Clara Bócsay, died March 29, 2024

Clara Bocsay (nee Böőr) age 87, beloved wife of the late Zoltan; dear mother of Klara Toth and Agi Bocsay; grandmother of Benedek (Christina) and Borbala Moran (Patrick); great grandmother of Emilia Rose; dear sister to Dora Solymosi and Aunt to Aladar and Ethan. Memorial Service was held Sunday, April 21 at 2:00pm at West Side Hungarian Reformed Church, 15300 Puritas Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44135.

 

Clara was born in Debrecen, Hungary on July 23, 1936. Together with parents Böőr Gyula, Derzsy Klára and sister Dóra, Clara spent her early childhood on the Derzsy family’s estate in Gőzhátpuszta. She attended school in nearby Léta Vértes.  Forced to leave Hungary in October 1944, the family escaped to Germany and later emigrated to the US in 1951. Clara and Dora attended West High in Cleveland, during which time they became active in the local Hungarian Girl Scout troop. This was also around the time that Clara met the love of her life, Zoltan Bocsay and were married in January 1957. They soon became the parents of two daughters, Klara and Agi.

Both she and her husband were active in the local Hungarian scout troops for over 40 years, where they served as leaders and advisors. Clara continued to be active for 20 years in the regional Hungarian scouting organization where she held several leadership & executive positions. They loved hosting dinner parties where she showcased her cooking skills. They visited many places in the US, Canada, Europe, Mexico and the Virgin Islands with family and friends. Most cherished were the early summer vacations spent in Chautauqua, NY and later vacations in Walt Disney World together with her girls and grandchildren Bence and Bori. One of the happiest moments of Clara’s life was the birth of her great-granddaughter Emmi, with whom she loved spending time.

She also loved crocheting and knitting, gardening, and spending time outdoors. Clara looked forward to camping at the Sándor Sík Hungarian Scout Park in Fillmore, New York nearly every summer. She was a devout Christian, loyal wife, loving mother, doting grandmother and great grandmother until the end of her days. She passed away on March 29, 2024. Clara will be remembered by many scouts and painfully missed by family and friends.

An article and a video interview in Hungarian may be viewed HERE.