Eszter Maria (Bathory) Papp-Simon

In Memory of

Eszter Maria (Bathory) Papp Simon

January 30th,1938- December 30th, 2023

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother/grandmother Eszter Maria Papp-Simon after her very courageous battle with Parkinsons Disease, on December 30th, 2023, at Shannex, Tucker Hall, Simms Court.  She was born in Hajdusamson, Hungary on January 30th, 1938, and was the daughter of the late Imre and Eszter(Takacs) Bathory.

Eszter fled Hungary with her late husband Miklos during the revolution in 1956 in hopes of providing a safe and better life for her family. She was forced to leave behind her 13-month-old daughter Maria Anna with her paternal grandparents for her safety.  Eszter arrived in Canada with her husband on November 23, 1956 after spending time in a refugee camp. She has always been a courageous and selfless mother/woman even at the young age of almost 19.The family was reunited March 25th, 1963 when her daughter Maria Anna, now 7 years old and her paternal grandparents arrived at the Moncton airport.  She within three months went from a family of two to a family of six. Once again showing strength, determination, and love adding to her family a new born daughter of 3 months, her seven-year-old daughter and paternal grandparents.  Always fearless took on the challenge of caring for the growing family with grace. She was very proud of her heritage but was extremely proud to receive her Certificate of Canadian citizenship on November 7,1962 and most proud to call Canada her home.

Eszter worked at Calp’s clothing store as a seamstress.  After many years of hard work Eszter and her late husband Miklos were proud to open Nicholas Simon Clothier and Custom Tailoring where she worked for over 30 years assisting her husband in the family business. Once again putting others first Eszter began working from home for the last number of years caring for her elderly in-laws.  Eszter was a gourmet cook of Hungarian Cuisine. She loved to create special meals and deserts to share with friends and family. No-one ever came to her home without leaving with a tray of food. She was incredibly skilled and gifted as a painter, embroidering, crocheting, and knitting. She was an avid gardener and loved canning and preserving what she grew.  She had an incredible green thumb. She loved to work with her hands and did not like being idle. Even after retirement she continued seamstress work for her friends and family doing alterations, custom pieces, and during covid sewing masks for almost everyone she knew.  She was a lover of her dear pets and took such amazing care of them they gave her joy.

Eszter was a very proud and elegant lady and had the most beautiful smile.  She loved her Hungarian friends in Canada whom she considered to be family though they were not of blood but of heart. She loved all her friends and her very special friends at Brentwood.  She enjoyed playing cards, Skip Bo, Bingo, and day trips together; these were very special times she spoke of often.  She will always be remembered for her fierce determination. No matter what came her way she handled it with grace as the graceful beautiful woman she was.

She is survived by her daughter, Esther (Craig) Deans, her cherished grandchildren Lauren and Brandon, as well as several cousins and beloved friends. Along with her parents, she was predeceased by her brothers and sisters, her husband Miklos, her daughter Maria, and her grandson Bradley.

A very special thank you to the wonderful nurses and support staff that cared for Eszter like she was family.  Your support will always be remembered and appreciated.

Arrangements are entrusted to Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road (506-646-2424).  In keeping with Eszter’s wishes and that of her family the service will be placed on hold till the spring (May) when remaining friends and family may come together. Please keep checking this obituary for updates on service dates and times. For those who wish, memorial donations for Parkinsons Research Canada, Bobby's Hospice, or the local Humane Society would be appreciated by her family.

God Bless All Those That Loved and Supported Mom