Mária was a wonderful, chic and generous woman, with a big heart, good sense of humour, and with an almost perpetual smile. She will always remain, for her immediate and extended family, a beloved mother, grandmother (Nagymama, Nagyi) and great grandmother (Dédi).
She was born on June 17, 1928 in Budapest, Hungary. In Budapest she was a handball player and a respected chartered accountant. She survived the Second World War in the heavily bombed capital of Hungary, was internally exiled from her Budapest home with her family by the communist regime and lived through the 1956 Hungarian revolution. She arrived in Ottawa 1976.
In Ottawa, she was faced with the challenge of pursuing her profession while learning a new language, eventually succeeding as a bookkeeper working for KMart.
After loosing her husband in 1990, and loosing her job with Kmart in the early 90’s because she was over 65 years of age, Mária became involved with the small Calvin Hungarian Presbyterian Church in Ottawa, as volunteer treasurer and a Director on the Board of Directors. She also volunteered at the Hungarian House and joined their choir.
She loved to cook and always encouraged others to eat more of her food (‘egyél’). She loved to swim and devoured fruits, especially cherries. She loved to drive, and look for the best deals in various produces for church fundraising lunches and bake sales.
Mária was a dog whisperer. She would take 5 times as long to get from A to B, because she would stop to talk to dogs barking at her from the other side of fences, assuring them in a sweet voice, that she was not there to hurt them. Much to her delight, most dogs would soon stop barking.
She loved her family. She loved spoiling everyone. She loved socializing with house guests. She loved playing cards and often hosted a group of friends.
She left this world on May 10, at home, five weeks shy of her 96th birthday. She was preceded by her parents (Anna and Ferenc Deák) and her beloved husband of 40 years (István/Stephen Hidasy). She will be missed by many, but especially by her daughter Catherine Bélanger (Patrick Hollier), by her precious grandson Barclay Easton (Erika Easton) and by her adored great grandchildren Katalin, Payton and Kaszara Easton.
‘We shed tears because she is gone, and we smile because she has lived.
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Raymond Bélanger
Mes plus sincères sympathies Catherine. Ta mère nous a toujours accueilli à bras ouverts, nous en gardons de précieux souvenirs. Rest in Peace Maria, Repose en paix.
Bruce and Sue Renihan
What a lovely and fitting tribute. And the final line was perfect.
We were privileged to first meet your parents when they arrived in 1976, as Expo 76 was going on in Montreal.
All out best,
Bruce and Sue
Hania Grabowski
She was always smiling. Always happy. And always ready to make you happy and smiling in return.
She was ready every day with hug, a smile and a positive thought. RIP.
Vivian Szabo
Sending my deepest condolences for the loss of Ria. Pastor shared the news during church communion; we missed her so much! We extend our prayers of care, love and support from our church community she was part of (we often sat together and held hands at the Calvin Hungarian Presbyterian Church). I am comforted that she is with the Lord, she is singing and praising and is such a faithful servant. She encouraged me so much in my faith and I love her. I am teary eyed and with mixed emotions but grateful that we will have the opportunity to see her and meet her once again, because of Jesus saving grace and redeeming love (through His forgiveness and resurrection). For me, Ria was like serogate grandparent, shining faith and blessing people with their loving lives! She is the best, and her Eternal home is even more glorious because she is now singing and worshiping together in Heaven, to our faithful Lamb! 💜🕊️ We miss you Ria! Thank you for your kindness and love. Love in Christ, hugs, Vivian Szabo
Vijay and Dimple Tejuja
We were privileged to have known your mom for many years. Her bright smile always overcame our language barrier. She will always be missed.
Susan Scotti
I did not know your mother well but I know she raised a
wonderful daughter. May you find comfort in your memories of her.
Sheila Gervais
I loved Maria greatly. Always welcoming us at home with the sweetest smile. Always telling me that she loved me. Always giving me the warmest and deepest heartfelt hugs. I always enjoyed visiting with her and will miss her greatly. My most sincere condolences to Catherine nd to Barclay and family.
Franceska Gnarowski
Dear Catherine, Chris and I offer our heartfelt condolences to you and your family for the loss of your mother. May your memories bring you comfort and joy.
Catherine Luxton
What a lovely life story. I'm very happy to have gotten to meet her while she was with us. So sorry for your loss.
Isten nyugtassa békében.