In Memory of Gizella Kovacs

Obituary

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Gizella Kovacs (aka “mama”), who departed this life on 11/29/2025. Born on 11/20/1937 in Turulung, Satu-Mare Romania she was the daughter of Adalbert and Katalin Szabad.

Gizella attended the local school in Turulung and worked as a seamstress where she met her beloved husband, Karoly Kovacs before she immigrated to the United States in 1979. She continued to work for many years at the Highland Nursing Home in Massena, NY before relocating to Utica, NY. Where she happily retired from St. Elizabeth College of Nursing to be able to spend more time with her family.

Gizella was devoted to her family. She was an amazing cook, whipping up Hungarian heritage dishes such as Goulash, Chicken Paprikash, Stuffed Cabbage (Töltött Káposta) and her children's favorite palacsinta. Of course, the holidays wouldn't be complete without her well known Kiffles, Hungarian Pastry Crescents, Poppy Seed and Walnut Rolls. She loved to knit, crochet, and she was an avid gardener, growing her own mint tea, vegetables and beautiful flowers that adorned her yard. She was a gentle soul and will be remembered for her warmth, resilience, and kindness. She will be sadly missed but never forgotten, her family will forever hold her memory in their hearts.

Gizella is survived by her children Erzsike (Mihaly) Siklodi of Satu-Mare, Romania; Gizella Tephenart (Ron Mcinnes) of Hamilton, Ontario Canada; and Ildiko Monahan of New Hartford, NY. She is survived by her grandchildren Éva Siklodi of Satu-Mare, Romania; Erika (Tibor) Trella of Mἁriapὁcs, Hungary; Meagan (Edgar) Espinoza of Ludowici, Georgia; Daniel Monahan of New Hartford, NY; Patrick Monahan (Emily Clemons) of New Hartford, NY; and Caitlin Monahan (Nathan Brown) of Utica, NY. Great-grandchildren are as follows: Mἁrk Siklodi of Satu-Mare, Romania; Eszter, Marcell, Gergely, Kata, and Teodor Trella of Mἁriapὁcs, Hungary; Jace and Rose Espinoza of Ludowici, Georgia.

Gizella was predeceased by her husband in 1983 and her brother Andrάs Szabad in Baia Mare, Romania.

Gizella's family would like to thank Hospice and Palliative Care of New Hartford for their compassion and care, and all the caregivers at MVHS Rehabilitation & Nursing Center for the care provided including Lisa Holmes and Lisa Anweiler.

In keeping with Gizella's wishes, there will be no formal services. Family will gather privately to bid their farewells to her and she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband in Bixby Cemetery in Norfolk, NY.

In lieu of flowers, please consider adopting a senior at a local nursing home or consider a contribution to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413.

Arrangements are with Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd, New Hartford, NY. 

For online expressions of sympathy go to fwefh.com.