Esther D. Janosy

ESTHER JANOSY (née Demeny), 93, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2026, at her home with her sons and family by her side. Beloved wife of 46 years to the late Frank Janosy. Devoted mother of Mark (wife Trisha "Cuddles"), Sandor "Sonny" (wife Jill), Robert (wife Stephanie), and Joseph (Partner Brian Chewing); loving grandmother of Luke, Benjamin, Alexandra, Lauren, Jonah, Juliana, Olivia, and Josephine; cherished daughter of the late Gabor and Iren (née Loszky) Demeny; dearest sister of the late Gabor and Margaret Demeny; dear aunt of Gabor and Aniko Demeny, Elizabeth and Ference Mihalydeakpal, Esther, Frances, Sharon, Sandy, Susan, Mimi and Julie.

Esther "Esti" was born on December 7, 1932, in Gherla, Romania. She lived a life filled with courage, family, and faith. She often shared a story from when she was 10-how she and her siblings hid in the root cellar while their father bargained with invading Russian soldiers to let the family stay in their home a little longer. That early bravery stayed with her throughout her life.

As a young woman, she completed her mandatory government service in bookkeeping and park service, then celebrated by traveling abroad with friends. When she returned home, she learned her Visa to America had been approved. With only days to decide, and with her father urging her to take the opportunity, she packed up her life, said goodbye to family and friends, and immigrated to the United States in 1965.

When she arrived in the US, she was courted by a family friend who had visited her on occasion in Gherla. A few months later, Esti married her "Mr. Wonderful," Frances John 'Frank' and they started their lives together. Esti went on to have four boys and dedicated her life to her family and feeding those around her.

She learned English through tv soap operas, found community friendships along River Rd, and balanced life in a new country, marriage, and motherhood with both grace and grit. In 1969, Esti proudly earned her Certificate of Naturalization, yet she always stayed deeply rooted in her Hungarian heritage. She recited and wrote down family stories so her boys and grandchildren would know where they were from. When the boys were older, she worked as an aide at Willoughby Eastlake Garfield Elementary School and later as a prep cook at the Harley Hotel. She often went back to Gherla to visit family, and the boys were fortunate to join her in seeing her childhood home and the places she once knew so well.

Esti was a passionate flower and vegetable gardener who grew everything from seeds, meticulously pruned and weeded, and made sure nothing went to waste. She was an incredible cook and taught her boys to prepare traditional Hungarian dishes of Chicken Paprikash, Kolbász, and Stuffed Peppers, and the infamous charcuterie boards greeting late night travelers. She found it truly rewarding passing on her culinary knowledge to her children and grandchildren. She loved baking family favorites such as Kalacs, Spritz Cookies, Kifli, Crepes, and Biscotti. She adored her boys, cherished their wives and partners, and took enormous pride in being 'Nagymama' to her grandchildren. She loved attending her grandchildren's sporting events to cheer them on and joyfully celebrating birthdays and graduations. She proudly took part in two generations of Captain Janosy's U.S. Army commissioning ceremonies.

After Frank's passing, Esti began a new chapter at the Willoughby Hills Senior Apartments. She treasured the friendships she made, the conversations and meals they shared, and the many games of Rummikub they played. She was a long-time member of Hungarian Reformed Church, attending the early Hungarian service. She was a regular volunteer at their fundraisers famous for their stuffed cabbage and kolbász.

Even in her gentle, reserved way, she managed to be a friend to so many, and she had a rare gift of leaving a tender imprint on every heart she touched.

This spring, Esther displayed her courage one final time-choosing to meet her Lord, reunite with the family and friends she had missed for so long, and once more wrap her arms around her Mr. Wonderful. She will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to her family, volunteer work and faith and will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Esther to the Hungarian Reformed Church, 601 Plum Street, Fairport Harbor, OH. Prayers of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 11 AM at the Hungarian Reformed Church, with a private burial following at Calvary Cemetery. The family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Esther AT THE CHURCH on Saturday morning, June 27, 2026, from 10-11 AM.