorm bed. We had a family supper and you drove the
3 of us to purchase a suitable fridge for the dorm room. Then you drove the 3
of us to the dorm. The fridge was a perfect fit. We prepared the new fridge for
use and filled it with food. We dressed the bed with pillows and linens. The
dorm room was ready for our son’s next new project of 3 months 24/7 at
“l’Université de Montréal”.
Our Dear Angel Daddy, because of you, another loving memory was created.
During those 3 months at “l’Université de Montréal” our son enjoyed speaking
French all day 24/7 and sleeping comfortably all night, every night during 3
months of summer- school at “l’Université de Montréal”. We adore you, we
appreciate your caring Love, Dear Daddy.
Chapter 6
Engagement -1999
My Dear Joseph, we celebrated the last year of the 20th century with the
“engagement” of our son Joseph John and his future bride Edith Cecilia. They
were engaged privately in the “Cathedral Basilica Mary Queen of the World”,
the Mother Church of the Catholic Archdiocese of Montreal.
Having been made aware of this very special Event, we invited Joseph John
and Edith Cecilia to join us for a celebration supper. My Dear Joseph, you
reserved, for 4, our favorite dinner-table with the window view which looks
directly out onto the main majestic doorways to the Cathedral Basilica.
Dear Joseph, you arranged that we would be seated early at our favorite
dinner table. With happy anticipation, Together we watched our son and his
fiancée leave from the main doorway of the Cathedral Basilica. They waved to
us, crossed the road to the Hotel Restaurant and arrived at our favorite
familiar dinner table where the 4 of us have celebrated numerous times
before. Here we began to plan our Family’s largest, most important “Milestone
Event”, the Marriage of our son Joseph John and his fiancée Edith Cecilia. My
Dear Joseph, at our favorite dinner table where You and I have enjoyed each
others dinner-company throughout many happy years, we Together began our
next “Volunteer Project”.
As the “Father of the Groom” and deservedly as the “best man” at the
marriage, My Dear Joseph, you would take care of the “bachelor party” and
the groom-related responsibilities and privileges. As the “Mother of the
Groom” and as the “matron-of-honor” I would take care of the bride-related
events, responsibilities, and privileges.
Chapter 7
Anniversary – 2000
My Precious Joseph, it was the year 2000, a new century. Sunday, July 2nd,
2000 was our 40th Wedding Anniversary. Our children, our son Joseph John
and his fiancée Edith Cecilia invited us to an “anniversary supper” for 4 at a
supper-dance club. They surprised us by sending a limousine to “pick us up”.
We were further surprised when we were seated at our table with 12 good old
friends. We enjoyed the surprise, the company, the anniversary supper, and
the dancing. Our table was well situated overlooking the dance floor.
My Dear Joseph, we had a lovely carefree Anniversary Event. We danced until
the musicians packed their instruments. That was 21 years ago. I treasure
every dance step that we have shared since our first dance which we danced
together in 1954 at the picnic in the forest of evergreens.
My Dear Joseph, our son Joseph John and Edith Cecilia drove us home. During
the ride we realized that perhaps the next “Milestone Event” of our family will
be the Marriage and the Wedding Reception of Joseph John and Edith Cecilia.
Chapter 8
Cathedral Basilica – July 19, 2003
My Dear Dear Joseph, it was the beginning of the 21st century. Together we
were approaching the “Winter Season” of your Life Cycle. We both proudly
“sported” our “crown”, our almost silver coiffure and together, as a team, we
happily volunteered to share the “Harvest” of our knowledge, experience,
savoir-faire, and our spiritual wisdom into preparing this, our most special
“Wedding Project”. As always, together, as a team, we accomplished what we
set out to do. We experienced much joy, reward, success, and satisfaction. So
much to reminisce about as time goes by.
Saturday, July 19th, 2003, was a beautiful summer day in Montreal. From near
and from very far our Family, Friends and Colleagues were gathering at the
Cathedral Basilica Mary Queen of the World in Montreal, the “place of Worship”
with its historic architecture based on the architecture of St-Peter’s Basilica
in Vatican City, Rome.
This is the Cathedral Basilica where, in times past, the voice of Edith Cecilia
could be heard in the Cathedral choir. This is the Cathedral Basilica which is
connected to the “Tribunal Ecclésiastique”, the “Church Courthouse”, where
our son Joseph John practiced “Extra-Judicial Investigation” during the
summer vacation months of his Law School years. This is the Cathedral
Basilica in which Joseph John and Edith Cecilia were “engaged” in 1999.
On this Saturday afternoon of July 19, 2003, at the main Alter of this
magnificent Cathedral Basilica, the marriage of Lawyer Joseph John Varga
and his “bride” Edith Cecilia Varga was to be celebrated.
In this Cathedral Basilica, at the Alter, the “groom” Joseph John Varga and the
“best man”, You My Dear Joseph, “the father of the groom” await the arrival of
the “bride” with the “matron of honor” the “mother of the groom”.
The bridal limo arrives at the Hilton Bonaventure Hotel to drive the “bride” and
the “matron of honor” to the “Cathedral Basilica.
The wedding
The “wedding guests” are arriving at the Cathedral Basilica. Each guest is
welcomed and receives an ornate souvenir “Program” of the complete
Marriage Ceremony. Also, each guest receives a souvenir “wedding bell”
which each of the guests will ring at the time of the “recessional” when the
“bride” and the “groom” walk down the aisle as Mr. and Mrs. Joseph John
Varga.
The wedding limousine arrives at the Cathedral Basilica with the “Bride” and
the “matron of honor”. The Cathedral organ music welcomes the bride. Our
son, the “Groom” and You My Dear Joseph, the “best man” look “amazing” as
you await for the Ceremony to begin. I take my traditional place on the bride’s
side of the Alter. The traditional “bridal pieces of music” chosen by the “bride”
and “groom” escorts the “bride” up the very long Cathedral aisle to her
“groom”, Joseph John Varga.
The Marriage Ceremony was in 3 languages. The Matrimonial Ceremonies
took place during a High Nuptial Mass. Two members of the Clergy presided.
One of the Clergy presiding was the “Godfather” of the “groom”. The organ
music and the voices in the choir from the Cathedral choir loft was
“remarkable”, “inspirational”. The Family Crest Created by the “bride” and the
“groom” was Blessed.
Halfway during the Church Ceremony, through the many large open doorways
of the Cathedral Basilica, we heard the sound of a summer shower. It was a
bright sunny shower. We could see the brightness in the Cathedral Basilica
windows. During the marriage ceremonies, as is customary, I the “matron of
honor” was on the “bride’s” side of the alter and as is customary, as the “best
man” you Dear Joseph were on the “groom’s” side of the alter. We were
physically quite a distance apart, but we were close in our Heart. As the rain
began, we looked at each other, you smiled at me. Your smile created “a
dimple in each cheek”. As I looked into your handsome face, that face that I
can “read” so well, I got your “message”, “Don’t worry, My Ilona, the rain will
stop”. I never thought about the rain again.
