Edit Feher

Edith Fehér (b: Lejdel Maria Edit) was born on February 16, 1923 in Rákospalota, Hungary. She lived her life to the fullest; never, ever giving up, or giving in to life's challenges. Her moto was: "If someone else can do it, so can I". She survived the bombings of Budapest during WWII and the subsequent brutal communist era. She did what was needed to support her family; became an accredited seamstress, a fashion designer, and a certified florist. After technical school, she designed re-enforced concrete buildings. As a reward for her hard work, the government owned company provided her with a small, one room vacation cabin on the Danube River. There, she enjoyed rowing, single shell sculling, and playing bridge all day in the blazing sun during the summer months. Her son often accompanied her on the weekends. In October of 1956 the Hungarian Revolution broke out, but was quickly suppressed by the Russians. Brutal conditions followed and Edith saw no hope in such a future for herself or her son. In December she decided to escape from Hungary. After walking fifty kilometers over five days, always at night, through snow and sleet, she crossed into Austria on New Year's Eve with her nine-year-old son in tow. She walked the last kilometer in her socks because the soles of her shoes fell off. From Austria, her life's journey took her to Canada, in 1961 to Detroit, MI, then to St. Petersburg, FL in 1969. She worked in Tampa as a draftsman/designer on various public and private projects. Eventually she bought a laundromat business with her husband, from which she retired in her mid-sixties. Retirement years were filled with extensive traveling in the American west and Europe, gardening, needlework, picture puzzles, swimming in her pool and sunbathing in her yard. But most of all, she enjoyed her grandson; taking him to Sunken Gardens, and cooking Hungarian dishes for the Sunday Family Dinner. Elaborate feasts highlighted holidays. She was a loving Mother and Grandmother. She was always thankful for the wonderful life she was able to create in America. She is survived by her son George, grandson Andrew and daughter-in-law Debbie. She will be missed by many. Edith with two-year-old son George (1949). Sunday dinner at Mom's. A two-year project; she embroidered this four-foot diameter tablecloth using silk thread.