Mary Szechenyi Zichy

mary zichy
Mary Szechenyi Zichy, of Asheville, passed away at the Solace Center on October 16, 2013, after a short illness. She was 88 years old. Mary was born in Hungary, immigrated to the United States and then to Asheville in 1949. She was a long standing member of The Basilica of St. Lawrence where she served as President of the Ladies Altar Society for many years. She was an avid gardener, enjoyed knitting and needlepoint. She is survived by Thomas, her loving husband, who together just celebrated 65 wonderful, happy years of marriage. She leaves behind four children, Andrew Zichy and his wife, Susan, Bernadette Pack and her husband James, Charles Zichy and his wife Beverly, Doris Grether and her husband Tobias; 13 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren; two brothers, Laszlo Szechenyi of Florida, Matthew Szechenyi of South Carolina and one sister, Susie Kramers Bondy of Asheville. Following a brief prayer service, the family will receive friends from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. on Monday, October 21, at Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, October 22, at 10:00 a.m. in The Basilica of St. Lawrence with Very Rev. Wilbur Thomas and Rev. C.Morris Boyd, D. Min. officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Basilica of St. Lawrence, 97 Haywood St., Asheville, NC 28801 or to the John F. Keever Solace Center, PO Box 25338, Asheville, 28813. Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road is assisting the Zichy family. The memorial register is available at grocefuneralhome.com.

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  1. Dear Tomi bácsi, Andrew and Susan, Bernie and James, Charlie and Beverly, Doris and Toby, Susie, Matyi, and all the grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Please accept my most heartfelt condolences for your loss. As you grieve know that Bence and I are remembering you and honoring our fondest memories of Etti néni.

  2. Dear Tom, Doris, Toby, the boys and family,

    Our office was saddened to learn today of the loss of Mary. She was not only a patient for 30 years, but a good friend, who brought gifts of needle point, birthday and Christmas presents for each of our staff. A very sweet, soft-hearted soul. We will truly miss her seeing her once a month.

    Rest well, my friend.

    Your beloved chiropractor and staff

  3. Dear Tommy, all my nephews, nieces and their families, please know that I mourn the departure of my dearest sister, Etti with the deepest sense of loss which words can’t possibly express. She has always been my favorite older sister since my early childhood, and there is no limit to the gratitude I feel for all she has given me ever since I can remember. May she rest in the eternal peace and gratification which she so richly deserves.

  4. Andrew, please accept my condolences for the loss of your mother. I know it has been many years since we had contact. B. C. and I spent 20 years in Irmo, SC, and then moved to Zephyrhills, FL, in 2005. B. C. passed away on our 33rd anniversary, June 3, 2011, and I returned to this area two months ago. I still remember the years we worked together at American Enka. My prayers are with you and your family.

  5. Thinking of all of you across these miles. It so hard to let go of someone we hold so dear, but having those wonderful memories will keep a smile in your heart, knowing how much Mary loved each one of you.

  6. Dear Andrew, I’m very sorry to read of your mother’s death. She was always very nice to our bunch when we were in her home and always smiling. My mom has been gone for 13 years and it’s still difficult living without her love and support. Your mother will continue to live in your heart and will never be forgotten. Love, Lisa

  7. To Bernie and all of the family, I am so sorry about the loss of your mother. It is a sad time for all of you but know she is not sick any more and in a better place. My heart and prayers are with you all.

  8. Dear Tomi bacsi, Andrew and Suzi, Bernie and James, Charlie and Beverly, Doris and Toby,your children and grandchildren, Suzi neni, Laci bacsi, Matyi bacsi, You are all in our thoughts and prayers. I will never forget Etti neni’s unconditional love every time she stayed with us when Mami and Papi were away. Our Heavenly Father has called another angel, a precious soul, to live forever in eternal happiness with Him and His Blessed Mother. Love, Beatrix, Kati, Istvan, Krisztina, es Anti

  9. Dear James, Bernie, and Family,
    We’re so sorry about the loss of your Mother. May God Bless and keep each of you in His loving hands.May He encourage your heart and fill you with peace. Our prayers are with you during this time of need. We love you and may God Bless You. With Deepest Sympathy,
    Phil, Gail, Hannah, Zach
    Gary, Denise, Issac, Sarah,
    Levi, Mary Grace
    Ted and Barbara

  10. Dear Tomi,Bernie,Andrew,Charlie,Doris and your loved ones.
    I will miss her for the rest of my life, as she was so close and similar to Lia and your Grandmother
    The best Wife and Mother, all three of them.
    I wish I could be there with you and hug and love.
    But I still do and always will.
    Gyuri

  11. Onward to a new journey of the soul. its not a loss. we will all see each other again one day. She has just moved on to the next stage of the soul. Stay strong. Love. -Hans

  12. To ALL Etti’s family (and there are so many of us!) I send my biggest hugs and love. I wish I could be there to share the tears and share the celebration of her amazing life with you. Some of my fondest family childhood memories were Thanksgivings at the Zichy’s with Etti neni back and forth from the kitchen, always calm, smiling, welcoming and attentive to everyone, even through all the hustle and bustle. I’m so glad I got see Etti neni when I visited Asheville last winter. I will miss her… love, Dominic.

  13. Doris, So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. My Mom went to Heaven almost 2 years ago, so I know your pain and sorrow. Just wanted you to know that I remember our time together in high school. Hope you can make the reunion. Would love to see you. My prayers are with you and your family.

  14. I first met Etti at a Thanksgiving dinner in her beautiful home. I remember feeling overwhelmed by the large number of people, and Etti checked on me regularly to see how I was doing. My favorite thing about Etti was she always spoke what was on her mind and in her heart. Zichys (and Packs, and Grethers, and Szechenyis) may your hearts be comforted by fond memories of Etti during this time. With so much love, Dayna

  15. Doris, Bernie, Andrew and Charlie, I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She was my godmother and I very much enjoyed her visits as a young girl. She would come to care for my siblings and me when my parents were away. She made us wonderful grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup, a childhood memory I have never forgotten. I so enjoyed seeing her at the family reunion in Virginia 8 years ago, and Skyping with her and your father last Thanksgiving at my parents’ house in Florida. She looked amazing and still had her beautiful smile and wonderful laugh. She will be dearly missed and I pray she is resting in peace with our Father in Heaven. Much love, Andrea

  16. My Prayers and Deepest Condolences to all the Family.

    May God help you through these difficult times and His love remind you that you beloved Mary is now with His angles in heaven.

  17. Praying for comfort and peace for everyone from God the father in this sad time of loss. I will always remember Etti-neni’s sweet warm smile and kind personality. She was a gift to all who knew her.

  18. Dear Tomi Basci, Doris, Bernie, Andrew, Charlie, and families,

    Jane’s and my heart go out to you these days and we feel your sorrow. Some of my fondest early childhood memories were the times we spent with Etti Neni and you in Asheville. I am lucky to have such wonderful aunts, uncles and cousins. I hope you take solace in each other and in the memories of life with her. We are sorry we cannot be there today but hope to see you soon.

    Lots of love,

    Feri and Jane


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