The beautiful Marriage Ceremony continued until the presiding clergy
reminded everyone to prepare their bells for the “recessional”.
Everyone began to ring their “souvenir wedding bells” as the “recessional
organ-music” rang out in unison with the tolling of the giant Cathedral
Wedding Bell from the Cathedral loft. As the “bride” and “groom” walked down
the aisle they rang their large wedding bells in harmony with the Cathedral
bells. The ambiance was overwhelmingly joyfully festive.
Joseph, My Dear Joseph, as we approached the large wide open main doors
of the Cathedral, the sun was shining, the sky was an amazing blue. I felt your
comfortable, warm, gentle strong hand holding mine, lovingly squeeze my
hand. I looked up into your happy clear blue eyes, as clear blue as the clear
blue sky above the Cathedral. I kissed your “Smile” which God created just for
me alone. I looked into your handsome face which I could read so well and my
Very Happy Heart Spoke, “Yes, My Precious Joseph, you were correct, the rain
stopped, the sky is blue, the sun shines, the air is fresh with a summer breeze,
the Cathedral staircases are freshly dry. Thank you, dear God, for another
“Blessed Milestone”. Thank you, My Dear Joseph. You held me close to your
Heart. “Life was Heaven on Earth”.
The wedding bells continued to toll in the hands of the “guests”, in the hands
of the “bride” and “groom” and the giant wedding bells ringing from the
Cathedral loft could also be heard into the street as the throngs of wedding
guests arrived out onto the Cathedral staircases to pause and to smile for the
lens of the photographers and the videotographers to create “Wedding Day
Souvenirs” to reminisce about “as time goes by”.
Wedding Reception
My Precious Joseph, the “Wedding Reception” venue was the second most
important project for us after the choice of the Marriage Cathedral. We firmly
agreed that “proximity” of the Reception to the Cathedral was of prrime
importance. Together, You, My Dear Joseph, and I carefully researched each
suitable, appropriate venue. We made personal visits and tours at each venue.
Because you were always the comfortable driver at the wheel of the car our
drives were pleasant and relaxed. We arrived home from each visit with
comprehensive information to later share with the “bride” and the “groom”.
The two of us looked forward to visiting the closest appropriate venue to the
Cathedral. It is the Montreal Bonaventure Hilton Hotel located just a few steps
south of the Marriage Cathedral.
My Dear Joseph, through our initial research we learned that this Hilton Hotel
offered several choices of Reception Halls but the idea which seriously
intrigued both of us was to create this Wedding Reception in a roof-top garden,
way above the city, overlooking the Marriage Cathedral and just a few steps
south of the Marriage Cathedral.
On a pleasant summer day in the month of July 2001, My Dear Joseph, you
drove the two of us downtown. We parked our car into the Cathedral parking
area. We visited in the Cathedral for a few minutes. We began a short, slow
summer walk towards the Hotel. I held your comfortable, strong, gentle hand.
We stopped and looked up, up to the roof of the Hilton Hotel. We “Smiled” at
one another, and we began to walk “a little faster”. We arrived at the Hotel for
our appointment to visit “the roof-top garden” and all the “wonder” connected
to it.
The “best man” Joseph Varga and his Ilona the “matron-of-honor” were
escorted up to the magnificent “roof-top-garden” of the Montreal Bonaventure
Hilton Hotel.
It is a “wonderland” way up high beneath God’s sky. We are in an environment
with a man-made lake which circles the roof-top, a lake for flocks of colorful
Canada geese. The lake is surrounded by mighty evergreens and flowering
shrubs. In the midst of its colorful botanical gardens waterfalls nourish the
flora.
In this “sky high wonderland” there is a large elevated outdoor terrace
overlooking the lake. This terrace area is covered by a large canopy. My Dear
Joseph, during our tour on this canopy-shaded terrace we were offered a
table, 2 chairs and beverages. We took time to pause. Now we were in our
private togetherness. I looked into your contemplative clear blue eyes, I
enjoyed your peaceful happy smile which “created a dimple in each cheek”. I
looked into your handsome face, which I can read so well, and I knew for
certain that we both agreed that this “roof-top garden” is the perfect ambiance
in which to begin a “Wedding Reception”, for our Joseph John and Edith Cecilia.
This is the perfect “outdoor wonderland” to arrive to from the Wedding
Cathedral for introductions, refreshments, hors d’oeuvres, the full open bar,
the hugs, the kisses, the good wishes.
In the midst of this unique roof-top garden there also exists the perfect
“Penthouse Wedding Reception Hall” perfect for our 5 course Wedding Supper,
the multi-tiered Wedding Cake designed by you My Dear Joseph and created
by the Hilton Hotel Pastry chef to your artistic specifications. This cake was
served by the “bride and the groom” with a choice of beverages and open bar.
In this sky-high Penthouse Reception Hall, following the 5 course Wedding
Supper, there was a time when the dance floor was reserved just for the
“bride” and “groom” while they performed a truly professional, weddingappropriate choreographed dance. There was another time when the dance
floor was reserved for the dance of the “groom” and his mother the “matronof-honor”. There was a special time when the dance floor was reserved for
the “bride” and the “father of the groom”, the “best man”, the amazing fatherin-law to our new daughter-in-law Edith Cecilia. My Precious Joseph Varga,
only I, your Ilona, knows how Blessed the “bride” is, to have an “Angel” like You
for her father-in-law.
My Dear Joseph, here I would like to reminisce about one event at the wedding
reception when the dance floor was reserved for the traditional wedding
game, “the catching of the bride’s lace garter”. With great respect, the “groom”
Joseph John removes the beautiful white lace bridal garter. All the gentlemen
guests surround the “groom” who, “with all his might” spins the garter, which
flies towards the gentlemen guests who are all enthusiastically poised to
catch the “garter”. The “garter” flies and you My Dear “best man” catch the
“garter” and pull it up onto your tuxedo sleeve as your “badge of honor” which
you deserve. It was so nice to see your gentlemen competitors respectfully
congratulate their good friend the “best man”, My Precious husband Joseph
Varga.
To celebrate your quick athletic skill, in catching the “garter”, I your Ilona,
hurried to you and kissed each dimple of your happy “best man” smile.
Celebrations, dancing, and the open bar was enjoyed until 4 o’clock on Sunday
morning July 20, 2003. Those of us staying in the Hotel returned to our suites
for a happy nap. Later, on Sunday morning, we continued our Wedding Party
as “Family Time” with our American cousins during our Hilton Brunch. We
relaxed and reminisced at pool side. The Family together enjoyed a good swim
in the comfortable roof-top pool.
In the evening we all gathered in the Hilton Dining Room, at a very long table
for the Canadian and the American Varga cousins to further bond during a very
congenial long meal.
My Precious Joseph, in 2001, when you arranged the reservations for the
“Wedding Reception” you “topped it off” by reserving for the “bride” and
“groom” for our son Joseph John and Edith Cecilia, the Hilton Hotel’s exquisite
two-level Suite. On the final evening with your American cousins, the “bride”
and “groom” invited us all to the living room of their Suite for a warm, friendly,
relaxed time to reminisce, to bond and to say “au revoir” in 3 languages, to
your American cousins.
