ROZALIA KOVACS

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ROZALIA KOVACS

(nee KORTVELY)

August 1, 1948 – August 28, 2025

Our deeply loved mother and grandmother, Rozalia Kovacs, passed away August 28, 2025, peacefully at home, surrounded by her family. She died at the age of 77, five weeks after a devastating cancer diagnosis. Mom lived her final weeks in the same caring, loving way she always did, focussing on family and sharing kind words and her warm smile at every opportunity.

Rozalia was born on August 1, 1948, in Hrhov, Czechoslovakia, where she was raised in a close-knit family, strong in their Christian faith and Hungarian culture. Rozalia was the middle child and cherished a special connection with her two sisters, even after she immigrated to Canada in 1969.

Rozalia was 21 years old and a newlywed, when she embarked on a new life in Canada with her husband, Joseph Kovacs. They first settled in Brantford, Ontario and a few years later moved to Winnipeg, where they built their “forever home” in St. Vital.

Family meant everything to Rozalia. She poured her time and energy into her two daughters: Szilvia and Eva, and later her four grandchildren: Zachary, Matyas, Julia and Lukas – who she adored. Rozalia was generous and thoughtful. She was a natural caregiver, always looking after everyone, sacrificing her own comforts for those she loved.

Despite the distance from relatives overseas, Rozalia fostered a strong connection with her family and ensured the bond with them extended to her daughters and grandchildren. She spearheaded many family trips, including her final visit this past summer. Rozalia prioritized speaking Hungarian and ensured her daughters learned the language. She continued passing down this treasured legacy to her grandchildren.

The local Hungarian community was like extended family in Canada and Rozalia was actively involved in many ways. She was part of the Hungarian United Church, St. Stephen’s Hungarian Hall, Folklorama and Hungarian summer camps. She sewed and embroidered costumes for Hungarian folkdance groups and participated in Hungarian community theatre productions.

Rozalia had many friends from all walks of life who valued her loyal and honest nature. She enjoyed cooking, and was great at it, often hosting friends, serving up Hungarian dishes and deserts. There were legendary gatherings inside their small house and out in the backyard during the earlier years with Joseph, and modest get-togethers after he passed away in 2013.

Rozalia worked at Riverview Health Centre for nearly 30 years in catering and housekeeping and enjoyed the friendships she made.

Rozalia was predeceased by her parents, Lajos and Julia and husband Joseph. She will be deeply missed by her children, Szilvia (Joe Kalmar), Eva (Jeff Mager), grandchildren, Zachary Daulat, Matyas Daulat, Julia Mager, Lukas Mager, her sisters, Ilona Hanesz, Julia Pataki and their families and many close friends in Canada and overseas.

A Celebration of Life will take place Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at E.J. Coutu Funeral Home, 680 Archibald Street. Remarks at 2:15 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to CancerCare Manitoba or a charity of your choice.

Te vagy a család tiszta, fénylo napja. Aki a lelkünket folyton ragyogtatja.

(You are our family’s pure, shining sun. The one who constantly brightens our souls.)

E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS

204-253-5086

Tributes: ejcoutu.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 13, 2025