It is with great sadness we share with you that Ilona Terez Oravecz (née Lahner), in her 85th year, passed away suddenly at her home in Toronto on November 24, 2023. She was born on August 18, 1938 in Ujverbasz, Yugoslavia. Ilona (also known as Helen, Ilus and Mamo) had two brothers, Peter, and Tony Lahner who both immigrated to New York and then to California. Helen is predeceased by her parents, Aladar and Iren. She always spoke highly of her parents, who were strong believers in education. She talked about how her father, Aladar, enjoyed taking pictures and how her mother, Iren enjoyed cooking.
Ilona went to Kazinscy Gimnasium (High School and College) in Gyor, Hungary and later went to a Geologia Technical School to study and become a Land Surveyor. She worked in Gyor, Hungary for many years before eventually immigrating to Toronto, Canada and continued her career with Giffels Land Surveyors. Ilona was known for her hard work and diligence. She was precise, a perfectionist and was well liked as she was known to get the job done.
She met her future husband, Josef Alexander Oravecz in Acs, Hungary and later they married in Toronto, Ontario. Together they built a successful aggregate business. Their two children -Jacqueline & Jeffrey eventually took over the business and continued their legacy. Together they bought a modest cottage in Haliburton and later a condo in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She was extremely organized and incredibly meticulous. Helen loved to read, was a passionate cook and baker, enjoyed her fine herbs in her garden and most of all enjoyed swimming. She lived independently after she lost her husband Josef three years ago. She decided to stay in her home after his passing where she was well cared for by Flora and Belinda. She enjoyed their ongoing friendship, support and care.
Helen was incredibly humble, generous and caring person with her friends. She was passionately dedicated to her family and adored her five grandchildren. She was gracious, thoughtful, with a heart of gold. She always had a smile on her face and always looked for the positive. Helen was always surrounded by the most beautiful flowers, her favourite being the white orchid. She is survived by her daughter Jacqueline and son Jeffrey; son in law John Stewart; her daughter in law Cassandra Oravecz; and five grandchildren; Andrea and Natalie Stewart, Caleb, Carson and Kendall Oravecz. Mamo will be forever missed and remembered by her family and friends.
Viewing will take place on Friday, December 22, 2023 from 9:00am– 11:00am at Mount Pleasant Funeral Centre. You may tune in to Webcasting on Ms. Ilona Oravecz webpage found at www.etouch.ca. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Elizabeth of Hungary on Friday, December 22, 2023 at 12:30pm in Toronto, to be followed by interment at Mount Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or to North York General Hospital.
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