Jolan Sass

It is with heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Jolan Sass, age 89, on the eve of Jan 7th, 2025, with family at her side.

A beautiful spirit and loving wife of 68 years to Dom, devoted mother to George (Lily), and Gabrielle; forever mother-in-law to Bob. A proud grandmother (“Gummy”) to Katelyn (Jesse), Christine, Jamey (Laura), Nadine and Eva; and adoring great grandmother to Curtis, who all remember her as fun, and for making them feel special. Doting and supportive, her family was her greatest joy.

Predeceased by her beloved brother John (Barbara), and half siblings, Ferenc and Evi. She will be fondly remembered by relatives as far as the U.S. and Hungary.

Jolan led a colorful life. She was born in Budapest, Hungary on Dec 4, 1935, to loving parents, Ferenc and Jolan Szantho. She had a happy, privileged childhood, but unimaginable hardships ensued at the onset of WW2.

In 1956, she and her husband, Dom, courageously emigrated to Toronto during the Hungarian Revolution.

They built a beautiful life, grateful for their freedom. They kept sight of their heritage, formed lifelong friendships with fellow Hungarians and with neighbours, and enjoyed a lively social life. In 1966, they settled in Don Mills for 53 years, and in 2019 they moved to Georgetown, closer to family.

In 1974, when her kids were teenagers, she embarked on her next greatest joy - real estate - with H. Keith Limited Realtor, then Royal LePage Signature Realty (formerly Slightham Real Estate), in Don Mills. She thrived in this industry and led it with a passion, work ethic and care second to none, for over 4 decades. She was respected and recognized for this, and was proud of her accomplishments.

Jolan is remembered for being impeccably dressed and coiffed, but especially for her vivacious, warm, and joyful nature; her love for family, friends, laughing, dancing; and for her generous, compassionate heart.

She had a knack for taking people under her wing and making them feel at home.

Preparing delicious Hungarian meals and pastries she learned from her mother and grandmother was a show of love. A favourite was her famous “Gummy cookie”. You never left her table feeling hungry, especially on special occasions where she created lavish feasts of tradition! She made you feel special with how she wrapped gifts and created photo albums with meticulous care and creative detail.

Jolan savoured nature’s beauty and loved to travel to visit relatives in Hungary and Colorado. In her younger years, she enjoyed sewing outfits for herself and her daughter, and costumes for parties.

She was a special soul who touched many lives. Her legacy of love, family and commitment, is forever etched and cherished in our hearts.

Egyettlen Drága Édes Feleségem, Jolika. Egyettlen Drága Édes Mamikánk. Együtt vagyünk örökkre.

Heartfelt gratitude for the love, care and compassion received from staff at Georgetown Hospital CTC, friends and staff at Amica – her second family; Oakville Hospital stoke unit; Jones Funeral Home; family and friends.

“When we lose someone we love, we must learn not to live without them, but to live with the love they left behind”