My Dear Joseph, I know how much it meant to you to re-connect with your
American cousins and it was a memorable privilege for me to see how very
much you mean to them, My Beloved Joseph Varga.
Closing Wedding Reception
My Precious Joseph, for the two of us, this Family Wedding Project began in
the 20th century, in 1999 at the “engagement dinner party” and it was
completed in the 21st century in 2003 with enormous satisfaction, parental
pride, a true feeling of accomplishment and success, a memorable time to
reminisce about, as time goes by.
For My Precious Joseph and your Ilona this very special “Family Wedding
Milestone Project” was for us the most important project of our Life, the
largest project of our Life, the most memorable project of our Life and it was
also the last large project for My Dear Joseph and your Ilona, now in the
“Winter Season” of our Life Cycle.
My Dear Joseph, later, in the quiet of our Hotel Suite as together we rested,
we thanked God for the Beautiful Blessings related to this “Marriage Wedding
Project”, to this Beautiful “Milestone” in the Life of our Varga Family. We
thanked God for the privilege of the opportunity to enjoy and to share all
aspects of the “Harvest of our Life”. Please know, My Precious Joseph that so
much of the “wonder” in this “Milestone”, so much of the “wonder” in the Life
of our Family, is due to the “Wonder of You”.
Chapter 9
Garden Pause
The “Autumn Season” and the “Early Winter Season” of our Life produced a
large “Harvest” of Positive Memorable “Milestones” in the Life of our Family.
To these “Milestones” we dedicated the flora, the flowers from the flower
gardens of “Your Dear Mother” and the flower gardens of “My Dear Mother”
which Together we transplanted into our “garden”, perennial violets in the
shades of blue, purple and white, lily of the valley, roses, iris, dozens of large
tulips of many colors, lilies, vivid orange Japanese lanterns, phlox of many
shades, flowering shrubs and under our kitchen window, a small area of herbs
and spices. Our flower garden, that we transplanted, from the gardens of our
dear mothers, during 60 years, welcomes beautiful industrious, tiny
hummingbirds for us to marvel at in “nature’s masterpiece” in “God’s work of
art”, in “ Our perennial garden of our Lifetime of Memories”.
In our vintage “garden” of 6 decades, the trees, the flowers, the shrubs, the
herbs, the spices each remind us of a Milestone, a Celebration, a Blessing in
our “Life Together” and they are all souvenirs “from the gardens of our Dear
Parents. Dear Joseph, in our “Garden” we treasure 8 decades of “Memories”
and “Souvenirs” of our Varga-Vekony Family. Our “garden” is the “Harvest
Basket” of the “Milestone Memories” of our Life.
Chapter 10
May 16, 2004
Ten months following the Wedding, on Sunday, May 16, 2004, I, your Ilona,
truly took joy in surprising you on your 70th Birthday. As I do annually,
traditionally, I announced your 70th Birthday in the newspapers. This year, in
2004, I headed the announcement “Joseph Varga “Septuagenarian
Extraordinaire”. When you read the newspapers and arrived at your photo and
announcement, you accepted my sincere compliments in your pleasant
fashion, and you especially enjoyed my obvious pleasure.
It was Sunday, May 16th, 2004, in the early morning of your Birthday. Our family
phoned you to wish Dear Daddy, Happy Birthday # 70. This is what happened
traditionally on Dear Daddy’s Birthday. As usual, You and I drove to Sunday
Mass.
Unknown to You, Dear Joseph, we Your family, prepared in your Honor, an
elaborate “Surprise Birthday Party”. In 2004, your 70th Birthday fell on a
Sunday. This was perfect for my plan to surprise you, My Dear Joseph. Weeks
earlier, I, your Ilona, sent invitations to Family, to Friends, old and new, and to
your Colleagues. They were advised that the nature of the Event was a
Surprise to you.
The guests were invited to arrive in our Parish Church for the 11 a.m.
“Thanksgiving High Mass in your Honor”. Unknown to you Dear, a section of
the Church pews was reserved for our invited guests. The Church was full.
Following the Mass, everyone attending Mass was invited to join us in the
Large Parish Reception Hall to celebrate My Dear Joseph, the newest
Septuagenarian and to celebrate Life and to celebrate absolutely everyone
present.
Joseph Dear, you warmly thanked everyone, especially those guests who
travelled from far and your (CBC) (SRC) (ORTO) colleagues, some of whom you
have not met since you retired 14 years earlier in 1990 at your grandiose
retirement Event held in the (CBC) (SRC) Tower. Your sincere, happy, thankful
expression of “Surprise” was appreciated by all. Celebrating you My Dear
Joseph is rewarding.
My dear Joseph, during decades your parents and my parents were active
members and volunteers in our parishes. When they no longer were able to
volunteer, we followed in their footsteps. We enjoyed sharing our God-given
talents and interests. As a couple, we enjoyed preparing the youth of our
parish for their Sacraments. Also, it was my hobby to grow flowers in our
Varga family garden. In the autumn, I would dry my flowers via a natural
process. When our parish prepared large fancy dinners for special feast days
or for special parish events, I would with my dry flowers, prepare the floral
table-centers for each of the 40 dinner tables. To facilitate my hobby and my
volunteer projects, you, My Dear Joseph, suggested that You would build for
me a practical “little hobby house” in our back garden. You began the project
immediately. When the other men in our family heard of your project, they
volunteered to be on your team. My “little hobby house” was built on Saturday
mornings with wood, nails, hammers, saws and much love, friendship,
harmony, co-operation, friendly jokes, and laughter. To be on your “team” Dear
Joseph is always a “memorable positive adventure”. I will always remember
the happy sound of You Joseph with your volunteer building crew. I have
appreciated my “little hobby house” during the past 45 years. I, Ilona, will
always Love my “little hobby house” and take care of it because of the positive,
Loving workmanship that you Dear Joseph built it with and because I will
Forever remember “the harmonious, peaceful environment” that you created
for your construction team while building my “little hobby house”. Thanks for
your always happy, positive spirit, My Dear Joseph Varga.
Also, My Dear Joseph, you volunteered to be my creative, resourceful partner
in this hobby. You helped me to transport my dry flowers to the Parish Hall.
With your eyes of an artist, you shared with me your artistic creativity and
together we enjoyed creating unique dry-flower-arrangements for each of the
40 tables (1980-2010). Thanks, My Dear Joseph, for our decades of precious,
rewarding happy memories.
