Mary H. Berencsi, 87, Caterer
Mary H. Berencsi (nee Gelencser), age 87, of Lorain died on Friday, February 9, 2001 at Anchor Lodge Nursing Home, Lorain, following a lengthy illness.Born on January 1, 1914, in Somogy Megye, Hungary, she was brought to Lorain by her parents when she was 6 months old.
She worked as a self-employed caterer for many years. Prior to this, she worked as a cook for Meyer Goldberg's, DeLuca's Place in the Park, and Novotny Catering. She also worked at Water Works Dept. of Lorain City Hall and General Industries of Elyria.
Mary was a member of the Hungarian Reformed Church, Lorain, where she was a member and past officer of the church board, member of Consistory of the church and charter member and past officer of the church Sick Benefit Society and Federal Credit Union. She was also past president of the United Church Women of Lorain, past president of the Busy Martha Guild, past treasurer of the Hungarian Council of American Citizens, member of the Hungarian American Citizens Club and member of the Lorain Democratic Women's Club.
She was well noted for her chicken paprikas and stuffed cabbage dinners. Her interests included cooking, reading, and crocheting. She was very active in various community services and managed the festivities of Hungarian Day for over 20 years. She also was a cook for Church of St. Peter Rectory, Lorain.
She is survived by her 2 sons: Jesse of Solon, and Zoltan of Caledonia, MI, 3 daughters, Marlene Codron, of Ft. Wayne, IN, Shirley Branyi of Parma, and Illona Clark of Vermilion., 9 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband: Jesse in 1957, parents: Geza and Maria (nee Chapin) Gelencser, sister : Stella Jakob in 1980, and 2 stepbrothers: Joe and Paul Grunda.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, February 11, 2001 from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. with prayer services at 6:30 p.m. in the Dovin Funeral Home, 2701 Elyria Avenue, Lorain. Friends will also be receive don Monday, February 12, 2001 from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at 11:00 a.m. at the Hungarian Reformed Church, 3036 Globe Ave., Lorain. Rt. Rev. Dr. Zoltan D. Szucs, pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Lorain.