Clara I. Pady

Clara Ilona Pady, 85, of Highland Lakes, died suddenly on Friday, January 3, 2020.

Clara (née Bekevari) was born in 1934 in Várpalota, Hungary. Her childhood was filled with fond memories of times spent ice-skating at the Thury Castle and Sunday’s spent visiting her grandparents vacation home at the family orchard. Her life was largely shaped by the events of WWII. At the age of 10, she was severely wounded from the wartime aerial bombings and her younger sister, Gyöngyike, perished from her injuries at the age of 8 as they laid side-by-side in the hospital. In 1956, she fled during the Hungarian Revolution and embarked on foot, making a treacherous journey through miles of forest and river crossings. She eventually arrived safely in Austria where she lived in a refugee camp for several months before boarding a military plane to the United States. She eventually settled in Garfield and lived there for nearly 40 years before moving to Highland Lakes.

In 1962, Clara married John Pady, also a Hungarian refugee who joined the US Army upon his arrival in 1956 and they remained married until John’s passing in 1981. Known for her excellent cooking skills, Clara became a private cook for Dr. Sheriff and his family. Impressed with her knowledge and interest in medicine and health, Dr. Sheriff encouraged her to take courses and become a medical assistant. Once she became certified, Clara worked at his practice in NYC as a medical assistant until her retirement at age 65.

Clara took pride in everything she did and paid attention to detail. She was a fantastic cook and an amazing baker which was a treat to everyone who ate her food. While she enjoyed making all ethnic dishes, her Hungarian food and cookies were her family’s favorites. Her lasagna and cream puffs also left lasting impressions. Clara enjoyed playing her classic 1898 Bosendorfer piano which her parents bought her at the age of 16. Years later, she had it lovingly restored and shipped over from Hungary. She was a talented seamstress and made many outfits for her family throughout the years. Clara was also an avid reader, a passion that she passed down to her family. She loved reading articles on health, education, and food, often cutting out articles and recipes and sharing them with her loved ones. Clara had a true passion for gardening and could be found outside every day once Spring came. She always kept a beautiful garden with vegetables, flowers, and trees. When she moved to Vernon 16 years ago, she converted her yard into a park-like setting, working tirelessly planting flowers and shrubs and building landscape walls. She loved every minute of it.

Clara will be remembered as a strong-willed, warm and caring person who made everyone feel at ease. She was loved by many and was a compassionate person who donated and supported various charities to help others in need.

Clara was a devoted mother to her two daughters Clara and Susan and to her granddaughter Melissa. But her great-grandson, Dexter, was her true pride and joy. Her world and happiness revolved around that boy, and they truly had a special bond. Her face would light up each time she heard him say “Dedi-mama”. She enjoyed teaching him Hungarian words and taking frequent family trips together. The highlight was 4-generations of family going back to Hungary in 2018 where she showed Dexter her family history. She will be missed dearly.

Clara is survived by daughters Clara Fuchs of Highland Lakes and Susan Pady of West Milford; her sister Zsuzsa Dioszegi of Budapest, Hungary; her grand-daughter Melissa Ruffilo and her husband Nick of Fair Lawn, and her great-grandson Dexter Ruffilo of Fair Lawn.  She was predeceased by her sister Gyöngyike, husband John, and her son-in-law Alois Fuchs.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Shriners Hospital for Children.