Obituary of Maria Domokos
It’s incredibly hard to say our final goodbyes to an extraordinary woman who played such a foundational role in the lives she touched. Loving, generous, selfless, strong, hard working, unforgettable - that was Maria Domokos.
Maria passed peacefully in her sleep on September 6th, 2024, at the Saint John Regional Hospital.
Her life was like a novel. She was born in Fertod, Hungary on March 8th, 1934 to Geza and Emelia Toth, and was one of 7 children.
Even though growing up in Hungary during WW2 was difficult, Maria had a great sense of humour and was very mischievous, always thinking of ways to have fun.
Maria married Imre (Jim) Domokos on May 29th, 1954, in Sopron, Hungary. During the Hungarian Revolution in 1956, Maria, Imre and their 2-year-old daughter Maria escaped from Hungary in the middle of the night in search of safety and freedom. They ended up in Limerick, Ireland where they lived for 2 years in a refugee camp. It was there she gave birth to her second child, Imre.
In 1959, Maria, her husband and their 2 small children arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick with nothing but $25 and what they could carry. Not being able to speak English, it was difficult to find work or communicate with others to secure the basic things they needed to start their lives in Canada. Through their determination they managed to find employment, and once they created a stable environment for their family, they welcomed their 3rd child, Csaba.
Maria worked at several places after her children started school, but it was the Ideal Store where she was welcomed as family and became a fixture in the Saint John community. If you ever shopped at the Ideal store, you’d know exactly who she was. Maria would always greet you with a warm hello and a “how can I help you” in her strong Hungarian accent.
Having fled Hungary at such a young age, leaving her parents and family behind, Maria had great pride and found much joy raising and caring for her young family. This joy was multiplied with the addition of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She truly lived for her family and loved them all so much; children: Maria (Wayne), Imre (Kelly) and Csaba (Judie) as well as her grandchildren: Marisa (Lee), JD (Lesley), Drew (Monisha), Kris, Szeren, Trinda (Cody) and Ethan (Meghan), and great grandchildren: Kalen, Isla and Oliver; sisters: Emike and Gizike; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.
In her final weeks, Maria made sure they knew they each held a special place in her heart and that they would always be with her. Maria would have given anything for her family – that’s the loving person she was.
To say her life was difficult would be an understatement but she persevered. Her failing health over the past two years left her unable to do the things she loved most but we will remember her for the special person she was including her sense of humour, her undying support and her unconditional love.
Maria, you were always and will continue to be the brightest star that shines – we love you and will miss you, but we will never forget you.
You are now reunited with family who passed before you: your husband Imre, your parents Geza & Emelia, your sisters Melinda, Boske, Ponne and your brother Geza.
We’d like to thank the special doctors, nurses and staff at the Saint John Regional Hospital for taking such great care of Maria and for all their support and kindness.
Arrangements are under the care and directions of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB, (506-634-7424). A celebration of Maria will be held on Nov 2nd, 2024, from 2-4 at the Lily Lake Pavilion, 55 Lake Drive, Saint John, NB, where friends and family can come together to remember and honor Maria.
Donations can be made to an organization of the donor’s choosing. Online condolences may be placed at www.BrenansFH.com
