Obituary of Maria Kecskes
Kecskes, Maria Emma –
It is with broken hearts that the family of Maria Emma Kecskes announce her passing on Thursday, December 17, 2020 at Saint Joseph’s Hospital. Born on September 10, 1933 in Komadi, Hungary, she was a daughter of the late Pal and Maria (Balogh) Koti.
Maria immigrated to Canada from Hungary where she raised her family. She lived on the west side of Saint John until 1980 where she was a member of Our Lady of the Assumption Church. After meeting the love of her life, Charles Kecskes, she moved to Red Head where she spent many happy years. Maria was employed with Sobeys in Fairville and Tim Horton’s, Kane’s Corner. Later she became a member of the CWL, the Cathedral Serving Committee and served as a Eucharist Minister. She also sang in the Cathedral choir and assisted the St. Vincent’s choir director, Father Paulin, in their winning song which was sung in her native Hungarian language. This song placed first, even in the European platform – she was very proud of this. She was also very involved in the Charismatic Movement in the 1970’s. Maria had many interests, including walking, baking, cooking (she loved watching cooking shows), singing and dancing and was known to have a great sense of humour. Above all, she loved her family and was affectionately known as “mom” to everyone. She always had an extra plate ready at the table for those unexpected guests! She will be missed by all who knew her.
Maria will be lovingly remembered by her daughters, Emma Beale and her son, Les Belyea, Lisa Speight and her children, Angelina (Brandon) and their children, Aubree, Jack and Melodie, Chelsea (Alec), Cody, Madison; sons, Les Foldi (Jennifer) and his children, Shelley and Les; Stephen Foldi (Sue) and children, Nicole and Geoff; grandchildren, Joe, Cora lee and Mark; brother, Joe Koty (Kim); brother, Mihaly Koti (Stephen), brother, Danny Koti and sister, Mary Szigeti; many great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews; her lifelong friends, Gwen Galley, Betty Shannon and Julie Goguen; as well as special feline companion, Boo Bear.
In addition to her parents, Maria was predeceased by her beloved husband, Charles; first husband, Lagos Foldi; son, Joseph Foldi; brother, Paul Koti; grandson, Ronnie Evans; great-grandson, Jacob Belyea; son-in-law, Raymond Beale and sister-in-law, Eva Koti; special friend, Joan Toner; as well as special canine friend, Sushi.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424). A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, August 6, 2021, at 2:00 PM from the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 91 Waterloo Street, Saint John. Registration is not required to attend the service. The family will receive guests from 1:30 PM until service time. Interment will take place in Fernhill Cemetery following the service. For those who wish, remembrances in Maria’s name can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of the donor’s choice. www.BrenansFH.com.
