Good morning. We hope you are enjoying the first day of spring in Canberra. For those people interested about who Irma was, we have copied the eulogy that was read at her funeral by one of her Grandsons. It provides an insight into the life of Irma and the hard work she went through with her family to make it to a better life in Australia.
November 12, 1999 –
My grandmother, Irma Palasics was born in the small village of Haloje in Hungary on the 13th December 1925. As part of a large family of eight children (five boys and three girls) often around the dinner table it was a matter of first come first serve. Being a girl she had to learn quickly to ensure she got her share. She grew to become a bit of a tom boy never one not climb a tree, fight with the neighbourhood boys or blow up frogs with straws.
Christmas was nothing like what we have today. Grandma would shine her shoes and put them out and find walnuts left by St Nicholas on the next day. She grew up caring for her brothers and sisters as her mother worked along side her father in the fields. Across the road a boy caught her eye who was later to become her husband in 1947. Gregory provided for his wife by being a skilled cabinet maker and joiner. In 1948 a newly arrived daughter Elizabeth was born much to her delight and later in 1956 they were blessed with another daughter who was named Irma, after her mother.
1956 marked the year of the Hungarian Revolution and was a significant turning point in her life. She was urged to take her family and leave Hungary as soon as possible before the borders would close. After much persuasion on her part she convinced Gregory to leave everything they owned and cross the border – the day before the borders closed.
Their move was a struggle as they had to work for their board and keep. A major decision was taken to emigrate to a unknown country called Australia. Irma packed their few possessions and the family boarded a ship and set sail across the water to the place that would be their new home.
The family’s new life was not easy. They had to adjust to a different environment and learn a new language. With little assistance they had to establish a new life for themselves. They moved from the migrant hostel at Bonagilla near Albury to Queanbeyan to help establish the new capital city of Canberra. Seizing the opportunity of obtaining a block of land in Hamlyn Crescent, Narrabundah Irma worked along side her husband cementing and laying the foundations of their new home.
Work on the house had to be done in the evenings after working a long day of cleaning. They lived in the garage of the house until it was completed. On completion they sold the house and bought a block of land in Sprent Street, Narrabundah and again started the long tiring task of building a new house. This was followed by another sale and purchase of a block in Pelsart Street in 1962 which was to become their much loved home until this year.
Her family prospered and grew. Liz and Irma married and produced a crop of boys. Grandma loved and cherished each moment she spent with her five grand children especially around the family table. Grandma was alway generous with her time and always cared for us when we were sick. She adored her grandchildren and surrounded herself with photos of us.
Grandma was a well loved member of the Hungarian Community. As a founding lifetime member of the Hungarian Australian Club she contributed towards establishing the Hungarian community as an important cultural group within Canberra.
In more recent times, grandma had to deal with difficulties including grandpa’s health, and personal upheavals which lead to them moving to a new home.
For me the special moments I will treasure the most in my heart include:
- her generosity and capacity for love;
- family get togethers at Christmas and Easter with her special chicken soup;
- her care for me everyday of the school holidays and her patience with having Lego spread though out the house; and
- nursing me when I was sick.
Today we celebrate the life of Grandma whose life was cut short in such tragic circumstances.
Her life was one of sacrifice for the family and one of friendship and warmth for all she knew. As we are gathered here we remember her family and friends who cannot be here today. Especially her brother Micky in England and her relations in Hungary.
She will remain in our hearts ………… forever.