Obituary of Ilona Kiss

Ilona (Lili) Kiss of Calgary passed away on Thursday, November 4, 2004 at the age of 83 years. Lili was born on July 23, 1921 and was raised and educated in Marosvasarhely, Transylvania, formerly Hungary. After spending a large portion of her formative years in various schools and visiting relatives throughout the Great Plains of Hungary and Transylvania, she met and married her husband Gyula Kiss, a dashing young Royal Hungarian Gendarmerie Officer in 1944. Her son was born a year later. In 1949, the young family emmigrated from Europe to begin a new life in the welcoming, yet foreign, country of Canada, where their daughter was born in Calgary shortly thereafter. While the rest of the family members worked and attended school, Lili remained within the home to create a loving and secure environment that provided refuge, comfort and strength. She prided herself in creating a little Hungarian haven to balance the impact of a new culture. Her creativity in shaping a loving family home was very evident as were her skills of knitting, sewing and cooking. The enticing aromas floating from the kitchen proclaimed her unparalleled culinary flare. She also spent hours fulfilling her passion of reading and filling her home with potted flowering plants. Each new acquisition was shown off with a sense of wonderment and pleasure. Her home was the centre of many joyous occasions for both family and friends. Birthdays, names-days, anniversaries and special occasions were all regularly celebrated under her loving care. With the arrival of her grandchildren, she started on a journey focusing her attention on instilling the importance of family and pride in their Hungarian heritage. She maintained an ongoing interest in the welfares of her children and grandchildren and shared in their joys and sorrows. She prided herself in being the hub and source of all familial activities and information. The later years were greatly enriched through the friendships and camaraderie maintained through weekly attendance at the Hungarian Senior’s Social Circle and Hungarian Cultural Centre Library. Lili is survived by her son Julius and daughter-in-law Kathryn, her daughter and son-in-law Margit and Peter Varga; her grandchildren Konrad and Vincent Kiss; Paul, John and Kati Varga; her nieces and nephew Katinka and her husband Peter, Ilona and her husband Gary and Laszl_ and his wife Ildik_ and their families, dear and special friends Imre and Frances Cyfra;as well as many relatives and close friends both here and abroad. Lili was predeceased by her loving husband of fifty-eight years, Dr. J.B. Kiss, in 2003. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church (819 – 13th Avenue S.W.) on Friday, November 12, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church (819 – 13th Avenue S.W.) on Saturday, November 13, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Dr. Istvan Zachfalvy, Presider. Graveside Service to follow at Eden Brook Memorial Gardens. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, tributes may be made directly to the Calgary Hungarian Scouts, c/o St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, 819 -13th Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB T2R 0L1. The family would like to acknowledge and extend its heartfelt appreciation to the many friends and acquaintances who provided both support and companionship to our mother since our father’s passing. We would also like to thank the Rockyview General Hospital ICU staff for the wonderful care and compassion shown to our mother while under their care. Our mother was a warm, intelligent and articulate lady, remembered for her grace and warmth. She will be missed by all. Requiescat in Pace In living memory of Lili Kiss, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W., CALGARY, TELEPHONE: (403) 243-8200.