Was there ever a more loving, exuberant, loyal, beautiful friend? I don't think so!
There is a vast hole in the universe today.
Betty Blume
Ildiko would search for a thought or idea, expressing it in a roundabout way that encouraged the rest of us to join her in refining and elucidatIng it, uniting us all in engagingly creative discussions about matters we were fascinated by and cared about deeply. I hope if there is an old fashioned sort of Heaven she is having a good laugh with my mother, who preceded her there. Mimi Watt
So grateful to have known Ildiko Szabo, through Memorial Church, performances at Youville House, and wonderful conversations in between. She radiated joy, fun, genuine interest and encouragement and a refreshingly honest take on people and the world. We need more Ildikos in this life. My thoughts and prayers are with the family as you mourn, celebrate and remember this shining soul.
I love how Ildiko looked at everything with deep appreciation. Her eyes said it all. Thank you, Ildiko, for coming into our lives hears ago at Harvard Memorial Church. In the last few years, thank you for encouraging and guiding me to work for people who are older, (Little Brothers, Friends of the Elderly, Boston, says thank you). Beautiful person & beautiful soul.
A beautiful soul has left us far too early. Ildiko's thoughtfulness, kindnesses and the depth of her faith and intellect will never be forgotten. Church, lectures, ballets, theater will never be the same without my dear friend. Condolences to David, Megan, Peter, Chelsea and her grandsons. Audrey Senior
Ildiko always searched for meaning and looked beneath the surface of the obvious. She was driven by a strong ethical impulse. Two questions she asked about matters personal and communal were "What are we supposed to do?" and "What is my role?" She talked about community and she built it, within her family, among her friends, at work, and at Harvard Memorial Church. Also, she was fun!
Ildiko turned proximity into community. She had a wide and deep understanding of what it meant to be in community and care for others. She always searched for the greater meaning of things, and her particular purpose. We miss that smile that lit up a room because she radiated from within. She is missed dearly.
Such a warm, beautiful, and kind woman. I first met Ildiko at Peter Gomes' house when we both had new babies. We watched our children grow at Memorial Church on Sundays. Ildiko could be counted on for a kind word, a friendly smile, and thoughtful comments. Ildiko seemed vibrant and ageless always.
Ildiko was all about love: love
of family, love of friends, and love of God. She was able to radiate happiness because she was truly authentic. No pretenses! I looked forward to our weekly “tea and walk“ and will miss a dear friend who, after 35 years, became more like a sister. Our last conversation confirmed that love never dies. Blessings to her family always.
Ildiko was a ray of sunshine!
While Ildiko has passed far too soon, the person she was and memories we created will live with all of us forever. Thinking back to the times I've spent with Ildiko brings a sense of comfort and calmness. Being around Ildiko meant being surrounded by love and happiness. This is something I hope to pass on to my family and loved ones in the spirit of Ildiko.
The first thought that pops into my head when I think of Ildiko is a bright, shining light. No matter if you were someone who may have met her for a moment in passing or knew her for a lifetime, Ildiko was sure to make a warm and everlasting impression. Her love and goodness surrounded her and everyone’s life she touched. I feel blessed to have had her in my life and will never forget her.
Ildiko brought deep compassion for her fellow humans wherever she went. And she was kind enough to wear it on her sleeve and show it on her face so we could all learn by example. In her role at The Art Connection, there were countless moments when we turned to our ”moral compass” for her love and wisdom—and we knew all would be well. Her friends at The Art connection will miss her dearly and hold the time we had with her in our hearts.
As she did with everyone, Ildiko often spoke of her love of her children and grandchildren. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family as you mourn your loss and celebrate her legacy.
My last communication with Ildiko was an email from her on what was to be her last day. She was very excited about her fourth grandchild, due in November, and the message was classic Ildiko. I didn’t answer it that day, because, after all, what was the hurry. Forty-two years of friendship, and forever to go...
My friendship with Ildiko started 42 years ago. We were introduced to each other by one of her relatives from Hungary. She helped me through a very trying period with her warmth, kindness, wisdom, generosity and deep humanity. Besides being one of my beloved friends, she is also the best imaginable godmother to my daughter. Good bye, Ildiko, you will remain in a special corned of my heart.
Ildiko was my speech teacher at the Little People School in Newton when I was just two years old. I always say that she is the reason I can talk. I’m now a Spanish teacher. We kept in touch through the years and she was at my wedding too. I’m so sorry to hear of her unexpected passing. She was an amazing human being who helped so many people. May she Rest In Peace.
CAROL MARTIN
Student
Ildiko and I worked together at Children's hospital. I had brain surgery when I returned to Korea. Luckily I got over my brain hemorrhage and returned to work at Mass General Hospital. Ildiko helped me every single point like my mother. She taught me how to use transportation as well as all kinds English written documents. She was amazing! I never never forget her smile and her eyes. R.I.P
Ildiko cared for my mother Jun at Youville House. She was a warm soul who provided care with a humanitarian spirit that was uplifting within an institutional setting. I am so grateful for her support and love at a challenging time. She uplifted those around her. Ildiko - thank you for showing us how to live and love.
