Gabriella Zsófia Borbás
1954 - 2025
Gabriella Zsófia Borbás
1954 - 2025
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1954
DIED
2025
Gabriella Borbás Obituary
Born in 1954 in Budapest, Hungary, Gabriella grew up in a close-knit family alongside her sister and parents. From an early age, her outgoing and social spirit shone brightly-she made friends easily, welcomed new experiences, and encouraged others to grow alongside her.
Gabriella's passion for learning and teaching led her to earn master's degrees in Russian, French, and later in English, and she dedicated much of her career to inspiring students as a language professor. Even after retirement, she continued sharing her gift through private lessons, enriching the lives of countless learners.
In 1979, she married her husband Sándor Nagy and together they built a loving family, raising a son and a daughter. Gabriella was a devoted mother who gave selflessly to her children, filling their lives with care, warmth, and opportunity. She cherished family time, whether traveling together or enjoying simple moments close to home.
Ten years ago, Gabriella moved to the United States to be near her beloved grandchildren, later becoming a proud U.S. citizen. She embraced this new chapter with the same openness and love that had defined her life, continuing to teach and pouring her heart into caring for her little ones. She also became a beacon in the Indianapolis community she made her second home, joining Zion Evangelical United Church of Christ, volunteering at the Immigrant Welcome Center, the Eiteljorg Museum, and the Indiana State Museum, and actively participating in various neighborhood groups. To her grandchildren, she was not only a grandmother but a source of joy, guidance, and unconditional love.
Her passing was unexpected, and she is survived by her husband Sándor, sister Ágnes, son Bálint, daughter Zsófia (André); and grandchildren Ian, Tímea, László, Zeke, and Zoltán. She was preceded in death by her parents László and Gabriella Borbás.
Yet Gabriella's life was one fully lived-a life of generosity, adventure, and love. She made the most of every opportunity, touched countless lives, and left behind a legacy of kindness and connection. She passed peacefully, with her two children by her side holding her hands.
Visitation for Gabriella will be from 10-11am on Saturday, October 4th, 2025 at Zion Evangelical United Church of Christ (603 N New Jersey Street Indianapolis, IN, 46202), with a service of celebration for the life of hers starting immediately following at 11am. The service will be conducted by the Rev. Jonathan T. Basile.
Details about the celebration of life taking place in Hungary will be shared upon request.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name may be made to Eskenazi Health Foundation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Barbara Nohinek-Zee-Cheng
October 13, 2025
Gabi meant so much to each of us, and she touched us all in different ways.
To me, she was a constant and faithful friend, as well as a wonderful neighbor. We met at a neighborhood event a few years ago, and from the very beginning I felt an immediate connection-like I had known her forever. She had a way of making people feel comfortable and welcome, and I quickly felt at ease around her.
Not long after we met, she began inviting me into the many activities that she loved. Her first suggestion was to join her at the gym, where she faithfully worked out three times a week. She loved to read, and she brought me to the neighborhood book club, introducing me to new neighbors. She loved films, and she introduced me to the Heartland Film Festival. On a moment´s notice she would be ready for a walk through the neighborhood. She was an enthusiastic bicyclist, riding everywhere, or-if not on her bike-traveling around the city by bus to run her errands.
She loved music, and together we went to Opera in the Park and Jazz in the Alley. She loved languages, and she loved teaching them. She even tried to teach me Hungarian, and together we practiced French. She once even invited us to visit her home in Hungary.
Her generosity was boundless. Her curiosity was inspiring. She embraced life with open arms, and whenever a new opportunity or invitation came her way, she often answered with her simple, joyful response: "Why not?"
Thank you, Gabi, for the gift of your friendship, and for your shining example of how to embrace life, and to say "Why not" to new challenges and experiences. We will remember you always.
Susan Hoffman
October 3, 2025
I met Gabi when she joined the neighborhood book club 3-4 years ago and I recognized her adventurous spirit right away. We shared a love for performing arts and went to the theatre, modern dance, and the cabaret together. We spent time in her backyard sharing stories and getting to know each other. She taught me to make Goulash and Paprikas. She would bring me "good" paprika when she went home to Hungary and would remind me to always add twice the amount as I think I should. She turned me on to Hungarian authors, though not always good ones. She led an interesting life, born and raised during the Soviet era. She was quite accomplished and lived a lifetime before I met her. I admire that she moved to the USA so late in life, uprooted herself to be near her children and grandchildren whom she loved so much. How courageous to move to a foreign land with a foreign language (even though she was a linguist) and a dramatically different culture. She engaged with her community here in Holy Cross, she adapted and thrived. I know she missed her family and friends in Budapest, I hope Sandor, Agnes and all her people back home know how much we will miss her.
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Germaine Michel
September 22, 2025
Gabi will be greatly missed. I will miss the conversations we've had; especially when we spent a summer together enjoying our grandchildren. Gabi's soft countenance and calmness always made me feel welcomed. I thank God I had the chance to meet her. Keeping the family in thoughts and prayers. Love, Germaine (Gigi)
Sidonia Nicolae
September 21, 2025
Gabriella was an extraordinary and genuine woman, and connecting with her was always effortless and engaging. Her remarkable qualities made her not only a great educator but also a fantastic grandmother. I will miss her lovely and authentic personality greatly, and I am grateful that our lives intersected. Knowing her has truly been an honor. My heart goes our to her family and all who loved her.
Sándor Nagy
September 20, 2025
Our friend Olga writes: , . . . .
Mohamed Elmakki
September 19, 2025
My deepest condolences to the family. Wishing you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Suzanne Brume
September 18, 2025
Gabi was a lovely woman, and her kindness shone through in every interaction. I really pray that the legacy she has left provides strong comfort to Balint, Zsofi, and the rest of the family in this really painful time. She will be fondly remembered.
Suzanne.
Kim
September 18, 2025
To the entire family: May your hearts soon be comforted and filled with cherished memories of the joyful times you shared, as you celebrate a life so beautifully lived.
Kishah Michel-Laforest
September 18, 2025
Gabi loved with all her heart. Even extending her love to my children who are cousins of her grandchildren, Ian and Zeke. We felt the love. She will be greatly missed. Her memory will live on through her kindness and love for others Receive our condolences from the Laforest Family.
Marti Feichter
September 18, 2025
Gabi was a compassionate, smart, nurturing, strong, and adventurous woman. She was also a phenomenal cook, kind friend, and great educator. (If it were not for her teaching me the bike trails, I would probably still be lost.) I am grateful for having been a friend. I hope her unconditional love for family and the many memories help as a way for Zsofia, Balint, and grandchildren to cope with their loss. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers. Marti
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