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Katalin Csigi

January 1, 1927 — February 7, 2020

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Memorial Mass

The Church of St. Paul

Saturday, February 15, 2020

Starts at 10:00 am

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Katalin Csigi

Katalin Csigi passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 7, 2020, at the age of 93. Born Katalin Kollat in Csongrad, Hungary, on January 1, 1927, she lived an eventful life, surviving WWII and its aftermath, the brutal occupation of her country, first by the Germans, then by the Russians.Because of their participation in the failed October, 1956, Hungarian uprising in which freedom fighters attempted to overthrow the Soviet-backed Communist regime, she and her husband, Kalman, were forced to flee for their lives with their two children, 7-year old Katinka and 4-year old Kalman.

They arrived in the United States as refugees with absolutely nothing.Their courage and resilience enabled them to overcome the barriers of poverty, isolation, and having no knowledge of English.Like so many other immigrants, they worked tirelessly, motivated by their desire to give their children every opportunity, including their son, Karoly, who was born in 1960. They were very proud when, as a family, they became naturalized Americans in 1963.In addition to providing her family with an exceptional and loving home, the vibrant and energetic Katalin worked at several jobs, eventually retiring after 20 years from the John Hancock Life Insurance as a senior underwriter.Her career there was a source of pride, as were the multiple awards she received for administrative innovations.In 1987, after a marriage of 42 years, her beloved husband, Kalman, died at the age of 72.Five years into her widowhood, Katalin reluctantly bid farewell to her lovely home in Malden where she and Kalman had built a beautiful garden, and she moved to the Maples, the 55+ community in Wenham.There she indulged her passions for traveling and learning, her lively mind and curiosity propelling her many interests.Sadly, her mind fell victim to a stroke-induced dementia in the past few years.While the illness could not rob her of her enjoyment of life or her humor, a fall the day after Christmas led to cascading health issues that resulted in her death while under hospice care.

Katalin is survived by her children, Katinka and her husband Gary DesGroseilliers of Melrose, MA; Kalman of North Conway, NH; and Karoly of Wenham, MA, as well as her grandson, Kalman of Worcester, MA.Katalin will be interred in a private ceremony on Thursday, February 13, in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett, MA, alongside her husband.There will be a memorial mass for her on Saturday, February 15, at 10 am at The Church of St. Paul, 50 Union Street, Hamilton, MA 01982, to which all are invited.

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