Elsie C. Vargo's Obituary
Elsie C. Vargo, age 90, formerly of New Homestead (Pittsburgh), passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 14, 2021.
Elsie is survived by her beloved children: Samuel (Amy) Vargo, Catherine (Jack) Lavery, John (Kathleen) Vargo, and Richard (Becky) Vargo. Also survived by grandchildren; Michael (Holly) Lavery, Lynn Ann Lavery, Robert (Katelyn) Vargo, Daniel (Brittany) Vargo, Adam (Carley), Nathan and Jesse (Lilliana). Great grandchildren: Ryan, Cameron, Patrick, Delaney, Connor, Teagan, Logan, Jonathan and Jackson. Also survived by one brother, Frederick, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Samuel A. Vargo, Jr. Her beloved parents, Joseph and Rose Rokoski, and her siblings: Margaret, Rose, Christina, Joseph, Elmer, Edward, James, Robert and Donald.
While petite in stature, Elsie’s presence loomed large as the matriarch of the Vargo clan. Her talent as a great Hungarian cook brought joy to her family and gathered them to her table weekly for Sunday “leves,” a.k.a. Maw Maw’s soup. An immaculate homemaker, she advanced her passion and skill for ironing to a true art, which she was all too happy to share with those less skilled. It’s pretty certain that the Vargo children (boys and girl) were the only kids at Hays School with ironed “gutchies!” Elsie’s motto, “Have iron, will travel.”
In addition to her food, Elsie was well known for her gorgeous afghans and baby dolls donning beautiful crocheted dresses, often featuring the colors, crown and sash of Miss Magyar. Of greatest note are the Christmas decorations she crocheted and gifted to family and friends; many Christmas trees are topped with Elsie’s elaborate angels, including the one in the sanctuary of her beloved First Hungarian Reformed Church of Pittsburgh. She was a legend in the church kitchen, diligently working on fundraising projects that often featured her rice pudding and ceregi. Elsie was an avid sports fan, earnestly cheering on her Steelers and Penguins. The memory her children will cherish always is how happy Elsie was in the arms of her beloved husband Sam, spinning across the dance floor to a favorite polka or Hungarian csardas.
Elsie bravely fought Alzheimer’s for over 10 years. There were some tough times where her spark seem to be gone. But in true “Elsie” fashion, she seemed to always find a way back by flashing her smile. We will never experience that smile again in person, but her strength, her legacy for caring and for spreading joy will live on in our collective memory.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 17, 2021, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm & Thursday, March 18, 2021, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm & 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the JEFFERSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, INC., 301 Curry Hollow Rd., Pleasant Hills, 15236.
Due to Covid 19 Restrictions, a Private Chapel and Burial Service will be held Friday, March 19, 2021, at the Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, 301 Curry Hollow Road, Pittsburgh, 15236.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Hungarian Reformed Church of Pittsburgh, 221 Johnston Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15207, or donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association at https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Events/Tributes-AlzheimersChampions?pg=fund&fr_id=1060&pxfid=672160
Condolences may be shared at www.jeffersonmemorial.biz.
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