The family of Elizabeth Kugyelka, 83, announce with profound sadness her unexpected passing on March 21, 2024 in Victoria, BC. Elizabeth was born to Hungarian immigrants Jim & Mary Vidok. She grew up on a farm in the Breton area, attended school at Funnell and Breton High Schools, and married John Kugyelka in 1958. They settled on a farm located ½ mile from where each grew up. Over the next 55 years, Elizabeth worked alongside John and developed their land into a thriving family farm. Additionally, she worked away from the farm at the Breton M & M, and eventually partnered in opening the Village Variety Store in Breton.
Elizabeth was a passionate gardener and shared her knowledge, as well as abundant harvest of fruit, vegetables & flowers, and won many awards at local agricultural fairs. She liked to keep busy and was an avid crafter & sewer. In her later years, her passion was making quilts which have been shared with friends, family and her communities, and she enjoyed meeting people through involvement in several quilter’s guilds. Elizabeth valued her participation and the friendships she made through the Breton Royal Purple, Breton Historical Society and life-time association with the United Church.
Elizabeth was the proud mother of 3 children, and together with John, taught them the value of hard work, dedication and integrity. She valued her heritage and exemplified the frugal and strong work ethic of her generation.
In 2015, Elizabeth and John settled in Sidney, BC. She became involved with her new community, while continuing to cherish her memories and maintain close ties with her many long-time friends from the Breton area. Her penmanship was extraordinary and she loved to keep in touch with handwritten letters.
Elizabeth is survived by her children, Sandra (Dan) Rochon, Douglas (Stacey) Kugyelka and Janet Kugyelka (Kevin Hodgson), grandson David, and step-grandchildren Ian & Farleigh. Pre-deceased by her much-loved husband John, in 2018.
Interment will take place at the Breton Cemetery at 1:00 pm on Friday, April 5, 2024 with reception to follow at the Breton Community Center, Breton, Alberta.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the CNIB or charity of your choice.
We express our sincere gratitude for the exemplary and compassionate care provided by the Emergency Responders in Sidney and the staff at Victoria General Hospital.
We will miss her dearly.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Wendy Hildahl
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Cheryl Black Elizabeth was an active member of St. Paul’s United Church in Sidney and we benefitted from her life long experience of faith and her willingness to lend a hand in activities. She was interesting to visit with and had many stories of the farm life she and her husband shared in Alberta. She missed John terribly when he died and I hope their spirits are now reunited in whatever ‘next life’ looks like. For her life among us and her many gifts and talents we give thanks. We send our sympathy to her family and celebrate with them Elizabeth’s life – well lived and much loved. Sincerely,
Rev. Cheryl Black and the St. Paul’s United Church congregation, Sidney.
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tricia C Awww what a sweet lady! (She bought my mother-in-law’s place in Sidney, kept up the gardens ROYALY ❣️)
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Gerry McQuade Elizabeth was a very good person and a wonderful neighbour. She welcomed me and made me feel right at home when I moved into this community a few years ago. She was a good cook and readily shared her home-made goodies with all of us. May she Rest in Peace.
Elizabeth was a valued member and friend of the Heart & Hands Quilters Guild in Drayton Valley.
We were all very saddened to hear of her passing and offer our sincere condolences to Elizabeth’s family.
Rest in peace Elizabeth,
Love from your friends and members of the Heart & Hands Quilters Guild