Vilma (Szerényi) Makra

Vilma Makra (née Szerényi) died peacefully on December 8, 2017 in Bloomingdale, IL at the age of 88.

Vilma was born on December 17, 1928 in Gelénes, Hungary to her parents, Imre and Rozsa Szerényi. She emigrated to the United States in 1956 during the Hungarian Revolution.  She married Emery Makra of Szeged, Hungary who was a gifted carpenter and fencing contractor. They enjoyed a loving marriage in Westmont, IL until Emery’s death 1979.

She had a deep love for flowers, plants, birds and the beauty of the natural world.  Working until the age of 74, Vilma found joy working with plants and people for the last 20 years of her career.  Vilma was also a gifted crafter who loved sharing homemade jam, soap, herbal crafts, crochet and plants with her many, many friends.

She is survived by her daughters Edith Makra and son-in-law David Kusnierz; Martha Makra Graziano and son-in-law Tony Graziano; a son George Makra; and her grandchildren Sean Makra and Lindsy Gross.   She was preceded in death by her husband Emery and her sister Margit; and brothers Tibor and Győző.

Vilma’s life will be celebrated among friends and flowers on Sunday, January 14, 2018 from 3:00 - 7:00 PM at the Oak Park Conservatory, in Oak Park, IL. All friends are welcome to attend.  Tributes of flowers and plants are welcome. Friends unable to attend may make a contribution to America in Bloom to honor Vilma’s love for flowers. Vilma's final resting place will be at Clarendon Hills Cemetery, 6900 S. Cass Ave, Darien where friends and family will meet on Monday, January 15, 2018 at 10:00 AM for her urn interment.