Gizella Varkonda 1919-2024
YOUNGSTOWN — Gizella Varkonda, 104, passed away Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, after a long, fulfilling life.
Gizella was born Saturday morning, Oct. 18, 1919, in Youngstown. She was a daughter to the late Joseph and Suzanna Bennedek Balog.
She attended South High School and business classes at Youngstown College. She also graduated from Petersen’s Business Machine School. She worked for 34 years at Aeroquip Rubber Company with the accounting department.
In 1947, she married Paul Varkonda. Together, they shared 55 beautiful years of marriage until his passing in 2002.
She was a life member of the Hungarian Presbyterian Church, where she was deacon and auditor. She also taught Sunday School for over 20 years and was a member of the choir and the Christian Endeavors. Gizella was often found in the church kitchen, helping prepare the church dinners and baking programs. She was a member of Chapter 14 of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE). She spent many hours volunteering with the American Red Cross, where she was a staff assistant during World War II. In her spare time, Gizella could be found working on her many crafty creations, which included cross stitch, needlepoint and crocheting. Her family will always remember the delicious food she prepared and served at her table for holidays, picnics and reunions.
Gizella is survived by her many much-loved nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Joseph Balog and Alexander “Sandy” Balog; sisters, Mary Bathory and Elizabeth “Betty” Catlos.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hungarian Presbyterian Church, 745 Mahoning Ave, Youngstown, OH 44502; or to Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org/research?form=FUNSETYDEFK.
Calling hours will be 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, with a funeral to follow at 12:30 p.m., at the Hungarian Presbyterian Church, 745 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown. OH 44502.
Arrangements are being handled by Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, Poland. Online condolences may be made at www.beckerobits.com.
(special notice)