In September 2004, our parish was preparing an annual “harvest event” for
which traditionally, volunteers Joseph and Ilona Varga provide the table décor
for 40 tables. Because the table centerpieces are the “final-touch”, Joseph and
Ilona were the last 2 volunteers to leave. Past midnight, as you Joseph and I
were walking in the dark parking area of the Parish Hall, I, Ilona, slipped on
some unseen oil. Joseph, you picked me up, put me into our car and drove me
to our hospital. My broken left ankle was put into a cast. I, Ilona, received
crutches. We were given instructions. At home we carefully followed the
medical instructions but the pain under the cast worsened steadily with each
day. I had difficulty breathing. In your wisdom, Dear Joseph, you put me into
our car. We arrived at the hospital. I, Ilona had “pulmonary embolism”. I was
put on medical machines and I could barely hear the medical staff speaking to
you Joseph, but I heard the doctor’s words, “she may not make it”. Joseph
Dear, you came close to my ear and said, “Ilona, always remember that as long
as we are Together all will be well”. I fell asleep in peace. When I woke up, my
cast was off. My left leg was blue. I suffered “pulmonary embolism” due to my
cast that was applied too tight, causing a blood clot to travel to my lungs. My
leg was a mess. I was hospitalized.
My Angel Joseph, You took wonderful care of me, while I was in the hospital,
when I came home in a wheelchair, when I was again on crutches and later
when I was on a cane. You took me to weekly hospital visits in my wheelchair,
made sure that I took my daily medication (coumadin). My Angel Joseph, You
kept me on my special diet. You drove me to physiotherapy every week and
You did my exercises with me. You Dear Joseph encouraged me, kept me
positive and optimistic. You massaged my leg. You walked with me until my
left leg, which was “blue”, became almost like “new”.
My Dear Joseph, due to your loving care, I was taken off my medication in
“record time” and we continued my physiotherapy together at home. Then, My
Dear Angel Joseph, together we began again, as we did before, to walk handin-hand facing the “Horizon”, each evening at “sunset”.
Other charming moments that you created in our Life at that time, was when
spontaneously you would play one of our favorite slow pieces of dance-music,
of long ago, and You would ask me to dance with You, in our music room. You
said that “Now that Ilona can walk so well, we should practice our dance steps
to be ready for our next Social Ball”. This dance exercise became more
frequent and always fun with my “Forever Dance-Partner, My Dear Joseph
Varga”.
Chapter 11
2010, 50th Anniversary
It was 2010. Life was “so good”. We had wonderful memories, so much
“Harvest” and so much to look forward to. With gratitude Joseph and Ilona
celebrated 50 beautiful years of marriage, our “Golden Wedding Anniversary”.
That Sunday, during our Nuptial Mass, we renewed our “marriage vows”, in
the Parish in which Joseph Varga and Ilona (Helen) Julianna Vekony-Varga
were married, on Saturday, July 2nd, 1960. We invited Family, Friends and
Colleagues to celebrate Life with us.
The Church was full again. Following our Nuptial Mass, our Family, our
Friends, old and new, our Colleagues and the Parishioners were invited to
celebrate with us, in the Large Parish Reception Hall. Many who were
celebrating our “Golden Wedding Anniversary” also celebrated with us on our
“Wedding Day” on Saturday, July 2nd, 1960. Now, a half century later, with our
guests, we reminisced gratefully about our Life in its Springtime, its Summer
Season and now in 2010, in the accomplished “Deep Autumn, Harvest Season”,
of our Life Cycle.
Dear Joseph, when addressing our guests, that day, you appropriately
mentioned that this large happy gathering is “the Harvest of the Friendships
of your Life”. Our youngest guest was our adorable 2-year-8 months old
grandson “Joey”. “Joey” made our “Golden Wedding Anniversary Party”
perfect.
Dear Joseph, our Blessings continued. In the month of April 2011, our beautiful
grand-daughter Eva-Maria was born. On the day that Eva-Maria was expected
to arrive home from the hospital, “Nagypapa Varga” with our grandson “Joey”
waited at the front door with “Loving Anticipation” to welcome Joey’s Baby
Sister. When “Eva-Maria” arrived, Nagypapa and Joey both hurried to the sofa.
Joseph Dear, you held “Eva” securely in your arm on one side while our “Joey”
snuggled up to you on the sofa on the other side. You smiled at me. Your
boundless Love was so present in your Happy blue eyes and in your “Loving
Smile”. How Blessed our “Joey” and our “Eva” are, to have You as their
Grandfather “Nagypapa Varga”.
Chapter 12
2013, April 6 – Joey
On the evening of Saturday, April 6, 2013, an elegant annual Social Ball was
held in the “ballroom of “Le Windsor Hotel” in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. My
Dear Joseph, You and I, Ilona, as a couple, have enjoyed this Social Event,
annually, since the 1970’s, as Volunteer Ball Committee Members and as Ball
Guests. It pleased you Dear Joseph, when our son Joseph John and later our
daughter-in-law Edith Cecilia followed in our footsteps. This particular annual
Social Ball, on Saturday, April 6, 2013, was very special for our Family because
at this Event, the third generation of our Varga Family, our adorable grandson,
Joseph-John Varga, Junior (Joey) performed a prominent special role as
“Presenter”. Our grandson “Joey” was the youngest “Presenter” in the 55-year
history of the Ball. Our “Joey” was absolutely perfect for the role. “Joey”, at
the age of 4 years 6 months, was self-confident, gracious, charming,
entertaining, friendly, happy and very handsome like his Grandfather
(Nagypapa) Joseph Varga. Our “Joey” received applause, appreciation and
congratulations from the Ball Guests and the Ball Committee but what our
grandson “Joey” will remember Best and cherish Forever in his Heart, is the
boundless sincere Love, happiness, pleasure, and Grandfather pride with
which, You Dear Joseph, appreciated and celebrated “Joey’s” outstanding
achievements.
At the appropriate hour, our dear “Joey” said his good-nights in 3 languages.
“Joey” kissed his “Nagypapa and Nagymama Varga” good-night and our
grandson “Joey” was taken home. “Joey” and “Nagypapa Varga” looked
forward to reminiscing about this shared Social Event, perhaps during their
traditional every Friday evening “get-togethers” which “Joey”, “Eva”
“Nagypapa” and “Nagymama”, treasured. Thank you Dear Nagypapa.
There was a rare “private, quiet moment” during the Ball. Joseph and Ilona
shared how fortunate we felt in the “Winter” of our Life Cycle, to be able to
participate, together, in this beautiful “Milestone Event” of our grandson
“Joey”, another “Milestone” in our Life. Quietly it occurred to us that we will be
celebrating a very important “Milestone”, the 80th Birthday of our Dear Joseph
Varga. It was a grateful, happy, positive “warm moment” that we shared Dear
Joseph.
Together, you and I, Dear Joseph, we continued to enjoy the evening at the Ball,
the five-course meal, the strolling violinists during dinner, and our friends, old
and new. The after-dinner orchestra began to entertain. The dance-music
began. It was Joseph and Ilona Varga’s very favorite slow, long waltz. Dear
Joseph, I looked into your happy face, that handsome face, that I can “read” so
well and I, your Ilona, knew for certain that unknown to me, My Precious
Joseph Varga, you requested this dance for “Us”. I looked up at you, attired in
your very favorite tuxedo. I saw before me, the handsomest, most adorable,
most elegant, most charming gentleman (whom I adore) and very sincerely, I
told you so. You complimented me with your eyes, your smile, and your sincere
words. As I looked into your loving blue eyes, you gently took my hand. You
asked me to dance with you, as you have asked and I have enjoyed hundreds
of precious times since 1954, since our first dance at the picnic in the forest
of evergreens.
