Elizabeth LANG

19 FEB 1936 - 6 AUG 2016

• BIRTH: 19 FEB 1936, Istanbul, Turkey
• DEATH: 6 AUG 2016, Edwardsburg, Cass, Michigan

• MARRIAGE: 21 MAY 1955, Gyor, Hungary

INDEX

[N15147] Elizabeth Pinnyei
Feb. 19, 1936 - Aug. 6, 2016
EDWARDSBURG - Elizabeth “Elly” Pinnyei, 80, passed away at 7:16 pm Saturday, August 6, 2016 in her residence. Elizabeth was born of Hungarian heritage to Lajos and Katalin (Lang) in Istanbul, Turkey. On May 21, 1955 in Gyor, Hungary she married Laszlo “Leslie” Pinnyei. He died on March 10, 2005. She was employed by Milton Home, Tanglewood Nursing Home and the Sisters of Holy Cross and was a member of the Niles/Buchanan Rotary and Our Lady of the Lake Church in Edwardsburg. Surviving are a daughter, Marta (Mark) Makielski of Edwardsburg, a son, Laszlo “Lots” (Debbie) Pinnyei of Elkhart, four grandchildren, Laszlo Pinnyei, Shawn Pinnyei, Laura Makielski and Annie Makielski and a brother, Louis (Julia) Kakuk of Fortine, Montana. Along with many young Hungarians, Elizabeth fled to the United States with her husband and infant daughter to escape communism during the Hungarian Revolution in 1956. They sought and found freedom and opportunity in America, learning a new language and embracing new customs while holding on to the Hungarian heritage they were so proud of. Elizabeth soon discovered that she could make a difference in the lives of the elderly and, until her retirement three years ago, she worked tirelessly to advance the care of those entrusted into long term care. She attended school in the U.S., always while working, first to be an LPN, then a nursing home administrator, a registered nurse, a certified gerontology nurse, and ultimately attaining a bachelor's degree in business administration. In the 70s and 80s she owned and operated Morningside Nursing Home in South Bend where she set a new bar for quality care for the elderly. Her husband's premature disability led to her selling that beloved home but for over 25 years she worked as an RN or administrator throughout Michiana in assisted living and long term care. Elizabeth positively affected countless lives and diligently fought for outstanding treatment of the elderly. Elizabeth's legacy of service is carried on by her daughter, a nurse and nurse educator and son, a high school marketing teacher and mentor. The pride she felt for her children extended to her grandchildren as well, all of whom she loved beyond measure. She maintained a deep, close connection to all her offspring, as well as her brother and his family, shaping their lives with support, stories, meals and - most of all - a complete and unconditional love. The members of the Hungarian community here became her extended family, and she had several godchildren whom she loved dearly. Elizabeth's life was enriched with many friendships. Elizabeth was a devout Catholic and touched many lives in her church community. She enjoyed attending classes and discussions related to faith. She had a love of learning and was always curious and ready for a good conversation. She cooked wonderful Hungarian dishes and maintained an impressive garden, carrying on her own mother's traditions. Meals together, whether at home with family or out with friends, were always a celebration of life and a reminder of all that we should be thankful for. Her knack for recalling details and telling stories in her lovely accent will be greatly missed! A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am Wednesday in Our Lady of the Lake Church, Edwardsburg. Private burial will follow in Highland Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 5-7 Tuesday in the Zahoran Funeral Home, 1826 Kemble Avenue, South Bend. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of the Lake Church or Hospice at Home. To leave an online condolence, please visit our website at www.zahoran.com, or our Facebook page, Zahoran Funeral Home. Published in South Bend Tribune on Aug. 9, 2016