Magdolna "Magda" Halasz

Magda Halasz, 95, passed away peacefully at home on December 16. Born in Dunakiliti, Hungary in 1929, Magda was a loving mother, fantastic cook and baker. 

She was the oldest of 7 children. Magda met her future husband Stephen in Budapest and they were married on May 24, 1953. Their first child Stephen was born the following May. Later that year, they escaped communist rule during the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. Magda was pregnant with her second son George when they emigrated to the United States leaving their families behind. After settling in Albany, New York they found a better life, and two daughters, Maria and Eva completed the family. Along with other Hungarians who became “family,” they learned a new language and developed a sense of community. They became lifetime members of the Hungarian General Benevolent Society in Schenectady. 

 Magda was a stay-at-home mom, who took great pride in her exceptional cooking and baking skills. She would spend hours cooking Sunday dinners, and loved to see her family enjoying her delicious meals. Holidays were a special time to showcase her baking, particularly her walnut and poppyseed Kolacs and Linzer cookies. These memories hold a very special place in the hearts and desires of her family. Once her children were older, Magda became a janitor at SUNY Albany. She retired in 1981.

Her children and grandchildren meant the world to her. She took great pride in their accomplishments and spending time with them brought her great joy. Magda especially loved babies and shared a special connection with her first great-granddaughter Vesper this past summer. Magda was very complimentary toward others, and known to bring humor and laughter into conversations. 

 Magda was devoted to her husband Stephen, who passed away in 2007 after 53 years of marriage. Two sisters and a brother are also deceased, while three sisters remain in Hungary. She is survived by her sons Stephen Halasz of Valencia Spain, George (Kate) Halasz of Scotia, daughters Maria Halasz of Albany and Eva Halasz of Los Angeles. Her grandchildren, Marlaina Halasz, Cliff Halasz, Breanna Dees (Garrett Carroll), Toast Halasz, April Halasz and Brook Halasz (Max Shearwood) and great-granddaughter Vesper Sherwood will miss their loving Nagymama.

 The family would like to thank Community Hospice of Albany for their kind and compassionate support, especially Stephanie Wilson, RN and Wendy Somers. 

 Visitation will be Friday December 20, from 4 to 6 pm. at New Comer Funeral Home at 343 New Karner Road Colonie, followed by a memorial service at 6 pm. Interment will take place at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery at 10 am on Saturday December 21. 

Memorial contributions in Magda's name may be made to The Community Hospice of Albany, 445 New Karner Rd. Albany, NY 12205. To leave a special message for the family visit NewComerAlbany. Com.