Looking into your sincere blue eyes, my grateful, Happy Heart replied “Thank
You, my Precious Joseph, for dancing with me Forever. Please know My Dear
Joseph, that I am dancing with the “Most Wonderful Man in this whole wide
world”. I kissed your smile which “created a dimple in each cheek”. You kissed
me tenderly. We danced and we danced, as if “We Have Been Dance Partners
Forever”.
When the orchestra played the final note of our waltz, we completed our
favorite slow, long waltz with our usual warm embrace. You, My Precious
Angel Joseph, and I, your Ilona, We did not know, “This Was Our Last Dance”.
May 16, 2014
My Dear Joseph, Wednesday, May 16th, 2014, was a Special Happy Day for our
Varga Family. It was the 80th Anniversary of the day that you, Dear Joseph,
arrived into this Life. We your Family, thanked God for the Gift of You and we
thanked You for being our amazing Varga Family Patriarch. When you read the
newspaper and arrived at your “Birthday Announcement”, your photograph
and the loving sentiments from your Family, headed with the words, Joseph
Varga, Octogenarian, your appreciation, and your good humor put a thankful
“Smile” on your handsome face which created “a dimple in each cheek” and a
“Big Happy Smile in my Heart”. My Dear Angel Joseph, because you were
“Born” and because of the Beautiful Life you “Live”, so much “Good”, so many
“Beautiful Blessings”, have arrived into this world. This day, May 16, 2014 is
another precious “Milestone” in our Life. It begins a new decade in your Life.
Thanks be to God.
At this time, in the “Winter” of our Life Cycle, we, Joseph and Ilona were so
thankful to “God” for the privilege of having met in the Springtime of our Life,
enabling us to share all four Seasons of our Life Cycle. We thanked God for our
Longevity, for our continuing Life together, “as a team” to “weather the
possible storms” of the “Winter Season” of our Life Cycle. Joseph and Ilona
know that, “as long as we are together, all is well”.
Chapter 13
October, 2014
My Precious Joseph, 5 months later, in October 2014, in the 80th year of your
Beautiful Life, high up, in your strong straight, tall spine, we discovered that
compression threatened your mobility. The surgery was a gamble. It was a
risk. The surgery could correct the compression, halt the progression or it
could cause extremely serious life-changing side-effects. I, your Ilona, feared
the surgery now in the “Winter of our Life. My brave, wise, courageous,
positive, Angel Joseph, you said to me, “Ilona, we have done our research
“well” and we have “prayed”. God will guide the hands of our neurosurgeon
and you, My Dear Ilona, will be “praying” for me in the hospital during the time
that the neurosurgeon is performing the surgery. Remember Ilona, “as long
as we are together, all is well”.
Dear Joseph, the neurosurgeon prioritized your surgery. He put your surgerydate high up on his schedule. Very soon the day of your surgery arrived. On
the day of your surgery, very early, before “sunrise” the gurney from the
“surgical floor” was wheeled into your hospital room. I held your hand as you
were wheeled to the elevator. The hospital staff asked me to please return to
your room until your surgery is completed. We kept holding hands. As the
elevator rose and arrived high up to the surgical floor, I held your comfortable,
warm, strong, gentle hand tighter.
In this very quiet antiseptic environment, we arrived to a wide automated door
leading to the “surgical wing” of the hospital. Joseph Dear, you smiled at me.
Your smile “created a dimple in each cheek”. In complete “unison” we spoke,
“I love You Dear”. I your Ilona, stood “frozen” as I waited until the quiet sliding
door opened and closed.
By elevator I was escorted down to the somber “waiting room” and I was
advised that after a great many long hours, when your neurosurgeon
completes your surgery, he would come to escort me up to your room. “I
Prayed”. “I Prayed”. After the long designated, anticipated, scheduled hours
for your surgery “arrived and passed”, my concern led me to the elevator. I
could hear and feel my concerned Heart beating “fast” and very “loud”. The
elevator door opened onto the familiar antiseptic surgical floor. “Security”
stopped me. I explained. I was advised that “Mr. Joseph Varga’s”
neurosurgeon wished for his patient to have extra quiet “recuperation time”.
I, Your Ilona, begged the security person to allow me to sit and wait “quietly”
on your surgical floor. Being physically closer to you, Dear Joseph, was
comforting for me. It seemed like “eternity had passed” before I was permitted
to enter your quiet, “almost darkened” room. You were wearing a very large
strong neck-brace. Your amazing blue eyes were closed. The medical staff
whispered to me that you, My Angel Joseph, were suffering “grave pain”. I
stood watching you “breath”. I so much wanted to softly touch your hand. I
whispered, “My Precious Joseph”, it is your Ilona, I Love You, Dear. Remember
My Dear Joseph, “as long as Joseph and Ilona are Together, all is well”. “I
Prayed”. “I Prayed”. Through the Grace of God, the empathy of your
neurosurgeon and my miraculously inspired negotiation, we received the
privilege, the permission to be together in the hospital 24/7 during your period
of hospitalization.
Looking back, we arrived to the hospital in early November 2014. We shared
a “Special Christmas Season” as roommates in your hospital room. In the
hallway, outside of your room, there stood a large Christmas Tree with
Christmas lights and decorations. At the little table next to your hospital bed,
I wrote our 2014-2015 “Christmas-New Year” Greeting Cards. Together we
enjoyed this Holiday Project. It was a Blessing to share our 60th Christmas
Season Together (1954-2014-2015), to hug one another, to kiss one another,
to wish each other a Blessed Christmas and a “Happy”, “Healthy” New Year
2015. Together we gave thanks for the “gift” of having reached another New
Year Together. It was the New Year 2015.
We learned that I, your Ilona, could help the hospital staff with some aspects
of your care. Together, we appreciated and valued such opportunities. These
were “gifts” from God.
Dear Joseph, when the day arrived for your numerous surgical metal clips to
be removed, I was “present”, and you were “Very Brave”. “You are My Forever
Hero”!
Your physical rehabilitation sessions began. Together, we attended
physiotherapy and occupational-therapy sessions 5 days a week and on
Saturdays and Sundays, in your hospital room, Together, we practiced what
we learned during the week. It was a Blessing and a Privilege to be Together
working towards your “recovery”.
Dear Joseph, your constant determination in all aspects towards your
“Recovery” gifted me with continual “Hope” for your “Recovery”, “Recovery” to
your “fullest potential”. My Dear Joseph, “You are my Forever Hero”!
In the hospital, in the evenings we had the option to stay in your room to watch
television or to read. Because we had the privilege of being Together and I your
Ilona, could wheel your chair, we chose to research the facilities and we
discovered interesting venues to visit. We found windows which were perfect
“vantage points” for viewing the “sunset”. We discovered a large music room
with a well tuned piano. Here, Dear Joseph, you would serenade me as you
exercised your fingers on the piano keys. I thank you Dear Joseph and I kiss
your fingers.
