It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our wonderful mother, grandmother, and dear friend, MARIA JOKUTY, beloved wife of the late Chester Jokuty Sr, on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at the age of 95 years.

Maria is lovingly remembered by her son, Chester (Margaret) of Calgary and their children, Erin (Andrew) MacLean, Anna (Brandon) O’Dwyer and their son Sullivan, and Alex Jokuty, her late son Laszlo’s children, Benjamin, Leba and Rose, her brother, Vince (Gerti) Bugledits of Austria, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

Along with her husband and son, she was predeceased by her parents, Janos and Maria Bugledits and four brothers.

Maria was born, raised and educated in Hungary. She was a teenager during WII and lived under communism in her homeland. Maria married Chester on October 3, 1949 and shortly after, had their two sons, Chester Jr and Laszlo.

Following the Hungarian Revolution in 1956, Chester, Maria and family immigrated to Canada, arriving in St. John’s NB on April 22, 1957. They continued their journey to southern Alberta where they worked as farm labourers in the sugar beet fields. The family moved to Lethbridge in the fall of 1959 where Maria took advantage of a government sponsored program allowing immigrants to learn English. She attended those classes for three years.

Maria had learned how to sew in those early years in Hungary and in 1961 those skills helped her gain work in a local tailor shop. In 1965, she opened her own shop, which she operated until 1970. Maria and Chester had also been educated in the restaurant and hotel business in Europe so, in 1974, they purchased the Carmangay Hotel. In 1976 Maria’s family returned to Lethbridge where she resided until her passing.

Maria was a dedicated volunteer, having logged hundreds of hours at Winner’s Bingo. She was also a founding member of both the Hungarian Cultural Society of Southern Alberta and the Southern Alberta Ethnic Association, established in 1977. Maria served as an Executive Director of the Southern Alberta Ethnic Association for ten years.

Her dedication to share the richness of the Hungarian culture led her to establish a dance group with authentic hand crafted costumes and numerous opportunities to dance. This group still exists today.

As President of the Cultural Society’s Ladies Group, Maria worked tirelessly hosting fashion shows, dance festivals, dinners, concerts and celebrations of special Hungarian historic events. She was given a Lifetime Membership for her work with the group and was recognized by the Governor General of Canada on the occasion of Canada’s 125th Centennial, honouring those who made a significant contribution to the future and quality of Canadian society. Maria received the Alberta Centennial Award in 2005.

She was an amazing person and will be remembered for her generous and loving nature, her “can do” attitude and her willingness to help anyone in need. Maria will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

A special thank you to the nursing staff and volunteers of St. Therese Villa for their thoughtful and compassionate care they showed Maria.

If family and friends wish, donations in memory of Maria are welcome to St. Therese Villa, Covenant Foundation, Room 3C60, 11111 Jasper Ave. Edmonton, AB T5K 0L4

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 – 12 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at 1:30 P.M. with Father Kevin Tumback celebrating.

Following the Mass, Maria will be laid to rest with her beloved husband Chester in Mountain View Cemetery.

 

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

• Date : 2022-04-30
• Location : Alberta