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Jolan (Joly) HUSZAK, 87, of Nelson died December 13th, 2016, after a long battle with Dementia/Alzheimer’s. Jolan was born on May 2, 1929, in Sarospatak, Hungary to Joszef and Jolan Pasztor. As a young girl her life was filled with music. Her father played the piano while Jolan and her sister, Olgie, sang duets in church and school. Her beautiful alto voice would bring pleasure to many as they heard her sing throughout her life. Dancing also brought her great joy. Every chance she got she would be twirling to the popular tunes of the times, singing along with her favourites.

Being very creative, art was important to Jolan. She drew and painted as a young girl. She was so good at it that one of her friends, who was not an artist, would have her do her art projects while she did Mom’s math. Mom said she would never have passed math without her help.

Her desire to create was shown by her many beautiful needlepoint pictures she made for her home and family. She also kept her family warm by wrapping them in knitted and crocheted sweaters and blanket.

Jolan married Laszlo Huszak on October 23rd, 1947. In 1948 they welcomed a son, Laszlo Albert (Laci) into their lives. Later he was known as Laz, to his Canadian friends. Then, in 1953, a daughter, Judit Ilona was born. Communism brought great hardships to the young family. The Hungarian Revolution, in November 1956, brought an opportunity to escape communism and start a new life. After six months, in Salzburg, Austria the young family was able to move to Canada. The Canadian Immigration officer told Laszlo and Jolan, “I am sending you to the most beautiful place on earth, Nelson, British Columbia.” Jolan and Laszlo raised their two young children and lived the rest of their lives in Nelson. They were forever grateful to that gentleman for sending them to this wonderful place.

Jolan worked for many years at Mount Saint Francis Hospital, first in housekeeping then in the kitchen. She enjoyed her years there and spoke fondly of the friendships she had made there.

Jolan was predeceased by her parents Joszef and Jolan; brother Zoltan; sister Olgie; her husband Laszlo and son Laszlo (Laz) A. Huszak. She is survived by her daughter Judit Guderjan (Dan); daughter-in-law Marsha Mackie (Bill); grandchildren Leanne Marshman (Blaine); Heather Jones (Pat); Michael Guderjan (Megan); Scott Guderjan (Kelly) and four great grand children, Leah and Avery Jones and Ethan and Olivia Guderjan.

There will be a private family service at a later date. Many thanks to Dr. Janz and the staff at Mountain Lake Seniors Community for the wonderful care given to Jolan during her last years of life. On line condolences may be expressed at www.thompsonfs.ca.



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