Fraternity-Testvériség, 2008 (86. évfolyam, 1-3. szám)

2008-04-01 / 2. szám

Margaret Gitta Starzinsky

(June 11, 1928 - October 25, 2006)

Margaret Starzinsky was bom on June 11, 1928 in Budapest, Hungary, to Karoly and Anna Csepreghy. She had two older sisters, Katharina and Anna. Margaret began dancing when she was 7 years old and it became apparent at a young age that she had a remarkable talent for dancing. She became a solo prima ballerina by the time she was a teenager and she danced for many years in the Hungarian Royal Opera House. She was also a talented singer and was an actress in several German movies, including one with Johannes Heesters, a famous Dutch actor, singer, and entertainer. Her stage name was “Gitta Csepreghy.” Her talents brought joy and inspiration to many people, especially her proud parents.

In July of 1954, she married Steven L. Starzinsky and they had one child, a daughter, Christina. In November of 1956 when the Hungarian and Russian Revolution began, Margaret, with her 18 month old child in her arms, led a group of 40 frightened people to the border and safety, stumbling and falling as bullets flew by them. Margaret and her husband and daughter made it to Austria where they were helped by Americans. They were flown to New York on a C130 jet. They stayed in Camp Kilmer until New Year’s Day, 1957, when they decided California was the place to be.

In California, while caring for her family, Margaret performed ballet in the Greek Theater, Hollywood Bowl, and Pasadena Civic Auditorium, and she also taught ballet. Throughout her dancing career, Margaret was always humble and believed that she should share her talents and

her faith and love in the Lord Jesus Christ. In her later years, she completed her CNA and Homecare nurse training and worked until 1999, always sharing the word of God with those around her and caring for the needy. Even as her own health began to fade, her courage and strength was an inspiration to all she touched by her presence. As her daughter, Christina, said, “She always had a beautiful smile, never allowing any negativity and knowing that all things are possible with our Lord Jesus Christ. She always cheered me up.”