Obituary of Ilona Kish

Ilona Kish, age 94, passed on Saturday, March 16th in Fairfield, Connecticut with her son Andrew by her side.

Ilona was known for her generous spirit and her unshakeable resilience. Originally from Mohács, Hungary, Ilona survived unfathomable conditions during World War II and worked in a defense factory as the rest of the city evacuated. Ever faithful and romantic at heart, Ilona found her match when she met the humble and humorous Andrew Kish. The two started a family and raised daughter Ilona “Ica” and son Andrew in Pecs, Hungary. There, Ilona used her steady hands to paint gold onto fine porcelain at Zsolnay headquarters. She remained fond of the delicate and unique art pieces throughout her life.

More hardship arose with the advent of the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. The Kish family was forced to abandon their home and cross the border to Yugoslavia for safety. In various refugee camps over the course of the following year, Ilona kept her family close as her husband cooked for fellow refugees and the family tried to keep their spirits up. The opportunity to come to the United States arose and the Kish family immigrated to the Bronx, New York. Ilona worked hard to provide for her family, learn English, and embrace life in America.

Later, Ilona moved to Fairfield, Connecticut to live with her daughter’s family and care for her grandchildren. Ilona loved traveling and took numerous trips to far destinations, such as Egypt. She appreciated learning about great art and world history. Ilona cared deeply for animals, often rescuing sick or injured wildlife and nursing them back to health with dedicated gentleness. Ilona’s cooking was unparalleled. When one tasted her dishes, they tasted the history of a woman who was long accustomed to nourishing and caring for loved ones. Later in her life, Ilona found great joy keeping company with her neighbors at Sullivan-McKinney Elder Housing.

There, she celebrated birthdays, assembled complex puzzles with her puzzle partner, and kept a garden. Ilona was grateful to have the opportunities she found in America and cherished her friends and family above all. She took many opportunities throughout her 94 years to tell her loved ones just how essential they were to her.

She is survived by her son, Andrew Kish Jr., her grandson Steven Kish, his wife Loan and their son, Ethan, her granddaughter Andrea Ngu and her husband Cam, her grandson Andrew Kish, and her granddaughter Rebecca Ruth Kish. She is predeceased by her husband Andrew Kish Sr. and her daughter Ilona “Ica” Horvath. 

Calling hours will be held on Friday, March 22, 2019 from 10-11 a.m. in the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, in Fairfield Center. Interment will be held at 2:15 p.m. at Woodlawn Cemetery, Webster Avenue and E. 233rd Street, Bronx, NY 10470. To order flowers online, for travel directions, or to sign her guest register, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com