Anna S Varga

Anna "Panni" S. Varga, 86, passed away peacefully in her home on August 25, 2026. Anna Szécsényi Varga was born on January 14, 1940, in Novi Sad, Yugoslavia, and grew up in Apatin, Yugoslavia, both located in present-day Serbia. She often shared stories of her childhood during World War II and the challenges her family faced while living in war-torn Europe. These experiences shaped her resilience, strength, and deep appreciation for family, freedom, and perseverance.

She is preceded in death by her parents Ferenc and Rozalia Szecsenyi and her siblings Ilona, Maria and Terez. Her grandson, Lance Griffin Kovacs.

She is survived by four children, Agnes (Matt) Swan of Ivanhoe, Emmy “Amy” Howe of Largo, FL, Esther Kovacs of Aurora and Ernest (Vicky) Kovacs of Serena; three grandchildren, Alexis and Kevin Ware and Harley Kovacs. Her sister Flora Zsumbera and children Gyorgy, Teri and Endre; and beloved family pets, Beanz and Sally.

Anna was a loving mother, grandmother, aunt, and sister whose generous heart touched everyone who knew her. She never hesitated to help family members in times of need and was known for her kindness, loyalty, and unwavering support.

From a young age, Anna dreamed of coming to America. While living in Yugoslavia, she seized every opportunity to learn English, especially by watching American movies. Her dream became a reality when she immigrated to the United States in her mid-twenties, and she proudly became a naturalized U.S. citizen shortly thereafter. She loved America deeply and was especially proud of her Hungarian heritage. Though she built a life in the United States, she never lost her connection to home and treasured every opportunity to return to visit family.

Anna loved to travel and was always eager for her next adventure, whether exploring on her own or making memories with her children and grandchildren. She especially cherished returning home to visit relatives. Throughout her life, she made many trips to the region she had known as Yugoslavia in her youth and later as Serbia. These visits allowed her to maintain close family ties and remain connected to the people, places, and memories that shaped her early years.

Fluent in Hungarian, Anna could read, write, and speak the language with ease. She was an avid journaler who documented her thoughts, memories, and reflections in Hungarian throughout her life.

Anna was a gifted artist with a natural talent for drawing and was highly skilled at sewing. However, her greatest creative passion was crocheting delicate lace-thread doilies. Entirely self-taught, she began crocheting in her pre-teen years and even earned money alongside her sister, Mary, making doilies for local customers. Her intricate creations became her pride and joy, and over the years she built a remarkable collection that she proudly displayed in public exhibitions throughout her life.

She was an enthusiastic reader with a particular love for the history of the United States and Britain, and she took special interest in Hungarian history, especially during the era of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. She enjoyed biographies of royalty, statesmen, and notable women, and she never lost her love of movies and television. Among her favorite films were The Mummy, Aquaman, and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, while House of the Dragon was one of her favorite television series.

Anna was also a wonderful cook who delighted family and friends with her favorite dishes, including palacsinták, csirkepaprikás, chicken soup with chicken liver dumplings, and beef with mushroom sauce.

Though she possessed remarkable strength and determination, Anna also had a playful spirit and a wonderful sense of humor. She treasured every moment spent with her children and grandchildren. One of the family's favorite funny memories was the time she bought a talking toilet toy for her grandchildren, complete with a flushing sound, which they played with endlessly. To her grandchildren, she was lovingly known as "Granny Annie" to Alexis and Kevin, "Oma" to Harley, and "Nana" to Lance.

Anna's life was defined by perseverance, creativity, laughter, love, and devotion to family. She leaves behind a legacy of cherished memories, beautiful handiwork, strong family bonds, and a family forever grateful for the love she gave so freely. Through her example, she taught those she loved the importance of resilience, generosity, and never letting go of their own dreams. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever held in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

May the memory of Anna Szécsényi Varga be eternal, and may her love remain a blessing to all who knew her.