Also, together we discovered a quiet, prayerful little “chapel” with colorful
brilliant stained-glass windows. The door to the little “chapel” was always
open but during our visits we never met another visitor in the “chapel”. This
“chapel” was our “quiet private space” for prayer, meditation, and
conversation.
Joseph Dear, when I drove your wheelchair through the more challenging
spaces, you My Joseph, gratefully and cheerfully complimented me on my
“driving skills”. You are very Special, My Angel Joseph. You find positive,
comforting words even during your heavy difficult times. God Bless My Angel
Joseph.
My Precious Forever Angel Joseph, you chose wisely. We were Blessed. Your
surgery was a success, due to the “Grace of God” which guided the skill of your
neurosurgeon. With grateful determination, purpose, courage, perseverance
and your Spiritual Wisdom and strength, Dear Joseph, you devoted yourself to
your physical rehabilitation and you reached your “recovery” to your “fullest
potential”. Your devoted effort was an inspiration to your fellow patients and
visibly appreciated by your therapists. Your “recovery” is a “gift” to us, Your
Family. We thank you Dear Daddy, Nagypapa, My Forever Angel Joseph.
Now, in April 2015, it was time to “graduate” and to leave for “Home”. As a
graduation gift, on the day of our discharge and departure, you were gifted
with the cane of your choice. You chose a quad cane. You chose well.
Joseph and Ilona “arrived Home Together”, during the Easter Season. It was
so very “Good to be Home”. We both looked ahead with “Gratitude” to the
“Winter” of our Life Cycle. Dear Joseph, you donated your very “favorite
automobile of a Lifetime” to a charitable foundation. Throughout our Life, Dear
Joseph, buying our vehicles was always an enjoyable, interesting, researched
project for 2, for me and for You. The purchase of our next vehicle was in the
Springtime of 2015 soon after arriving Home. Together, we “researched” well.
Wisely, Dear Joseph, you chose the most practical, portable light-weight
transport wheelchair. You explained it as “fully equipped, with all the bells and
the whistles” and “in our preferred color”. It was the vehicle most appropriate
at this time, for our longer walks Together. Dear Joseph, I know that with your
“Loving Consideration” for me, you chose the “model” of vehicle that would be
most convenient and most comfortable for me to handle and to maneuver and
to drive. Joseph and Ilona looked forward to the “home delivery” of our new
vehicle and to our first ride, Together, around our quiet home-neighborhood
of our Lifetime Together.
It was the spring season of 2015. 54 years earlier, we, Joseph and Ilona,
Together, chose our little “nest” in a traffic-free, circular, cul-de-sac”, for the
safety of our “little-one”, for our Family’s biking pleasure, for Joseph and
Ilona’s daily walk Together at “sunset” and for so many more positive reasons.
Now, 54 years later, in our quiet, friendly “cul-de-sac”, Joseph and Ilona travel
Together “in the road”, in our new appropriate vehicle. Our neighbors come
out from their “little nests” to Greet you, My Dear Joseph, to “Welcome Home”
their respected “good-neighbor”, My Precious Joseph Varga. “It was so Good
to be back Home Together with You, My Hero, Joseph Varga”.
Chapter 14
My Precious Forever Angel Joseph, during the deep “Winter Season” of our
Life Cycle we enjoy the “Harvest” of our 67 years. In our Family Archives we
treasure your Inspirational 624 “Horizon” CD’s and during “quiet time”
Together we profit from your inspirational messages and beautiful
inspirational music. During the “Holiday Seasons”, we play your “Varga Family
Annual Holiday Season, Special Radio Program” CD’s which fills our home with
Holiday Music and the Holiday Spirit. This Tradition will continue in the Homes,
in the Lives, in the Hearts, of our Loved Ones. We your family appreciate and
treasure the “Harvest” of your purposeful, generous 12 years of masterful,
inspirational Volunteer work on radio.
During the “Winter Season” of our Life, Friday evenings are very special. We
enjoy special “quality time” with our two favorite people, our grandchildren
“Joey” and “Eva”. Friday nights we enjoy “Supper-Theatre” time. Our supper
menu for 4 is decided on by our grandchildren. After supper Nagypapa and
Nagymama Varga are entertained, amazed, amused, enlightened, and totally
delighted by our two favorite people. My Precious Joseph, our “Joey” and our
“Eva” learned so much from You and so much about your amazing “Nagypapa”
qualities during our traditional Friday Evening get-togethers. “Thank You Dear
Nagypapa. We Love You”.
When our grandchildren say “good-night” and hug us warmly, the 4 of us look
forward to our next Friday evening get-together. Joseph Dear, the two of us
thank God for our longevity Together because Joseph and Ilona know that “as
long as we are Together, all is well”.
During the “Winter Season of our Life”, we no longer participate in fancy
Formal Social Events but we are grateful for our “memory” so we Together
can enjoy reminiscing about decades of happy Formal Social Events Together
and to discuss the old souvenir photographs of the Events. Together we
identify these photographs, to prepare the past “Family History” for the future
generations of our Varga Family. During our “quiet music time” we may decide
to enjoy some of our favorite dance music and Together dance to a favorite
“very slow short waltz”.
During the “Winter Season” of Life we take more time to appreciate the
“wonder of nature” “close up” in “Our Perennial Garden of our Lifetime of
Memories”. In our “Garden” we enjoyed watching the “sunset” as we
reminisced about our “sunsets” in far away places, “sunsets” as we walked
bare foot in the soft warm sand on ocean beaches, “sunsets” as we walked
“briskly” in the snow, in our quiet neighbourhood and I held your comfortable,
warm, strong, gentle hand, so long ago, and that special “sunset”, the first
“sunset” that we shared Together at “the picnic in the forest of evergreens in
1954”. Thank you for the “Memories”, My Precious Forever Angel.
My Precious Forever Angel Joseph, the word “Winter” implies “cold” but the
“Winter Season” of our Life was “warm” caring, loving, peaceful, content. Our
“Winter Season” had all the soothing warm qualities of Life, the qualities that
flow from your serene Mind, Heart, and Soul. We also were warm in the secure
comfort of our Forever Love and throughout our Life knowing that “as long as
we are together, all is well”.
Chapter 15
October 2018 – Stroke
My Precious Angel Joseph, in the month of October, in the year 2018, Dear
Joseph, you suffered a “stroke”. Our Life was suddenly changed. Our Love
grew even deeper. Our Bond grew even stronger. Every Moment with You, is a
Precious Gift from God, My Dear Angel Joseph.
Our Dear Daddy, our adoring and adored “Nagypapa”, My Precious Forever
Angel, we thank You for the Precious 2 years, 6 months and 6 days, that You,
so lovingly, generously, peacefully, shared with us, your Family, following your
“stroke”. Every moment with You, our Dear Angel is a memorable Blessing, a
Precious Gift from God.
