Sunday morning, Sue’s mother passed away at St. Catherine’s hospital in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Maria had 9 children with her husband Laszlo Berczy, former member of the Hungarian Air Force who fled that country in 1956 when Soviet tanks rolled into Budapest. Their harrowing escape to America seemed to be the answer to their prayers. But a few short years later, her husband died leaving her to raise the family alone.
She briefly remarried – a short, unhappy interlude – and settled in Ohio, struggling to feed and clothe her brood. Poor in everything but spirit, Maria nevertheless raised her children successfully and today, they will gather in Wisconsin for the wake.
Then it’s off to Ohio for the funeral tomorrow and burial next to her husband.
When Sue talks of her childhood, she relates stories of want, of hardship, and heartbreak. But she never felt unloved. She speaks of her mother in terms of respect for her efforts to keep the family together through times that I myself am unable to relate to or even fathom. It may be sophistry to repeat the old canard “That which doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” But in Sue’s case, the adage may apply. She is the strongest woman I have ever met with physical and emotional reserves that have stood her well through her own tumultuous, difficult life. Clearly, that kind of strength runs in the family.
Sue will spend a few days in Ohio with her children and grand kids and be back on Monday. As always, I will miss her terribly while she’s gone. She’s my rock, my anchor. Without her, I am adrift in a stormy sea with the shore so very far away.
3:16 pm
What a brave, strong woman. My thoughts are with Sue today. Losing your mother is difficult, especially for women, I unfortunately know.
Your words of love for Sue are quite touching.
8:20 pm
My condolences, thoughts and prayers with your wife’s family Rick. Hopefully, some others will see her flight from dictatorships and brutality and realize the true meaning of her life.
10:37 pm
I hope you will permit a stranger to offer my sincere condolences, Rick, to you and your family.
Your mother-in-law sounded like a great and courageous woman.
May the pain pass quickly and only pleasant remembrances linger…
ff