Judy Somlyo
October 3, 1930 - December 20, 2025

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Judy Somlyo (née Érdi). Judy had a stroke on December 10th, 2025. She received exceptional care at Sunnybrook Hospital and then in Palliative Care at Sunnybrook Veterans Center. She passed peacefully with her daughter and care team by her side.

Judy was born in Hungary to loving parents, Imre and Rózsa Érdi (predeceased) and was very close with her brother Tomi throughout their lives (b.1926, d.2022; late wife Kati; late partner Mari). She married her beloved Ándor (Bandi) Somlyo (b.1919, d.2017) in 1952 and they had one daughter, Agnes (David Shaw). They fled the violence of the Hungarian revolution when Agnes was just 3 years old. While traversing the Atlantic Ocean, Judy unstitched and restitched all of their clothing to practice her sewing skills. When they arrived in Montreal, she began working as a seamstress. Judy quickly realized that sewing was not her passion, so using her brilliant mathematical mind, she worked her way to becoming payroll supervisor at Noranda Mines in Toronto. Judy also embraced technology which allowed her to order groceries and bank online, as well video call her family, even at the age of 95.

Judy and Bandi, both Holocaust survivors, believed Canada was the land of opportunity. They encouraged Agnes to pursue her dream of becoming a veterinarian, even if they didn't always enjoy all of the animals she brought home with her. Judy's pride in Agnes was matched only by her adoration for her granddaughters Sarah (Lukas Sadowski) and Rachel (Jeff Suraci). Judy took the girls on countless adventures all over Ontario, including trips to Center Island, North York Central Library, Wild Water Kingdom, Clevelands House, and Viamede. Judy was closely involved in her granddaughters' lives and was always a listening ear when they needed one.

Judy was smitten with babies and children. She cherished every hour she spent with all 5 of her great-grandchildren: Micah (11), Maeve (3), Henry (2), Claire (1), and Lilah (1 month). Family and friends were Judy's greatest delight and her legacy will live on in her kind, determined, and fiercely independent great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring. We are forever grateful for Judy's PSW, Christine, who was not only a caregiver, but also a friend. Thanks also goes to the teams who provided such compassionate care for Judy in her final days. In lieu of flowers, donations may be to Sunnybrook's Veteran Center.