My Amazing Angel Joseph, during all of that time following the “stroke”, your
“Precious Lifelong Qualities” continued to flow from your Peaceful Soul. You
never, never complained. With your strong amazing Faith, with Love, Dignity,
Grace, Courage, Patience, Perseverance, with your “Peaceful Spiritual
Wisdom” and your serene state of Mind, Heart and Soul, You Dear Joseph,
bravely worked towards your recuperation, towards your recovery, in your
wise, positive, spiritual manner.
Our Precious Family Patriarch, Dear Daddy, Nagypapa, My Forever Angel
Joseph Varga, throughout our Life, you “taught” us through your Spiritual
Wisdom, your Positive qualities of Mind, Heart and Soul, your principles and
your Gentle Loving Devotion to us, your Family.
Throughout the precious time that you shared with us following your “stroke”,
you continued to teach us bravely, peacefully, in your wise, quiet, purposeful,
Loving way, every day, with your every “Breath”, with your every “Heartbeat”,
with your every “Encouraging Love-Filled Smile”, with your courageous,
strong Human Presence.
My Precious Forever Angel Joseph, Your Life Journey has been a Peaceful
Friendship, a Peaceful Journey with God. I, your Ilona, am Blessed to have
travelled this “Beautiful Journey of Life”, this “Beautiful Journey of Love”, with
You, My Forever Precious Angel, Joseph Varga.
Chapter 16
May 2 – May 10, 2021
My Forever Precious Angel Joseph, in the early morning, on Sunday, the
second day of May, in the year 2021, the weather was quiet, your window was
open, your curtains were open wide. As the sun was rising on the “Horizon”, I,
your Ilona, held your comfortable, warm, gentle, strong hand. I felt the “Final
Beat” of your “Pure Loving Heart”. With your “Final Heartbeat”, your Heart now
Beats within My Heart – Our two Hearts Beat as one. I, your Ilona, shared your
“Final Breath”, which is now and Forever, the “Best” part of me.
My Precious Angel Joseph, your Creator welcomed You, to your “Eternal
Reward”. Your Peaceful, Angelic Soul arrived in Heaven to the Paradise that
You throughout your Life “earned” and “deserve”.
My Dear Angel Joseph, those whom You Love the Most, those who know You
Best and for the Longest Time, those who Honor, Respect and Admire You and
Remember You and Miss You and Love You Forever we, your Family, are
Blessed to have been with You, in your Peacefulness, as your “Soul” entered
Heaven and your “Forever Love” remains with us, “Your Family”.
My Precious Forever Angel Joseph, your Funeral took place on the morning of
Monday, the tenth Day of May, in the year 2021. My Angel, you went to “your
rest” with a clear blue sky above You, a blue sky decorated with shiny white
lively fluffy clouds, as a fresh, early morning, Springtime breeze, gently moved
the “newly-born budding leaves” of the trees, in the quiet cemetery.
Chapter 17
Flowers – 2021
My Precious Forever Angel Joseph, of your cascade
of 67 large red roses, at the foot of your casket, I,
your Ilona, Kept for myself, 6 of your large red roses.
I preserve the 6 roses “naturally” in our “precious
little hobby house” which You, My Dear Angel, built for me, with your Love, long
ago, in our home-garden of 60 years. I will arrange for these 6 large red roses
to be with me, with your Ilona, when I go to “my
rest” beside You, My Precious Forever Angel
Joseph. The remaining cascade of 61 large red
roses of which I kissed the petals, on which I shed
my tears, said my prayers, and sprayed with Holy
Water, these 61 large red roses, filled with my
Everlasting Love, these I leave with You, My
Precious Forever Angel, My Joseph Varga.
On the “Blessed Earth” at our “Place of Rest”, our
Joseph, Joey, Eva, and Edie, with their Forever
Love, left with You Dear, their “Giant Heart” of large
red and white roses. Our Dear, Dear Daddy,
adoring and adored Nagypapa, My Precious
Forever Angel.
Chapter 18
May 16, 2021
Our Dear Angel, Sunday, May 16th, 2021, was the 87th Anniversary of the “birth”
of our Angel Joseph Varga. We thank God that You were “Born” and we, your
Family, celebrate your “birth” Forever. Because you were Born, this world is a
“Much Better Place”.
Every May 16th, we put your Birthday Greeting, into your favorite newspapers,
including your handsome photograph (1961-2021). During 6 decades, every
May 16th, I, your Ilona, look forward to your “Smile”, that happy “Smile” that
always appears when you read your newspaper and you arrive at your
Birthday Greeting from us, your Family. I, your Ilona, “missed” your “Smile” on
Sunday, May 16, 2021. My Angel, you know that I, your Ilona, Love and
Remember and Treasure Forever, your “Smile” that creates “a dimple in each
cheek” of your handsome face, that “Smile” that Forever creates a very Happy
“Smile” in my Heart.
Our Precious Angel, to Celebrate your 87th Birthday, we your Family, gathered
around the “Vekony-Varga Family’s Place of Rest”. We brought our Birthday
Cards. We thanked God for your Beautiful Life. We told You how much we Love
You and we felt your Forever Precious Love in our Hearts.
For us, this was our first May 16th without your precious, cherished physical
presence. For you, our Precious Angel, this was your first May 16th in Heaven.
I, Your Ilona, looked up to the Bright Blue Heavens, I sent to You my Birthday
Kiss, I embraced You, My Precious Forever Angel, close to my Heart and as
Always, we are Together in each others Heart and Soul.
Chapter 19
June 20, 2021 – Father’s Day
Dear Dear Daddy, Nagypapa, My Precious Forever Angel Joseph, on Sunday,
the 20th of June, in the year 2021, on Father’s Day, on our “Nagypapa’s Day”,
we your Family, gathered for a “Memorial” in your “Honor”. The weather
forecast predicted showers, but as You know Dear, the sky was clear blue. The
soft fresh summer breeze was comforting. At noon, we your Family, gathered
around our “Vekony-Varga Family’s Place of Rest” in the cemetery. We arrived
with flowers, we prayed, we had “readings”, we cried, we had music, we sang,
we delivered Eulogies filled with Love, we reminisced about our Life filled with
“Precious Sweet Memories”, created throughout “Life With You”. We
celebrated “Wonderful You” and we celebrate You, Forever, Our Precious
Varga Family Patriarch, our Angel, Joseph Varga.
Chapter 20
My Forever Precious Angel, dance partner, sweetheart,
fiancé, groom, my husband, soulmate, life-partner,
my Love, my hero, my super man, my care-giver,
provider, teacher, artist, my sports star, my media personality,
my ébéniste, my horticulturist, my partner in volunteerism,
my super man You can do everything and You can do everything Well,
my “Very Best Friend” My Forever Precious Angel, Joseph Varga.
