Esther Sopronyi

Esther (Mayorchak) Sopronyi, 89, died peacefully on November 7, 2013 in Austin, Tex., following a brief illness. She was born May 14, 1924, in Scranton, Pa., to Katherine (Szabo) and Andrew Mayorchak. At age 16 she left Scranton to live and work with relatives in Dayton, Ohio. During World War II, while working at a restaurant, she helped in the war effort by making sure that pre-ordered meals were ready and waiting on the tables for day- and night-shift workers from a nearby manufacturing plant, so they could quickly get back to work. It was during this time she met her future husband and best friend Michael Sopronyi whom she married in 1945. The two worked together at their family business in Dayton, the M&G Grill. It was popular for the delicious Hungarian food Esther prepared. She later went on to work as a waitress at fine restaurants in Dayton, Harrisburg, Pa., and San Antonio, Tex., where the family moved in 1966. Not one to sit idly at home after retiring, she joined several bowling leagues and volunteered at Northeast Baptist Hospital in San Antonio where she earned numerous awards for her more than 25 years of dedicated service.

Esther was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; brothers Michael Mayerchak and Andrew Myerchak, both of Dayton; sisters Julia (Mayorchak) Nowalk of Hop Bottom, Pa., and Elizabeth (Mayorchak) Killiany of Scranton. Three brothers, John, Joseph, and George, died in childhood, as did a sister, Catherine. Esther is survived by her son Michael Sopronyi, Jr., and daughter-in-law Judy (Patterson) Sopronyi of Harrisburg, Pa., and their daughter Kristin Sopronyi of Burlington, Vt.; and by her son Robert G. Sopronyi and daughter-in-law Janet (Hart) Sopronyi of Austin, Tex., and their daughters Erin Rebecca Sopronyi of Lubbock, Tex., and Lauren Hart Sopronyi of Austin; as well as by many nieces and nephews.

A natural comedienne, fun-loving and upbeat, she was a favorite of restaurant patrons and at family get-togethers. She adored her three granddaughters and loved to cook Hungarian dishes for her family. She was devoted to her family and church. Esther enjoyed trips to visit relatives, friends, and occasionally a casino or two. Highlights of her travels were family reunions, including one aboard a Caribbean cruise ship. Esther had many fond memories of a trip she and her husband took to Hungary to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary where they discovered relatives they’d never met before.

She leaves behind loving family and friends who will miss her compassion, generosity, and good humor immensely.

Visitation will be held at 6:00 p.m. Friday, November 15, at Sunset Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Hwy., San Antonio, with a rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 3907Harry Wurzbach, San Antonio, on Saturday, November 16, at 10:00 a.m., followed by interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, 17501 Nacogdoches Rd., San Antonio.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, or a charity of your choice.