Ilona Maria Kajari (1943–2025)

Ilona Kajari, a woman of remarkable strength, courage, and unwavering kindness, passed away peacefully after an accident on November 15, 2025, in Red Deer, Alberta, at the age of 82.

Ilona was born on July 7, 1943, in Szeged, Hungary, to the late Kalman and Ilona Szarka. It was there that she grew up under the care of her grandmother (mamika) Eszter Racs and, in 1962, married the love of her life, Josef Kajari.

The Journey to Canada

In their early years, Ilona and Josef made the brave decision to leave their ancestral home to forge a new life in Canada. They arrived with nothing but a suitcase, boundless ambition, and dreams of a better future. Their journey was not without challenge; after arriving, they fought tirelessly to reunite with their daughter, Ildiko Iboya Kajari, who was born March 9th 1964, she was being held in Hungary. Their dedication prevailed, and following their successful reunion, the family settled into building their new Canadian life.

Together, Ilona and Josef embarked on numerous ambitious endeavors, including establishing an art gallery business and a beekeeping operation, and personally constructing their family’s dream home. In 1984, they embraced a complete change of pace, moving to a farm where Ilona found deep satisfaction working with the land, animals all while raising their daughter.

Ilona and Josef cherished the ties to their heritage, returning to Hungary 25 times over the years to visit the family they left behind, a testament to their enduring family devotion. Their life together was a profound example of the wonderful things that can be achieved as a dedicated team, marked by 63 years of marriage.

Legacy and Remembrance

Ilona will be fondly remembered for her deep love of gardening and her extraordinary ability to nurture life—a trait she extended to everyone she met. She possessed an unwavering kindness and a gentle spirit, never having a harsh word for anyone.

Ilona’s passion and endless love continue to inspire her family. She is survived by her devoted husband of 63 years, Josef Kajari; her daughter, Ildiko Iboya Haigh (Kajari), and son-in-law Curtis Dale Haigh. She leaves behind her cherished grandsons, Landon Joel Haigh and Ryan Curtis Haigh, Granddaughter-in-Law Charity Anderson. and her great-granddaughters, Saydee and Anna Anderson. 

In Hungary, she is survived by her siblings, Ida Szeles and Kalman Szarka, and nieces Andrea Szeles and Mercedesz Szeles. She is also survived by her step-son Tibor Kajari and his wife Erzsebet Kajari, and their two daughters, Tunde Kajari and Mariann Papp, as well as numerous extended family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ilona’s memory may be made to the Kids with Cancer Society Central Alberta Cancer Centre, 11135 – 84 Avenue NW Edmonton, Alberta Canada T6G 0V9

Condolences to Ilona’s family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net. Please indicate “Ilona Kajari” in the subject line.

Arrangements in care of

Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service

A locally owned cremation and funeral provider

serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta

587-876-4944