Throughout our Life, You My Dear Joseph and I, your Ilona, we agreed that “No
matter what happens throughout our Life, “as long as we are Together, all is
well”. We also agreed, we “promised” that “no matter what happens, we are
never alone”. Joseph and Ilona are always Together in each others’ Heart and
Joseph and Ilona are always Together in each others’ Soul”. I, your Ilona, know
this to be True but My Precious Forever Angel Joseph, “I miss You so”. I miss
your physical human presence. I miss your Peacefulness, I miss looking into
your sincere, loving blue eyes, I miss your perfect “Smile” which creates “a
dimple in each cheek of your handsome face”, I miss hearing your caring voice,
I miss walking with You, holding your comfortable, warm, gentle, strong hand,
I miss facing the “Horizon” with You at “sunset”, I miss wishing each other
“good-morning”, I miss wishing each other “good-night”, I miss our
reminiscing. I miss absolutely “everything, everything” that we enjoyed
Together and I, your Ilona, Always Will.
Since I first looked into your sincere blue eyes 67 years ago you have made
my every Dream come True, “Because I Have You”.
I, your Ilona, have one more dream, For whatever time God leaves for me
without your physical presence, here on this earth, here in this Life, with our
Faith and your constant Love to help me, I will follow your “good example” so
that, like you, My Dear Angel Joseph, I too, may attain Heaven and enjoy
Paradise, Together with You, eternally in our Everlasting Love.
Until then My Precious Forever Angel Joseph, from “Our Perennial Garden of
our Lifetime of Memories”, each morning I will look towards the “sunrise”,
wish You “good-morning”, send to You my “good-morning” Kiss, hug you close
to my Heart, and I will know that I am in your “tender-loving-care” all day.
Until then, My Precious Forever Angel Joseph, from “Our Perennial Garden of
our Lifetime of Memories”, each evening at “sunset” I will look towards the
“sunset” on the “Horizon”, I will thank You for my day, I will send to You my
“good-night Kiss”, hug You close to my Heart and I will know that I am in your
“tender-loving-care” all night.
You always offer and give before we have a need to ask. You never expect
anything for yourself. When we are weary or sad, your comforting “strength”
is ours. When we need “a soft place to land”, you Loving arms are welcoming
with “Peace”. When we have joys and successes to share and to celebrate,
your “Happiness” for us is Boundless. When we need to be heard, You listen
with “empathy” and Fatherly “unconditional “Love”. We are Blessed.
Our Forever Angel, Life with You is a rewarding, very Happy Beautiful Journey.
Along Life’s Beautiful Path, Together with You, we filled our Varga Family’s
“Harvest–Baskets–of–Life” with rewarding, purposeful, enjoyable, sweet,
Love-Filled “milestones” and “memories”, all created “With You” our Dear
Angel. These “Milestone Memories” Forever fill our grateful Hearts with
“Inspiration”, “Happiness” and precious sweet Memories of our “Beautiful
Journey of Life With You”, our Angel Joseph.
Our Dear Daddy, Nagypapa, My Amazing Angel Joseph, those who had the
good fortune to “Meet You”, they “Respect You”. Those who were Blessed to
“Know You” they “Love You” Dear.
Your Beautiful “Life Example” taught us, your Family, to respectfully strive
towards your “admirable Life-qualities”. Dear Angel, you brought so much
“Good” into your 87 Beautiful years. Together with you Dear, we continue our
Beautiful Journey. We walk in your “footsteps” “strong” knowing that your
“Love” and your “Guidance” is with us every step of the way.
Our Devoted, our Beloved, our Angel Daddy, Nagypapa, My Beloved Angel
Joseph, Eternally you Live in the Grateful Heart and Soul of “Your Family”.
As I now reminisce with You, Dear Joseph, the sunshine, shines in on me,
through our window, which looks out onto our “Garden”, “Our Perennial
Garden of our Lifetime of Memories”. The sun is now going into a beautiful
”sunset”. I “pause” as I do with every “sunset”. I pause, to wish You “goodnight”, I send to You my “good-night Kiss”, I enjoy “the magic of your Smile”, I
hold you close to my Heart, “Our Heart that Beats for two, for me and for You”.
I thank you Dear for my day and I know that I, your Ilona, am in your TenderLoving-Care all night.
Tomorrow morning, as I do each morning, I will look to the “sunrise”. I will
send to You my “good-morning Kiss”, I will enjoy “the magic of your Smile”, I
will hold you close to my Heart, “Our Heart that Beats for two, for me and for
You”, I will know that I, your Ilona, am, in your Tender-Loving-Care all day.
“My Precious Angel Joseph, You and I, your Ilona, will continue to reminisce,
as time goes by”.
Monument
My Precious Forever Angel Joseph, one of our projects which You and I worked
on Together, during the “Winter Season” of our Life, is the creation of our
“Granite Memorial Monument” for You My Angel Joseph and for me, your Ilona.
This is to be placed on our “Vekony-Varga Family’s Place of Rest” in the
Cemetery, next to the “Granite Memorial Monument” of “Mommy and Daddy”.
Together, Dear Joseph, You and I researched, planned, and agreed on all
aspects of this Monument for the two of us. Joseph Dear, You designed our
Monument and You drew it out precisely, as you did for the Monument of
“Mommy and Daddy” 4 decades ago. I your Ilona, continue to complete this
project, as You and I agreed. When our Monument is “completed”, it will be
“placed and unveiled” next to the Monument of “Mommy and Daddy”. As we
planned, I your Ilona, with our Family will them, with Love, bring to our
“Vekony-Varga Family’ Place of Rest, some of our favorite, most appropriate
perennials from, “Our Perennial Garden of our Lifetime of Memories”.
We will bring “hardly” perennials which we inherited from the gardens of
“Your Dear Mother” and from the gardens of “My Dear Mother”, perennials
which You and I Together transplanted into our “Garden” some 5 decades ago.
We will bring perennials which will flower “faithfully” each year in the
springtime, to celebrate your Birthday (May 16th), We will bring the
“dependable” white, blue, and purple violets, the “sturdy”, “attractive” lily-ofthe-valley, and the “productive” white and blue forget-me-nots. Every Spring
Season these “resourceful, industrious, purposeful, attractive, hardy, faithful
perennial flowers” will create “a unique floral work of art” on the Blessed
Earth of our “Vekony-Varga Family’s Place of Rest”.
When Our Joseph Varga was a toddler (4 years of age) his older brother, his
only sibling, John Varga, passed away in Montreal, Quebec, Canada (1933-
1938). Also, in Montreal, Joseph Varga was pre-deceased by his mother Maria
Stucz-Varga in 1969, his father Gustav Varga in 1976, his mother-in-law Ilonka
(Helen) Vékony in 1977 and his father-in-law János (John) Vékony in 1978.
Together Forever in the Love of God.
Our Devoted, Our Beloved, Our Angel, “Husband, Father,
Grandfather “Nagypapa”, Father-in-law”,
You Live Forever in our Grateful, Loving Hearts.
We remain Forever in Your Fatherly-Tender-Loving-Care.
Your Family, Ilona (Helen), Joseph John,
Joseph-John Junior (Joey), Eva-Maria, Edith Cecilia
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18