Jolanda Szarka

Jolanda Szarka, June 22, 1929 - April 12, 2020

The family of Jolanda Szarka, deeply beloved mother and grandmother, is sad to announce her passing on Sunday April 12th, Easter Morning, at 5:30 a.m. in Manchester, CT, age 90. Jolanda Szarka was born on June 22, 1929, in Nagyar, Hungary, as Jolanda Balogh, to Ida (Toth) and Elek Balogh, who passed when she and her younger brother were aged 4 and 2 respectively, so she was raised by her beloved mother and grandfather. Jolanda was educated at Fehergyarmat Gymnasium and became bookkeeper and manager at the mill, she was also a winner at local beauty pageants. Jolanda married Laszlo Szarka, who grew up only 2 houses from her own in Nagyar. Laszlo earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering and worked in that field in Miskolc, Hungary. He risked his career and life during the October 1956 Revolution, but when it was crushed, the couple had to flee and emigrated to the United States in 1958. They resided in Manchester since 1960, and for thirty-five years, Laszlo owned the LACO Engineering Machine Company. Today the Szarka Homestead is restored to its 18th-century appearance and furnishings and is open to the public as 'regional living museum' or 'Tajhaz' of what life was like in that period for the landed gentry. Jolanda's family was of similar background and her grandmother Juliana was a Baroness. The couple were married for 53 years until Laszlo preceded her to heaven, and were deeply devoted Americans thankful for the freedoms of their adopted home, despite the hardships of starting from scratch and leaving parents, siblings, and familiar language and culture behind. Jolanda and Laszlo were proud to raise three daughters in Manchester. They filled the home with vivid artistry and cultural history, her own handicrafts, knitting and embroidery; above all, with fine food, warmth and hospitality. Her cooking and refined Austro-Hungarian baking are truly unforgettable. She loved gardening, and her remarkable green thumb created floral showplaces and abundant kitchen gardens. Jolanda was a lifelong member of the Hungarian Reformed Church and an Elder, Secretary and Board Member of the Hungarian Reformed Church and cultural center of Warrenville for many decades. Jolanda was devoted to and deeply beloved by daughters Judith Jolanda in Los Angeles, Marie in Marietta, GA, and Chrstina in Weyland, MA. Jolanda leaves with fondest memories six grandchildren: Alec, Katie, Austin, Harrison, Lana and Natalie. Jolanda is also survived by her brother Gyula in Nagyar, Hungary and his children and grandchildren.

Jolanda will be laid to rest next to her beloved Laszlo at a private graveside service, due to current conditions, on Wednesday, April 15th,
at East Cemetery in Manchester. To sign an online memorial guestbook visit www.holmeswatkins.com