It is with great sadness that we said goodbye to our Anyu, MAGDOLNA “MAGDALENE” RABL, who passed away peacefully in the company of her family on July 12, 2021 at the age of 85.

Her loss will be mourned by her beloved husband of 65 years, Jozsef “Joe” Rabl, her sister Elizabeth Nagy, siblings-in-law Antal “Tony” Rabl and Elizabeth Kovacs, her children Bea (Rob) Niven and Karl (Terez) Rabl, grandchildren Jacqui (Chris) Chartier, Joel Niven, Christopher (Katelyn) Rabl and Nicholas Rabl (Shaelin Westerson), great-grandchildren Elise and Madeline Chartier, as well as many nieces, nephews and their families around the world.

Magdi was born in Mosonmagyarovar, Hungary on June 28, 1936, the youngest of seven children. After graduating as a legal secretary, she married Joe, and the couple welcomed their first child. At the outset of the Hungarian Revolution in October 1956, they made the decision to flee their beloved country without knowing whether they would ever be able to return to see their friends and families. In the company of her sister’s family, they escaped to Austria where they sought refuge until they were accepted into Switzerland. After four years in Switzerland, her sister went off to Australia while Magdi and her family continued to Canada, ten months after welcoming their second child.

Upon arriving in Canada, Magdi worked as a housekeeper at St. Michael’s Hospital along with her good friend Elizabeth Meszaros, and then as a talented upholstery seamstress. She later took bookkeeping courses and established Modern Machine Shop with her husband and son. They worked tirelessly to establish themselves in this country: in spite of the great barriers of language and culture, they found their way and subsequently assisted many other Hungarians starting their lives here.

Magdi shared her many talents with those she loved: the smells of homemade soup and noodles wafted through the house, and crescent-shaped vanilla cookies could always be found on her kitchen counter.  She could often be found crocheting intricate items from doilies, to socks, to beautiful baby blankets, often without a guide or pattern.

Magdi was happiest when she was surrounded by her close friends, entertaining, and listening to Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass and Engelbert Humperdinck albums. She especially enjoyed visiting with family and friends at their cabin in Duck Lake, Montana, where they all gathered to share good times. As she aged, her true loves were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Magdi’s strength, determination, and grit were remarkable as she battled many health challenges throughout the latter part of her life. In spite of numerous surgeries and hospital stays, she overcame it all. Her family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses and caregivers who helped and supported her over the years.

In accordance with Magdi’s wishes, a private family service will be held. She will be laid to rest in Mountain View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

 

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

• Date : 2021-07-12
• Location : Alberta