ROZSA

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ROZSA and JANOS BODA Our Mom and Dad, Rózsa (Parádi) and János Boda died tragically on January 5, 2017 in Cuba. We miss them more than words can say, but their story of love for each other, for us, and for family and friends lives on. Dad was born in Pincehely, Hungary on January 3, 1967. Our dad lost his mom, Irma (Szoke), when he was 14 and his father József Boda in 2003, leaving Dad and his two younger brothers (Zoltán and Tamás) to grow up quickly. Dad knew that education and hard work were essential to survive and so he earned his degree in Computer Science in Dunaujvaros, Hungary. He immigrated to Canada in 1991. He earned his advanced diploma in Geographic Information Systems at Red River College and his Certificate in Management at the U of M, while working to support himself and his family. Dad compelled us to think the same way about the importance of education, pushing us (lovingly) to be our best. "I ask a lot of you," he would say, "because I want the best for you." He also inspired us to be leaders and although he infused in us a dogged persistence to be independent, his softer voice said repeatedly, "I got you; I got your back." Of course, this team approach went right out the window when it came to fly fishing- because then, it was all about him! Our family vacations were often planned around the best fishing spots and, as a member of the Manitoba Fly-Fisher's Association, he travelled everywhere to pursue his passion for fly fishing. He instilled this passion in others by setting up a fly-fishing day camp for youth through the Association, teaching them both skills and patience. However, his greatest passion was our mom. Mom was born in Tirgu-Muresh, Romania on June 15, 1965 to Rozália (Gyepessy) and Levente Parádi. Her family moved to Szolnok, Hungary in 1978. She grew up with two sisters, Emoke (Pásztor) and Tünde (Mészáros) who tell us that mom has always found ways to express herself creatively. As a young girl, she loved ballet, folk dancing and playing piano. She was a good student and possessed a special gift in learning other languages including French, German, Russian and English. Just as dad remained close to his brothers all his life, so did mom remain close to her sisters. Though they lived in different parts of the world, they always made the time and effort to stay connected. She was especially close to her mom, and nearly fainted with joy when dad flew her to Canada to surprise mom on her 50th birthday. Mom always dedicated herself to the care and development of others. Summer vacations from school and university were spent working in local hospitals in Hungary as a therapist until she graduated as a teacher in 1986 at the University of Eger in Hungary. After moving to Canada in 2000, she obtained her Certificate in Education from the U of M and accepted a teaching position with Prairie Rose School Division. Teaching was her passion and she loved all her students. In her bedroom still hangs a wrought-iron frame on which she hung the small gifts and ornaments she has received from her students over the years. She treasured them all. However, her greatest passion was our dad. The day mom and dad met, it was like the stars collided; they instantly knew they were made for each other. Dad was already living in Canada and mom, although sad to leave her beloved family in Hungary, joined him because they both knew Canada could offer a better life for their soon to grow family (us)! They sacrificed for us, provided for us, and guided us. Mom was a gentle and kind soul. She was genuine, non-judgemental and fun loving. But she had a competitive side and when she played games or squash with dad, she played to win. It drove dad crazy because they were both competitive, but she usually won - one way or another. "Whatever the boss wants," he would say as we tried to get a yes out of one of them for something we wanted. (A "no" from each of them, meant "no" - always.) As we grew as a family, Mom's creativity spilled into making hand-made cards and beautiful memory books that would be the envy of even the best crafter. We were a close family. Little did we know we would never see them again when we said good bye as they headed to Cuba to celebrate dad's 50th birthday. While in Cuba, Mom was having some chest pain. This week, someone from the resort hotel texted us. He wanted us to know that while mom and dad were waiting for the ambulance to transport mom to the hospital, he was touched by this loving husband by his treasured wife's side, reassuring her not to worry about his birthday, their holiday or anything else. Those were their last tender moments and it touched this gentleman's heart. This was the power of our mom and dad's love. Mom and dad will continue to touch hearts even though they are no longer with us. Will Rutherford shall always remember being a captive audience to our dad's stories and the nod of approval when he asked for his daughter's hand in marriage. The students at Carmen School will always remember mom's hug, because she insisted, children always needed them. Dad's co-workers at Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation will always remember his persistence and determination to get the job done. We will always remember the best parents in the world. Thank you Charlene and Brent Rutherford, for opening your hearts to our family, giving us comfort and for taking care of us through all this. Thank you uncle Zoltan Boda for coming to Canada to be with us during our time of need. Thank you, Auntie Sandra, Uncle Arch, Auntie Elaine and Uncle Zoltan Csupak for your love and caring through all this and for bringing our families together and honoring mom and dad's wishes in overseeing all the details and responsibilities that come with a tragedy. Our parents loved you and so do we. And thank you to the Canadian Consul, the media and our many friends and relatives who have helped us in so many ways. - Forever yours, Veronika, Bettina and Martin Boda Funeral service will be held Saturday, January 28, 2017 11:00 a.m. at Westworth United Church, 1750 Grosvenor Avenue at Lanark Street. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in support of the family to TD Canada Trust, Account No. 66347 004 6335627. 204-586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 21, 2017