Horvath, Anna (Died)

HORVATH - Anna Horvath passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 27, 2008 at Caressant Care Nursing Home, Woodstock, five days before her 89th birthday. Born in Hungary, she was the daughter of the late Janos and Agnes Gyurki. She was predeceased by a sister Maria Gyurki, and two brothers Julius Gyurki and Stephen Gyurki, all of Hungary; a brother John Gyurki and sister Theresa Siba, both of Woodstock; and a sister Elizabeth Horvath of Cambridge. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Julius Horvath of Caressant Care Nursing Home, Woodstock; a niece Agnes Mickelson (Cecil) of London; and nephews Edward Gyurki (Helen) of Woodstock, Gerald Horvath (Elizabeth), James Horvath (Mary) and Leslie Horvath (Joan), all of Cambridge, and Joseph Siba of Toronto. She always enjoyed visits from her great nephew Glen Morgan (Shelley) of London and their two children Alex and Ellise. She is also survived by many more great nieces and great nephews in Canada and Europe. Anna Horvath was a resident of Woodstock for the past fifty years, arriving with her husband and several family members in December, 1956 after escaping from Hungary at the time of the Hungarian Revolution. They were among the first refugees to arrive in Canada from Hungary at that time and their story was featured on the front page of Canadian newspapers. Their arrival in Woodstock on December 15, 1956 had a crowd greeting them at the train station, including the mayor, city councilors, members of Woodstock's Hungarian community and family members. During their years in this city, Anna was an active member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church and her faith was a very important part of her life. She also loved gardening, and her home on Graham Street was surrounded by the many beautiful flowers and plants the Horvaths grew there over the years. In recent years, she travelled a difficult journey with Alzheimer's disease, but her sweet nature continued to shine through much of the time, even as the lights dimmed on her memory. The family appreciates and is grateful for the excellent care she was given by the staff at Caressant Care Nursing Home. Friends will be received at Holy Trinity Catholic Parish, 904 Dundas Street, Woodstock on Monday, December 1, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Interment at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. If desired, memorial donations to the Holy Trinity Building Fund would be appreciated and may be arranged through the Smith-LeRoy Funeral Home, Woodstock, (519) 537-3611. Personal condolences may be sent at www.smithleroy.com