Obituary of Judit Tancsa
Judit Tancsa (nee Dobay) passed away peacefully on Easter Monday, April 6, 2026, at St. Mary's Hospital, Kitchener at the age of 90. Predeceased by her beloved husband of 63 years, Mihaly (2016). Loving mother of Michael David Tancsa (Michelle Lewis) and Judith Vivian Tancsa (Robert Switzer), grandmother of Michael Switzer and James Switzer
(Amy) and great grandmother of Julian Dyer Switzer.
Judit valued freedom. As the youngest of 9 children living in a village in prewar Hungary, she was free to explore the natural world, spending endless hours dreaming in the crook of a cherry tree, picking as many wild strawberries as she liked at her grandmother's house. This is a place that she frequently returned to in her mind to find instant happiness. In her teens, she was a star basketball player on the Hungarian National Team, known for her play making abilities which led to Hungary's 2nd place victory at the European Championships in Prague.
In 1956, she had a difficult choice, represent Hungary at the Olympics, or flee during the Hungarian Revolution. Amidst the turmoil, they took their chance and under the cover of darkness they ran across the border to Austria. With thousands of others, they made their way to Canada to build a new life.
Judit found a job as an assistant in the operating room at Toronto General Hospital. Mihaly worked as a surveyor for the City of Toronto. They bought a home in Willowdale and raised a family. Sports continued to play a role in Judit's life, and her team won the Canadian Volleyball Championships in Banff. She had a keen interest in European literature, live theatre and opera. She was the kind person who was always ready to get down on the floor to play with her children and later her beloved grandchildren. She will be keenly missed by all who knew her.
Cremation has taken place.
In lieu of flowers, condolences for the family or donations to the KW Humane Society may be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home at 519-745-8445 or www.erbgood.com.