Read Maria Elizabeth Solymosi's Obituary & Leave Condolences

In memory of

Maria Elizabeth Solymosi

Erie, Pennsylvania

November 18, 1925 - February 9, 2018

Nov 18, 1925 - Feb 9, 2018

Help keep everyone in the know by sharing this memorial website.

Share

Photo

From humble beginnings, she was born on November 18, 1925, in Ivanc, Hungary, a beautiful village bordering Austria. She went on to live a life of adventure with the love of her life, Tibor Solymosi. Daughter of Peter and Maria Elizabeth Nemeth Czeder. She lost her Mother at the age of fifteen to World War II. Survived the occupation of the Nazis and Russians who took over their village and moved into their home. Her father, proprietor of a small pub, the "go to" man in their village, kept her and her siblings safe from the many war crimes during the occupation. She gladly accepted the role of caretaker for her younger siblings, Magdolna Legrady, Panni Foth and Sandor Czeder. Then came Budapest where she married and cared for her in-laws, Rezo and Judit, until their deaths. Maria survived the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 while her husband fought beside many other brave Hungarians trying to win their freedom back. She escaped the oppression of communism by walking miles through wilderness, crossing the Raba River, along with seven year old Aniko and 18 month old Tibor, under the barbed wire into Austria, seeking freedom, opportunity and facing much uncertainty. Wondered if she would ever see her family again. Flight to the United States, which nearly went down in a storm after a lightning strike engulfed one engine in flames. On to refugee Camp Kilmer in New Jersey. Chose Erie because of the lake. Settled in Franklin Terrace, Tacoma Road. Moved into their first home three years later in Lawrence Park. Held the fort down at home during the long hours Dad worked to establish himself as one of the major industrial and commercial general contractors in Erie. After becoming proud U.S. citizens, they returned to Hungary in 1965 to see their families, the first of many trips. They sent clothes to their families in Hungary every year. She educated herself and her children, and introduced them to gardening, cooking, etiquette and the opera. She traveled extensively, drove throughout Europe, cruises, enjoyed boating on Lake Erie and winter weekends with family skiing at Peak and Peak. Took their children to Budapest in 1972 where they celebrated New Year's Eve at the famous Gellert Hotel. Built their dream home in 1973 on Lake Shore Drive. She was an extraordinary hostess and gave the best dinner parties. She was a consummate chef and kept an immaculate home. Loved her animals, Atilla, a Hungarian Viszla, Szuchi, her cat, Romano, who was her close companion during her last few years and remarkably left us the same day that she did. She always supported the Erie Phiharmonic. Started playing tennis at the age of 45, joined the USTA and played until she was 77 years old bringing home many trophies, while sharing her passion with tennis with her grandchildren and teaching them all to play. Enjoyed vacationing in Spain on the Costa Del Sol for over 20 years where she played tennis almost daily at Lew Hoad's Campo de Tennis Club with an international mix of interesting people including Sean Connery and Gino Hollander, a famous artist. Despite their success and accomplishments, she and Dad never forgot where and how they started and always exhibited humility in their everyday life and befriended people from all walks of life. Retired in 1994 to Fort Meyers after saying goodbye to Spain where they enjoyed the most romantic years of their lives. Back to Erie in 2003 where they shared a home with their son Tibor and his wife Francesca during their final years. Lost her dear husband in 2009, survived her younger siblings but continued to live life to the fullest, travelled again to Spain and to Budapest with family, showing them places and things that were dear to them. She took them to shop at El Cortes Ingles in Spain, her favorite department store, another activity of which she was an expert! Always fashionable, always elegant, had the most beautiful eyes and looked like she stepped out of a fashion magazine. She made beautiful needle point and crewel works for her grandchildren and continued to enjoy her hobby to the end.

Of all of her accomplishments, she was most proud of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She always made sure her family was together for the holidays, Friday family dinners at the Maennechore and ErieYacht Club, her and Dad giving us the most cherished memories. Taught her children, along with Dad, the work ethic and most importantly to always do the right thing, finish what you start, always do it with class, respect everyone, be thoughtful, love completely and especially, always honor your parents. During her last year, she was lovingly cared for much of the time by her grandson, Ranen Solymosi, to whom she and our family is so grateful.

Maria Elizabeth Solymosi left us peacefully, absolutely content, and ready to rejoin the love of her life, Papa, on February 9, 2018, at her home with her loving family at her side. Little Mariska, beautiful girl from the village of Ivanc, who would have ever thought your life would turn out to be such an awesome adventure? We cannot think of the term, "the American Dream," without thinking of Maria and Tibor, because they both reached out, embraced it, risked it, lived it, owned it and defined it. They were proof of what opportunities exist in our great country for anyone that is determined and willing to work hard.

Their children, Aniko Solymosi Walker (James, deceased), Tibor Solymosi (Francesca) and Kathy Holland (Michael) are honored, proud and blessed to have had both of them as parents. They will be sadly missed and forever loved by their children, their grandchildren, Jason Walker, Kristin Walker, Tibor Ryan Solymosi, Miklos Solymosi, Ranen Solymosi, Victoria Holland, Michael Holland, great grandchildren Amelia Riemedio and Joseph Holland, nephews, Odon Foth and Laszlo Legrady of Hungary and niece, Katalin Schubert-Penk Foth of Austria.

A memorial mass will be held on March 3, 2018, at St. Paul's Church beginning at 10:15 a.m. Burial will be in Budapest, Hungary. For those interested in learning more about Maria and Tibor's life, please log onto https://www.wonderfullife.com….

Get notified when new photos, stories and other important updates are shared.