KATHERINE BARCZA

On December 28, 2024, Katherine Barcza, wife of the late Josef, passed away in Toronto at the age of 103. She was predeceased by her parents Marton and Maria, and her sisters Susan and Eva. She is survived by her four children: Katherine Gilday, Peter (Constance), Leslie (Erika), and Margaret Mercer (the late Todd); one grandchild Zoe, two nieces, two nephews, several grandnieces and grandnephews along with many beloved friends. After emigrating in the early 1950s from Budapest, Hungary, Katherine and Josef lived in Montreal, Toronto, Woodstock, and Scarborough. After Josef's passing in 1960, Katherine single-handedly raised her four children in the same mid-town Toronto home where she lived for 60 years with the support of her children until weeks before her death. Katherine loved Canada and kissed the ground upon returning from holiday. She was a clothing designer, an artist, and at the age of 47, went to OISE in preparation for becoming a special education teacher. She subsequently taught in Etobicoke until her retirement at age 65. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada (heartandstroke.ca). There will be a private interment. A memorial and celebration of her life will be held in the spring. Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.