Vera Baranyi
Passed on: October 19th, 2018
During the early afternoon of October 19, 2018, Vera Baranyi, wife of the late Paul Baranyi, passed away in the company of some close friends at MacGillivray Guest Home, where she had been a resident for over four years. She was 95 years old.
Vera was born in Hungary and was the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (Mecho) Malik.
Vera trained as a seamstress in Hungary and she also worked in the accommodations industry. She was primary caregiver for her mother during a prolonged illness until her mother’s death, a difficult event followed closely by the sudden death of her father. The turmoil of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution had Vera flee her homeland to a refugee camp, from where, after a period of time, she immigrated to Canada.
As a young woman in her thirties, starting a new life in a new land was challenging. One evening, she invited a friend, who took along her boarder, to supper. The friend’s boarder was a young man, also from Hungary, named Paul. From that chance meeting, Vera and Paul went on to build a relationship that lasted over 55 years.
Vera was employed in numerous work places, most notable were the General Instruments Plant, Snow White Cleaners and Oak Hall, all in Sydney. Her skills as a seamstress, however is what she became most noted for. She was sought after to make wedding and prom dresses and to make alterations on women’s and men’s clothing. It was not unusual to have her husband, Paul, who was a professional photographer, be taking pictures at a wedding in which Vera had made the gowns. Her skills in fancy needle work are well known also. She gifted many with her artistic needle work. Almost all the dresses Vera wore, she made for herself.
Vera was as good in the kitchen as she was in the sewing room. The smells of her delicious Hungarian cooking and in particular her Hungarian pastries, were a delight to the senses. Her creative talents overflowed into their yard on Grandview Street, where the assortment and arrangement of flowers and plants were visually stunning.
As a couple, Paul and Vera were inseparable. They loved to travel as Vera would accompany Paul as he coached soccer throughout Nova Scotia. They travelled with friends over Canada and the United States and returned many times to their homeland of Hungary.
Vera’s thoughtful, friendly and helpful ways made it easy for her to build relationships. She had many groups of friends and wonderful neighbours with whom she travelled, worked, played and celebrated. She valued her friendships greatly with all those still here and sadly missed those passed on. Each of us who knew Vera recall the life adventure we shared with her and now remember her as the beautiful woman she was. The deep love she shared with her husband, Paul, continued beyond his death, as a day did not pass that she did not express how much she missed him. May all of us find comfort believing that they are now happily reunited.
Vera would want to acknowledge the support of her Hardwood Hill neighbours, her many longtime and more recent friends and anyone who shared their time to visit with her. The loving care given at the MacGillivray Guest Home was comforting and family-like. She always praised the hard working staff there.
Cremation has taken place. Funeral services will be held 10 am Saturday, November 3, 2018 at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel; Rev. Paul Murphy will officiate. Reception will be held at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel followed by interment at Forest Haven Memorial Gardens.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.twcurry.com in lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Vera may be made to the Salvation Army, the MacGillivray Guest Home or charity of choice.
