March 21, 1927 - December 3, 2023
In Loving Memory ~
Esther, 96 years old, passed away peacefully at Cedar Hills in Langley.
She was born in Madocsa, Hungary and immigrated to Canada, at the age of 18 months, with her mother and sister, after her father established their homestead in Saskatchewan. Eventually the Szanto family moved to Port Mann, B.C. where Esther remained until she married Michael Matty in 1947. The newly married couple moved to Huntingdon, a small community close to the Canada - U.S. border where Esther gave birth to two sons, Michael and Thomas.
Her life at times was quite stressful. Esther worked at various jobs until she found her "niche" working as a secretary for the Provincial Health Unit followed by the Mental Health until her retirement in 1984.
Everyone who knew Esther, knew that she was the epitome of what a wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great grandma, family member and friend should be. She had the biggest heart and there was always an abundance of love and food to go around.
She had a positive outlook on life, possessed fierce determination, was so quick to forgive and above all was a hardworking self-reliant woman.
Esther had many passions in life such as dancing, travelling to Hungary, RVing, gardening, knitting, making cabbage rolls, noodles and soups. The biggest "loves in her life" were her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren with whom she enjoyed the priceless gifts of joy and laughter.
Her favorite sayings were "honey it is what it is" or "make sure you chew your food". The latter proved evident, in those times it took her an hour or more to eat her meals at Cedar Hills.
Esther is predeceased by; her 2nd husband of 27 years Frank Zomar; her 1st husband of 27 years Michael Matty; parents John and Sophia Szanto; sister Sophia Dennis; grandson Derek Matty; son Leonard Zomar and grandson Jeff Hagon.
Esther is survived by her brother John (Barb); sons Mike (Georgia), Tom (Maria), Frank Jr. (Soc), Mark (Mavis); daughter-in-law Kathy; grandchildren Erin, Carrie (Nadine), Rosie (Ryan), April (Danny), Andrew (Vanessa), Kimberly (Trevor), David, Mike (Breanne), Laurie, Sharon (Don) and many great grandchildren.
We, as family and extended family, are all so blessed to have had Esther in our lives. She will always have a special place in our hearts.
Thanks to the Cedar Hills Staff for their kindness and compassion while taking good care of our mother.
As per Esther's / mom's wishes there will be no funeral or memorial service.