She managed to escape from Hungary during the Hungarian revolution against the Russian occupation and came to the United States in December 1956. Having to leave everything behind, the Catholic Church helped place her and other Hungarian refugees with homes in the Portland area. She then met Francis Hegyi who also escaped from Hungary during the revolution and they were married for over 50 years before Francis predeceased her Sept. 1, 2011.

Gizella worked for 35 years at Jantzen as a seamstress, designer and did some modeling. Gizella and Francis lived in Portland their entire time here in the U.S. They visited the coast often and especially loved the area of Manzanita. Gizella loved gardening, arts and crafts, was always thinking of other people and was extremely kind in her ways.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, April 28, 2014, at Markham House, Portland. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made the Veterans Administration.
Born: February 3, 1927 Place of Birth: Gyor Hungary Death: April 13, 2014 Place of Death: Portland, OR USA Share your thoughts and memories in the guestbook.