It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Anna Dosztan (nee Fodor), who died peacefully on her 97th birthday on February 19, 2025. Reunited with her beloved husband Janos, to whom she was lovingly married for 41 years before his passing in 1990. Cherished mother to Anna Ocsenas (Jozsef, d.); proud grandmother to Ildiko (Attila) and Steven (Petruschka), and doting great-grandmother (“Jammy”) to Bianca and Nicola. Predeceased by her sister Ilonka Urban (Ferenc, d.) and brother Istvan (Gizella, d.). She will also be lovingly remembered by her surviving brother, Ferenc (Mariska, d.), her nieces and nephews and extended family and dear friends.

Anna was born on February 19, 1928, to Istvan and Anna Fodor in Zsabja, Yugoslavia. She grew up with her sister and two younger brothers. A happy early childhood was soon replaced with fearsome days of oncoming war, ethnic violence and the loss of their beloved father, and then a complete loss of their home and every possession as they were forced into labour camps, never allowed to return to their village. When they finally regained their freedom, the family started life anew in Szenttamás and, at 16, Anna and her sister began working as household servants, as did their mother. Though their days were filled with hard work, there were still occasional dances and social gatherings, and a fateful party where she met the gaze of a smartly dressed, handsome blue-eyed young man. It was love at first sight, and Anna and Jani were married in 1949. They soon welcomed their daughter, Anna. The family faced many challenges in the post-war years of communist Yugoslavia and eventually emigrated to Canada, arriving in Toronto on a very cold February day in 1966, starting life anew once more with nothing more than a suitcase of possessions and a few dollars in their pockets. They did their best to learn English, and find their way around their new home, building a new circle of life-long friends and becoming devoted members of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church.

As their daughter married Jozsef and started her own family in Mississauga, they eventually settled there as well, buying a tidy little house with just enough of a garden to grow a bit of everything, but mostly roses. They took great joy in their role as grandparents, so many family celebrations, so many fishing trips and fun outings. Grandma baked a cake for every birthday and name day, she taught us how to have fun fishing for carp and how to blow bubble-gum and how to flip palacsinta, and always encouraged us to grow tall. It wasn’t long before we stood a head taller than Grandma and that made her grow with pride. She rejoiced in all of our accomplishments.

Finally readying themselves for retirement, life came to a standstill when Janos died in 1990. There were many difficult days, but Anna turned to her faith and remained strong and determined, and ever supportive. New joys came along – trips to Yugoslavia and Hungary, seeing her grandchildren get married, and holding her great-granddaughters for the first time.

Her later years were a little slower as knee and hip problems set in, and a little lonelier as friends and family began to pass, but her outlook was always bright and hopeful. She never forgot a birthday and always had a story. She was always ready with a hug and a kiss, especially for her beautiful great-granddaughters, Bianca and Nicola.

Aided by her family and especially her steadfast son-in-law Jozsef, she continued to live on her own into her 90s. She spent her last years at the Dom Lipa Nursing Home, and we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the nursing staff and PSWs in the K-Wing for their kind and gentle care.

Anna was the keeper of family history, the repository of age-old wives tales, an accomplished cook and baker (never a better almás pite, krémes or sponge cake!), creative cake decorator, homemaker (those perfectly ironed starched sheets!), gardener (her stunning roses and peonies!) and a “plant whisperer” to her many beautiful African violets. Anna had many talents, but hard work, discipline and, a dose of confidence and good humour, devoted love for her family and a strength that stemmed from her deep faith were the key ingredients in the recipe that was her life.

Forever in the hearts of her family and friends, Anna will live on in the stories and memories she has left with all those she touched during her lifetime. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. May she rest in peace, knowing that her love, strength, and legacy will continue to guide us.


Visitation will be at the Turner & Porter, Peel Chapel, 2180 Hurontario St. on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, from 5-8 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be held on at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, 432 Sheppard Avenue East, North York, on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

Interment will take place at Glen Oaks Memorial Gardens in Oakville.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church.