JUDITH SZEBENY TASSONYI –
“Five languages and none of them perfectly.”
On June 9th, 2016 Judith passed away peacefully at the Royal Henley retirement home at the age of 87 years, with her children at her side. Judith was born in Sopron, Hungary on July 4, 1928, the daughter of Irene and Arthur Szebeny. During World War II, at age sixteen, she left Hungary then lived in Germany and France before immigrating with her family to Brazil, where she met her husband Álmos Donald Tassonyi. After a brief stay in the Dominican Republic, the family immigrated to Canada settling finally in Niagara-on-the Lake. Beloved mother of Álmos (Maureen Simpson), Ann (Gerald Darcie) and Julia (Larry Rossignol); loving Grammy (who expected “instant obedience”), to Rory Tassonyi and Alexander, Arthur and Réka Rossignol. Predeceased by her brother Tom Szebeny (Vivian), she will be greatly missed by her niece, Nicky Mezö (Greg), nephew, Victor Szebeny, their mother, Catherine Szebeny, and their children, her niece, Helga Tassonyi Vosteen (Heiner) as well as her cousins, the extended Mihály and Mindel families and many friends. The welcoming atmosphere of her lakeside farm enveloped family and many friends from several continents.
Graduate of the St. Catharines’ Teacher’s College, Brock University and with an M.Ed. from Niagara University, she taught at Richmond Street and Colonel John Butler Schools; many pupils have fond memories of her creative teaching and emphasis on exercise. Concerts, opera, theatre, museums and art galleries, playing bridge, reading, dancing, love of travel and legendary swims were life-long pursuits from childhood days in pre-war Hungary.
The family is very grateful to Dr. Lukings, the Palliative Care Team, Cindy Cordes, Reverend Dorothy Hewlett, supportive family and friends, as well as the dedicated staff at the Royal Henley, who provided her with such sensitive and respectful comfort.
Cremation has taken place. Friends are invited to call at Morgan Funeral Home, 415 Regent Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, on Sunday, June 26th from 2-4 & 7-9 pm. A Memorial Service will be held at Christ Church McNab, 1294 McNab Road, NOTL on Monday afternoon, June 27th at 1 pm.
In lieu of flowers, a charitable donation to Christ Church McNab or Heart and Stroke Foundation in Judith's memory would be appreciated.
Memories, photos and condolences may be shared at www.morganfuneral.com.