Colleen "Connie" Cecilea Ungarian

In Loving Memory of Colleen “Connie” Ungarian

July 15, 1930 – July 14, 2025

Heaven gained a faithful servant with a generous heart when Connie Ungarian left this world on July 14, one day short of her 95th birthday. Connie never liked to be late for anything, so leaving her family a little early allowed her to celebrate in heaven. Connie’s life was built on hard work, unwavering love, and countless acts of kindness — often freshly baked and delivered with a smile.

Born in Ispas, Alberta in 1930, Connie’s family moved to the Peace country, settling in Dixonville when she was one year old. In her teen years, the family moved to North Star. The eldest of three girls, she learned the value of hard work early, helping run the family hotel and restaurant while her father served overseas in WWII. At sixteen, she married Alex Ungarian and they began building a life together on their farm in Hawk Hills. They were blessed with Shirley in 1946, June in 1951, and Diana in 1967. Summers were spent farming, winters in bush camps with Connie cooking for crews, often far from her young daughters. No matter where she was, her heart always turned toward home.

At 38, Connie became a widow after Alex’s tragic death, and she was left to raise three girls and keep a farm running. True to her nature, she didn’t falter. She went to work as a nursing attendant at the Manning Municipal Hospital, where she faithfully cared for others for 24 years. In all of her roles in life, Connie was the caregiver, ensuring people were taken care of with love, food, cards, photos and gifts. She was also a lifetime, devoted member of the St John’s United Anglican Church.

Connie rented out her farm in Hawk Hills to a neighbour, Ben Dechant, and over the years their business relationship became a lifelong partnership. They continued to farm together for over 30 years, until they retired and moved into town full-time. Bennie and Connie were a well known couple, and together they poured themselves into community life: volunteering at the museum, driving the seniors Handi-Van, and attending most community events. Their love story, built quietly over more than 50 years, was one of deep affection and steady companionship.

Connie’s cookie jars were always full — her shortbread was legendary, her chocolate chip cookies eaten by every kid and adult in the Manning area. Connie’s cabbage rolls, beet rolls, perogies, and pies nourished generations. At Christmas, she prepared dozens of trays of homemade baking — ensuring that every nurse on every shift, every department at the hospital, and all her friends received not only treats, but handwritten notes.

Her gardens — often four or five at a time — were lush with life and care. Her diary, faithfully kept from the age of 26, was a treasure chest of memories. She recorded weather temperatures, staff rosters, community milestones, and tender daily details that might have been forgotten, if not for her pen. Many people asked Connie questions – and she would go to her diary and get them the answers!

One year, Connie was crowned Klondike Kate at Manning’s version of Klondike Days, an annual Manning community fundraiser. She walked in every walk-a-thon to raise money for swimming pools and arenas. She was always very supportive of the local fundraising efforts. Every Christmas a large jar of shortbread was offered up at the church “Cookie Walk” and people would buy tickets to try and win that huge jar of delicious cookies.

Connie lived by example: give what you can, be kind, and keep the cookie jar full. In the words of her granddaughter, she was “the glue that held the family together.” Affectionately known as “Auntie Connie” to generations of young people in Manning, she was the kind of woman who didn’t need a spotlight — her light already shone in every corner of the community. In every cake she baked, every note she wrote, and every kind gesture — Connie planted seeds of love. And now, her love has come full circle, blooming in the way we live, give, and remember.

Connie was predeceased by her husband Alex Ungarian, and grandson Darin Bieraugle. She leaves a legacy in her beloved family: partner Ben Dechant, daughters Shirley (Larry) Bieraugle, June Reimer, Deana (Trevor) Fredrickson; grandchildren Shelly Blais, Jennifer (Randy) Stumpf, Alex (Cole) Beier, Kelly Fredrickson (Brett); great grandchildren Mason (Shae-lynne) and Alanna Blais (Braden), Keaton (Montana) and Nolan Schneider, and Brynlee Beier; and great great grandchild, Delilah Blais; siblings Angela (Con) Wolonsky, Dennis (Michelle) Herbison.

If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to Manning Palliative Care (PO Box 1260, Manning, Alberta T0H 2M0) or St. John’s United Anglican Church Memorial Fund in Manning, Alberta (PO Box 395, Manning, Alberta T0H 2M0)

A Celebration of Connie’s Life will take place at the Manning Ag Hall on Thursday, July 24 2025 at 2:00 PM.

Care entrusted to Peace Valley Funeral Home, Peace River (Kristi Heck) 780-835-3306.

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