Our mother and grandmother, Stefanie Hanagud nee Ruben nee Berger, was a strong, independent woman before it was a thing. Stubborn and determined, she was also an eternal optimist and beyond generous with her family. A holocaust survivor, born in the Budapest ghetto in Hungary during WW2, she survived both the Nazi’s and Communists.

After leaving her native land with her family, for Argentina, at the age of 17, she travelled by herself to the United States to marry my grandfather.

Stefanie was a lead pattern maker, a man’s field, in both Argentina and the United States. Turning to education, she graduated college at the age of 52, became certified in Montessori and joyfully taught young minds for many years. Later, she turned her love of plants into a Master Gardner designation in Georgia and was a longtime volunteer at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. Moving to Florida, she found peace and beauty in her garden, her family and her dog.

She loved her diaspora family, while doting on son, Tony, grandchildren Andrew and Jennifer, and later great granddaughter Emma. Stefanie maintained strong and vibrant ties with her sisters, nieces and uncles throughout the world.

We will miss this one-of-a-kind woman, this woman who saw so much, taught so much, and loved so much.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to HIAS of AFSP.

Memorial Service for Mrs. Hanagud will be held Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 10:30 AM at Beth Shalom Memorial Chapel (835 Lee Road, Orlando, FL) with Rabbi David Kay officiating.