Obituary of Helen Szondy

FAIRFIELD, CONN Helen Szondy, age 94, of Fairfield, beloved wife of the late Steven Szondy (forever her Shatzi), died peacefully on November 29, 2020. Helen was born in Hungary and with her husband and parents, immigrated to the United States in 1951, settling in New York City. In 1956, they opened Abbey Richmond Rental Service in Westport, where they lived for decades and raised their family. Helen's drive and entrepreneurial spirit were fuel for the business and were matched by her zest for life and ready-for-anything spirit. Left with treasured memories of Helen are her sons, Steve Jr., of Milford and George, of Fairfield; daughters-in-law, Valerie and Ginny; grandchildren, Elizabeth (John) Heagney, Vicki (Frank Cianciuilli) Szondy, Jennifer (Ryan) Gartner, Kim (Matt) Marsden, and Matthew (Laura) Szondy; and great-grandchildren, Sydney, Henry, and Peter. Her generous spirit was evidenced by the active roles she played in the local Hungarian Community. Many nights with friends ended with sing-alongs of traditional folksongs, her annual brunch following the M.H.B.K. Dinner Dance was the stuff of legends. Helen loved her family above all else, but also enjoyed traveling, was an avid bridge player, and looked forward to summers by her pool. Friends may greet the family on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. in the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, in Fairfield Center. Interment will be held privately at Willowbrook Cemetery, 395 Main Street, Westport. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Ronald McDonald House of Connecticut, 860 Howard Avenue, New Haven, CT 06519 or the Operation Hope in Fairfield, 636 Old Post Road, Fairfield, CT 06824.