In Celebration of

Anna (Nusi) Lengyel (nee Zupka)

April 13, 1929 -  August 21, 2021

My mother passed away peacefully on Saturday 21 August 2021, after being admitted to hospital following a fall in her Residence. She was a vibrant and determined person, remembered by her many friends for her kindness, her elegance and her graciousness. As her daughter, I have cherished her life-long sense of wonder and delight at the little things, and her adventurous spirit which led her to undertake more than one of what she called her 'last hurrahs', exploring the world and nature until the very end.

Anna was born in Budapest, Hungary on 13 April 1929 and came to Canada as a refugee following the Second World War and subsequent events in her own country. Canada offered her many joys and freedoms: of meeting my late father, John (Johnny) Alexander Lengyel; of making countless friends from many cultures; of exploring the great outdoors; and of building a good life from nothing, in a wonderful place where, she once told me, she expected to see people singing and dancing in the streets, just like in the movies. Canada lived up to these dreams.

She will be missed by her many friends, both old and new, including her son-in-law, John Humphreys and most especially her only daughter, Catherine Lengyel.

May she and my father dance on rainbows forever.

Charitable donations in lieu of flowers would be appreciated.
________

Ma mère est décédée paisiblement le samedi 21 août 2021, suite à son admission à l'hôpital du à une chute dans la Résidence. Elle était une femme déterminée et pleine de vie, et ses nombreux ami(e)s se souviennent d'elle pour sa gentillesse, son élégance et sa grâce. En tant que sa fille, j'ai toujours chéri sa capacité d'émerveillement et son sens de l'aventure qui l'a amenée à entreprendre une série de 'derniers hourrahs' comme elle les appelait, pour explorer le monde et la nature jusqu'à la fin.

Anna est née à Budapest, Hongrie le 13 avril 1929 et est arrivée au Canada en tant que refugiée suite à la Deuxième Guerre Mondiale et les événements subséquents dans son pays natif. Le Canada lui a ouvert les portes de la joie et de la liberté: la rencontre de mon père, John (Johnny) Alexander Lengyel; les amitiés et amis en provenance de cultures diverses; la possibilité d'explorer la nature dans toute sa splendeur; et de bâtir une belle vie à partir de rien, dans un endroit merveilleux où, elle me racontait, elle s'attendait à voir les gens chanter et danser dans la rue, comme dans les films. Le Canada a répondu à ses rêves.

Ses nombreux amis, tant de longue date que plus récents, la regretterons de tout cœur - et en particulier son beau-fils, John Humphreys ainsi que sa fille unique, Catherine Lengyel.

Maintenant, elle poursuit sa route, en dansant sur les arcs-en-ciel avec mon père, pour toute l'éternité.

Les dons charitables au lieu de fleurs seraient bienvenus.

Guestbook 

(5 of 26)


Leokadia Matura (Friend)

Entered August 25, 2021 from Sélection, 325 Chemin de la Pointe Sud

May she dance in joy and peace. Nusia Matura.

Leena Sandblom (Friend)

Entered August 25, 2021 from Nun’s Island

Each time I would cross paths with Anna here at the residence, I would ask how she was. “Still kicking”, she would say.
We talked and visited often, played Scrabble a couple of times. I won, but she kept me on my toes.
She said she watched over me since she could see my apartment from hers, and noticed when my lights were off or on. She loved the summer and Christmas decorations I put on my balcony.
Oh Anna, you brave lady! You kept “kicking” as long as you could, and then you willingly stopped, and said, “enough now!”
John, I loved the story you told of how after a vacation together, Anna declared that yes, you were indeed a suitable partner for Cathy. You will be feeling this loss, I know.
Cathy, there are no easy words for the finality of Anna’s departure. But what a love you two had! That love will always be there to keep you moving on serenely with your life.
RIP, dear Anna.

Cécile Allard (Friend)

Entered August 25, 2021 from Montreal

I picture Anna soaring through the clouds, fearlessly clapping her hands to the thunder and indeed dancing on rainbows! She was fearless and determined; classy and wise! I will remember her for her resourcefulness during COVID; self-sufficient, she learned how to order food online and made sure that what she ordered was what she got!! No fooling with Ana! May her soul Rest In Peace!

Carolyn & Tom O’Brien (Friend)

Entered August 25, 2021 from Ile Des Soeurs

The very first person I met on arrival at the residence. Tom and I were dancing in the dining room. when we stopped Anna asked me if we lived here or were we guests.

I replied, we are your new neighbours! She clasped her hands in glee and said; ‘ah this makes me so happy, you will bring joy to this place’

I will miss her beautiful smile and little visits🙏♥️

Cleo Mavriplis (friend)

Entered August 26, 2021 from Ottawa

May Mrs and Mr Lengyel be reunited and find peace. To Cathy and John my heartfelt sympathies at this difficult time.
I particularly remember Mrs Lengyel's warm welcome when I came over to the house in Montreal or to the house in Smuggler's Notch Vermont. She was always glad to see us (Cathy's friends) and talk about everything. This continued in later years too, even when she was in the residence in the last few years. She was always interested in our activities, and open to the world. I remember her as we say in French as "fonçeuse" and determined , elegant, worldly and the perfect hostess. I remember looking forward to her apricot squares and all her good cooking as a kid. I always felt the most wonderful welcome and kindness, even when she had to take Cathy, myself and another girlfriend to the emergency clinic in Vermont when we all 3 of us injured ourselves skiiing!
The picture you chose of her emulates her completely. Peace to the family and friends who will miss her.
Cleo Mavriplis