Magyar News, 1997. szeptember-1998. augusztus (8. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1997-09-01 / 1. szám
Pearl Kiss Maraczi 1924-1997 Services for Pearl Kiss Maraczi were held at the Calvin United Church of Christ in Fairfield Saturday, June 28, 1997. Father Robert Nemeth and Reverend Bela Poznan gave a sermon. Erik Shandrowski read a poem he wrote about his grandmother and Dorothy Daruka, Pearl’s friend gave an jlogy. Music was provided by Carolyn Bruno, Juliette Gilliam. Julianna Poznan, Dr. Marie Kiss, Howard Ham. and vocal soloists were Betty Bodnar and Krisztina Beres. Dorothy Daruka. a dear friend to Pearl Kiss Maraczi, was asked by Pearl to write and recite the eulogy at Pearl’s funeral. The following is an excerpt of Ms. Duruka's words: Pearl celebrated life by the life she lived. Peart wav our friend. We rejoice that she was here for 73 years, making us laugh and helping us cry. Who can forget? How she loved to talk! How she could dance! Some people tap their feet to the sound of music, but her whole body lapped and moved as soon as she heard the very first beat! Who could forget? How she loved her church, and her faith ful service as its organist. Who can Jórget her spirit, the spirit that energized everyone the moment she came onto the scene. With that ever present twinkle in her eye and that great big laugh, she was the original "Huncut". Who can forget the grape arbor and hours she spent with family and friends enjoying food, fellowship and fun. These were the early "Pearl's Parties" followed by the now famous Pearl's Parties which took hundreds of people on bus trips, dinner theaters and cruises. We will never forget how proud she was to be an American first, but ALWAYS A HUNGARIAN. Pearl, you gave new meaning to the words, "Positive Attitude", and your life was defined by the words: Faith, Hope, and Love. Your faith in God was steadfast. Your faith in mankind enabled you to see only the best in everyone and never allowed you to be critical, negative, or judgmental. Your hope wav unwavering. You understood the unconditional love Jesus talked about. You also experienced love from your first family - your parents and three sisters, then from Paul and your children and grandchildren, from vour church family and then from your extended family when vou became a widow. Then came Bill and vet another family. Together, you and Bill packed so much love and life into the seven years you shared as man and wife. 73 years! It sounds like a lot when you say it that way, but when someone loves life and lives it to the fullest each day, fór someone who seems even bigger than life, we just want her to stay. Pearl has danced the dance of life; she has lived it well. She was our friend, and we will miss her. Csókolom! FATHER ROBERT NEMETH REMEMBERS The filled church at Pearl Kish Maraczi's funeral gave testimony to the life of Pearl. R was almost unfair of me to give only a five minute homily. How could I say all I needed to say about this lovely lady and touch upon those special phases of her life that made her special to each one who knew her? When I entered the church, I was greeted with a tableau of personal photos that highlighted Pearl's life. The pictures portrayed her love for her church, the family, and her friends. Although the Calvin Umted Church of Christ was her spiritual “homebase,” she felt equally at home in the parishes of St. Emery and the Holy Trinity Byzantine Catholic Church. Her musical ability opened many doors to express her ecumenical love of her Lord, “that someday they all may be one.” Pearl’s family included her extended family through her marriage to Bill Maraczi. It was Pearl who showed in a most wonderful Hiding in the back of my nick-nack drawer, Where receipts and phone numbers go to rest, There lies a pencil. A normal, wooden, number 2 pencil. Its point is dull, but it looks nearly new, Its color is yellow and On its side reads the words, "Pearl's Parties," In simple black ink. It is on days like today, When the world seems to turn With no reason and certainly no rhyme. That I pull out that simple, yellow, number 2 I Pencil And I remember her: I Her white with blue polka-dots — copyright by Erik Shandrowski Page 8 PEARL’S PENCIL by Erik Shandrowski Travelling dress, her smile, her Laugh, and the occasional guilty Grin after frustration slips Accidentally from her mouth in a Family game of Uno. But, In that grin I see her spirit. For Pearl (Nagymama) was a party, Or rather, she made life, for all Those around her, a party. It is her beautiful, soaring spirit That I will miss most. I think. Perhaps, that the world will be A quieter, less colorful place Without that spirit. Indeed. I Cherish each memory of her. God, grant me a life with half The strength, gentleness, love, And laughter. And 1 shall not want. Instead I shall dance, As Pearl danced, Through smiles, through tears, through life. / can still hear the wav She would sing my name At each greeting. 1 And I hope she can Hear me now I As I sing out hers. I And I hope she knows That I still pull out that fellow, wooden, pencil And smile. #
