Obituary of Irene Nagy

Passed away peacefully with her family by her side on April 16, 2024 at the age of 87. Mom is now reunited with her loving husband Attila (1997). Beloved mother of Irene Neal and son-in-law Murray. Cherished grandmother of Cynthia (Mike) and Justin. Predeceased by her parents Istvan and Anna Bilak and step-mother Erzsebet. Sister of the late Istvan (1994) and Magda (1983), sister-in-law to the late Doris (2021) and Bill Boomer.

Irene was affectionately called “Nenje” by young and old alike. She will be missed by her family, friends, neighbours, nieces and nephews and all of those whose lives she touched. Even her constant four legged companion, Lotus will miss her deeply and still waits by her door.

Irene grew up in Bodrogkeresztur, a small northern town in Hungary and was the youngest of her siblings. She lost her birth mother at the tender age of three but loved her stepmother dearly when her father remarried. She excelled in school and could recite poems that were pages long from her favourite poets, Petrofi Sandor and Ady Endre, even later in life. At the young age of 15, she took a secretarial course and ended up working full time at the headquarters of Agriculture in Miskolc while also taking night classes. This meant the “country girl” had to move to the city away from her family.

Irene’s life lessons came early, being on her own meant budgeting her time and finances. Even at an early age, Irene had an excellent work ethic and wanted to get ahead in life. Never one to give up in a difficult situation or circumstances, her legacy is one of hard work and determination. She also had a strong sense of family and would take the train ride back home to visit whenever she could (and budget would allow). Irene made friends wherever she went. Irene’s welcoming smile, positive attitude, generous and friendly nature was felt by all.

Irene immigrated to Canada in 1956. Along her journey, on the train, she met a handsome young man, who would later become her future husband (you never know where love will find you) and once in Canada they got married and settled in Wawa. A few years later, Irene started working at the Wawa Motor Hotel. She was in charge of cooking, looking after the staff, buying all produce, menus and stock taking. Irene was a woman of small stature but a force to be reckoned with, she approached life with enthusiasm and energy. Irene was direct and to the point... You always know where you stood with her.

Later, the family moved to Windsor and mom worked for VS Services Food Production as a manager/supervisor until retirement. Mom enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and after a good meal it meant a game of Rummy (she was never to tired and could play till late in the night and had an uncanny ability to win). The food and attention to detail made all her guests feel special. We will miss her Hungarian flaky, melt in your mouth kiflies (we try to make it but never turns out the same way.) apple pie, cauliflower soup even the simplest family meal prepared with care and elegantly presented. The food, and attention to detail made all her quests feel very special, vegetables became flowers, beautifully and symmetrically displayed. She enjoyed attending the soccer games, swimming lessons and other extracurricular activities the grandkids were involved in. She was their strongest supporter and biggest cheerleader (for me, as well as, her grandchildren). She was a wonderful, loving and devoted mother. What Irene cherished most in life was her family, Mom was so much more though..., with the sparkle in her green eyes, an avid listener, a friend to people of all ages, a confidante, a cheerleader, and a shoulder to cry on.

Irene appreciated life’s simple pleasures. She enjoyed being outdoors, sweeping her driveway (where you could find her early in the morning). Pampering her plants, watching the birds and the deer in her backyard. We had to encourage her to go on trips with her friends (cruises, Alaska, Caribbean, Smokey mountains).

Mom had a way about her... to know her was to love her. Her physical presence is gone, but we will always see her in her home on Todd Lane, sweeping the driveway, tending to her geraniums in the spring ... and memories we will carry in our hearts. Irene’s gentle caring nature, hospitality, generosity towards her family and friends will be greatly missed.

A special thanks to her healthcare team at St. Elizabeth Psw’s Jennifer, Elizabeth and Megan, Home and Community Care Support Services Nicole and Angela, Occupational Therapist Filip, Dr. Carlini for his dedicated service and Tanya for being there when we needed her.

Irene did not want us to mourn her passing with tears and sorrow. Instead she asked that we remember her with joy in our hearts and smile on our face. In memory of Irene, give your loved ones a hug, light a candle, go for a walk, enjoy the little things.

Visitation will be held at Windsor Chapel Funeral Home- Central Chapel (1700 Tecumseh Rd. E) 519-253-7234 on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 from 10am until the Time of Service in the Chapel at 11am. Cremation and interment at Heavenly Rest to follow. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.windsorchapel.com http://www.windsorchapel.com.