To the family of Mary and Charlie Racz

My sister Diane and I were so saddened to hear of Mary’s death. We talked with her a bit ago when she was doing another quarantine because she had been to the hairdresser! Mary was a very dear and special person. She and Charlie were among my dearest friends at Eagle Ridge. One of my fondest memories of Mary is Halloween. Mary dressed as Little Red Riding Hood and me as a Wicked Witch! We went around Eagle Ridge handing out treats and accepting a few “sips” along the way. Mary was kind, loving, caring and giving so full of life and so much fun. The croissants and Hungarian goulash and whatever she made were much enjoyed by me and my family. I am so grateful

that Mary was able to visit with my sister Diane and me in Sherwood Park. May all your cherished memories help you through this very trying time.

Donna Wilson and Diane Frado

It's hard to put into words what Mary has been to me. For the more I thought on it, the more I recognized she has been the single most awesome and important adult of my growing-up life. I mean, who else trains you from the time you're a three-year-old to say, in Hungarian, that you're a 'draga-chula' aka, "Darling Star?"

Mary could inject so much love into her voice.

I so enjoyed that she was that rare mix of mischief, laughter, love, and fun all wrapped up in a mind that could string together the most outrageous words and make you cry laughing. Or, laugh crying.

Oh my, when she called for a cement truck driver to run over someone being offside in my life--and then added the word, 'blind.' Still makes me laugh. Where did her comments even come from? Such a gift.

Mary, I'm going to miss you. You're one of those special people. And I'm so grateful you have been in my life.

Margaret, Tom, Atti, Melissa, and all the rest of your gorgeous family--my congratulations for having such a great Maci, and my deepest condolences for your loss.

I hope we can all get together and raise a glass for her one day. So many stories to share! Damn she was a special one.

A universal, "Darling Star."

All my love,

Laura, Emily, James and Jade xx

What a very special person our little Hungarian Gangster was in the community of The Heartland. She was so loved by so many people and her very presence made our lives better in every single way every single day. Mary was a gentle soul who always found the best in people and kindness was in her heart for all of us. She reached out and found the small things to make a day brighter and her smile lit up the room. Mary encouraged all of us to "pass on our experiences and find ways to help others. Remember to show your appreciation for opportunities" she often told me. "It is our responsibility to be kind not always in money but in time, a big smile goes a very long way" and Mary modelled that philosophy every day of her life. Mary was my mentor, my friend and my inspiration. I feel so very lucky to have been a small part of her amazing life journey and it was an incredible journey. I loved her and will always cherish our special times together-shopping, talking about flowers and sharing family stories. She touched my life and made it richer. Thank you Mary for being you.

Beautiful Mari-ke. Your wicked sense of humor and zest for life will always remain in my heart and in my thoughts. Thank you for brightening our days with your presence. Your friendship and laughter I will continue to cherish. I miss your nightly phone calls and our long conversations. Most of all, I miss our time together in your garden, shopping on Beacon Avenue, stopping for coffee and strolling through Butchart Gardens. Sending your family peace and condolences during this difficult time. With all my love, Nori and family (Toronto)