Born in Miskolc, Hungary March 22, 1932
Passed away at Maple Ridge Seniors' Village March 11, 2024
Maria grew up in a loving family in Miskolc, Hungary. She was the eldest daughter of Josef and Margit Kis. Maria spent much of her youth in the city of Miskolc and at the family vineyards in Szegi. It was through the grape and wine business that she met her husband, Laszlo Szabo. Maria attended a teachers' college and she loved teaching her young pupils. She and Laszlo married in 1952. Their first child, Laszlo was born in 1954.
In 1956, with the reality of an uprising against the Russian- ruled government, Maria and Laszlo were concerned about the safety of their family. They chose, as did many other Hungarians, to flee to Austria. After several months in Europe, the Red Cross offered them an opportunity to immigrate to Canada. They landed in Vancouver in April 1957. Their eldest daughter, Kristina, was born a few months later. The family lived in New Westminster, and were supported by the Edworthy family. Maria and Laszlo purchased a home in Coquitlam where they raised six children: Laszlo, Kristina, Angela, Peter, Paul, and Carolyn. The home in Coquitlam was filled with many aromas as Maria baked, cooked, pickled, and preserved delicious foods for her family. Maria was often seen at her sewing machine producing beautiful clothes for her children. For many years Maria stayed home supporting her family and was excited to join the workforce when she was hired as a teaching assistant in Coquitlam School District.
Maria enjoyed the company of many and welcomed neighbours, friends, her children's friends and spouses into her home. Often the house was bursting at the seams with the laughter and joy of her seven grandchildren. When Maria retired, she added quilting to her other hobbies. She created many beautiful quilts and was one of the first members of the Blue Mountain Quilting Guild. Today friends and family cherish Maria's quilts, sweaters, teddy bears, purses, crocheted doilies, and embroidery.
Maria is predeceased by her husband Laszlo and her daughter-in-law, Alison.
Maria will be deeply missed by her sister Kati and family in Hungary. She is also mourned by Laszlo(Susan), Kristina (David), Angela (Theo), Peter (Nancy), Paul , and Carolyn ,and grandchildren Jennifer and Emily, Joseph and Stephen, and Maria, Patrick and Brendan.
Maria lived her last two years at Maple Ridge Seniors' Village where we appreciated the exceptional care she received.
A Celebration of Maria's Life will be held at 11:00 am on April 27, 2024 at the Maple Ridge Funeral Chapel.
11969 216 St, Maple Ridge, BC
April 4th, 2024
Maria was my friend Kris’ mother but I’ve considered her my friend for the past 44 years. I loved her like a mother and she always treated me as though I was part of her family too. She saw my family grow and she showed us love and kindness and always welcomed us into her home and her heart and fed us with her Chicken Paprikash. We will miss her, but luckily we have many cherished memories of time spent with her and she won’t be forgotten. I know how much Maria meant to her children and their families and my heart aches that they have to say goodbye to their wonderful Mom.
April 3rd, 2024
As a friend of Carolyn's, I had the pleasure of visiting with and staying with MamaMaria, and I so enjoyed her sense of humour and warm hugs! We shared an affinity for family, quilting and all things crafty. She also taught me a valuable quilting trick that I had never heard of before. Carolyn and I were going to a quilting retreat and she said you're gonna need some duck tape. I just couldn't image how that would be used on our quilts. And then she told Carolyn that if she really wanted to finish all the projects on her list, she'd better put some duck tape over her mouth! We laughed so hard! I have heard so many great stories about Maria and all of the Szabo family over the years of which she was always the centre of: the magnetic strong force for this big family. May you continue on with her legacy of family love and kinship and take care of each other. Sending love and hugs to all of you. Maria, I hope it's true that you never have an empty bobbin in Heaven! xo
April 3rd, 2024
I only met Maria once, but Carolyn shared many stories with me of her incredible life. She was a resilient, courageous lady, who very obviously loved her family and friends. I am so privileged to have met such a fine lady.
To the family, our deepest condolences, and may your memories of her remain in your hearts always. Rest in peace Maria.
April 3rd, 2024
Sending love to all the Szabo family. Maria will be remembered as a kind and caring person, who loved her family and friends. I'll never forget her beautiful smile, and I'm pretty sure she will continue to smile down on everyone from Heaven. ❤️
April 3rd, 2024
Chipi, nanny was my favorite person in the whole world. She treated me like one of her own. Lots of people say wonderful things about people that died even though they weren’t so wonderful. The kind words in this obituary, don’t even come close to how wonderful this lady really was. She will be dearly missed from every person that ever came in contact with her. My thoughts, wishes and prayers are with all the kids, grandkids and extended family. Rest in peace, my dear.
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