It is with heavy hearts that we share the loss of Elizabeth Bodi, our mother,Nagymama. She was born in Penészlek, Hungary. She was predeceased by her parents, Maria and Mihaly Kuzmos, sister Anci and brother George. She will lovingly be remembered by her husband Paul, daughter Georgina (Dan McGurran), Grandchildren Jamie (Alisa) McGurran, Jennifer (Geoff) Larner and three lovely great granddaughters Alexa, Julianna and Lillian, Brother Sanyi (Marika) in Hungary, niece Lizzy (David) Moore, brother-in-law Louie Peter, the entire McGurran clan, very dear friends Zoltan and Margaret Ikotin and countless friends.
Elizabeth came to Canada with Paul and Georgina in 1956 during the Hungarian Revolution for a better life. They settled in Winnipeg, where Elizabeth found work, cleaning in the St. Boniface Hospital. Over time, she studied her English and went on to pursue hairdressing at Tru-Art Beauty Salon. While working there she made many lifelong friends especially Claudette Presetanz. In 1972 Paul and Elizabeth purchased property South of the city where they would go on to open and run Bodi’s Garden Center for over 30 years. Grandma had a true green thumb and took pride in her work, the products produced and the customer service. Many young customers would say, I need help from Grandma Bodi. Grandma worked side by side with Grandpa until 2006 when they sold the property at the age of 75, but she never fully retired, as a small greenhouse was always at her and Paul’s home ensuring that they could continue to grow the perfect tomatoes, Hungarian Pepper and Petunia plants for all of their friends and neighbors.
Elizabeth thoroughly enjoyed ensuring anyone who entered her home was greeted with fresh baked goodies, coffee (a shot of Southern Comfort or Casino Rum) or whatever else she had been cooking. She will be remembered by so many in the community for her Hungarian baking of tiered pastries which never went unnoticed and were always quickly eaten.
Elizabeth was the most generous ladies, so full of life and zest ensuring she never took anything for granted. She was a devout Roman Catholic and parishioner of St.Anthony of Padua Hungarian Church for over 60 years. She enjoyed supporting the church and Hungarian community in any way she could. You could always hear her singing above all the others during Sunday mass.
Grandma was the type of person all should strive to be like. She un-doubtfully has left a mark in so many people’s lives and a void at this time is felt. She had a witty sense of humor which she reserved for a very select few and a number of one liners which will go unsaid. I will never forget grandma telling me all through my life, when someone asks you how you are? Always reply with “Everything is under control; what’s the sense of complaining.”
Grandma will forever be missed, but is in our hearts. She is now at peace in God’s hands, “Békében van az Istenek kezében.”
Thank you to Dr Matsubura at the Grace Hospital and the wonderful staff at the Poseidon Long Term Care Home. Special thanks to Donna, Yvonne, Stephanie, Melissa, and Alta. As well as Father Dado Parrenas.
Private family interment has taken place at Glenlawn Cemetery. Formal memorial service at a later date.
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