Éva "Tundi" G. (Gaspar) Lámpert

Éva "Tundi" (Gaspar) Lámpert

Éva (Tundi) Lámpert, after fighting a courageous battle with cancer has gone home to be with her beloved husband, Lexi, and numerous family members on August 30, 2021.  She passed away peacefully at home and was surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor her legacy.  She is survived by her two daughters, Eve Lampert (Klepper), husband Ed and grandchildren, Eddy and Eden; and her daughter Charlotte Lampert (Murphy), husband Bill and grandchildren Richard (predeceased), Will, Julianna and Shannon.

Éva was born in Budapest, Hungary on May 2, 1932, to József and Erzsébet Gaspar.  While employed by Orion Electronics in Budapest, she met Lexi, an engineer, and head of manufacturing.  Love at first sight. They married July 27, 1955.  War broke out again in 1956 and they both lost several family members.  First round of war was with the Germans (1944 WWII).  Second round was with the Russians (Hungarian Revolution 1956).  They witnessed so much terror and grief during their young lives.  Russians “requested” that Lexi become the head of manufacturing at one their facilities that manufactured weapons of war.  Lexi and Éva knew that it would be a betrayal to their country and that they had no choice but to escape their country and leave behind their families if they wanted to live.  The family prepared them for their escape by sewing valuables into the lining of Éva’s coat in case they needed to bribe their way.  A saw was sewn into Lexi’s coat in the event they needed to saw their way out of a train cattle car if they were captured.

By this time Éva and Lexi were pregnant with their first child Évi (Eve).  By foot they headed towards Austria where there were known refugee camps.  They traveled with others during bomb lit night skies for 3 days.  Éva exhausted and unable to take another step, gave up.  The men from the group swept her up and carried her.  They arrived at the border and hid in the thickets.  When they thought it was clear they began to pass through the river and were captured by young Russian soldiers at gun point.  What happened next?  The soldiers put down their weapons and walked away.  Éva, Lexi, and the group crossed over into Austria where they were welcomed.  After a short stay in a refugee camp, they were transported to France.  Not being able to find anywhere to stay (no room at the inn), Father William of Notre Dame (Waziers) took them in.  There Évi was born and baptized.  In return for room and board, Éva would cook delectable meals and Lexi would repair the war-torn church.  The bells of Notre Dame would ring again.  In addition, Father made them promise to bring their children up in the Catholic Church.  They never broke their promise even though they were not Catholics themselves.  Integrity was a huge part of their moral character.

Once having earned enough money, they set sail for the United States on the Liberte.  Just Éva, Lexi, Évi and one hand made suitcase.  They decided to begin their new lives in the Rubber Capital of the World - Akron, Ohio.  Lexi would work and retire from Chrysler.  Charlotte (Sari), daughter #2 was born in Akron in 1960.

In Akron they met many other Hungarian families that became extended family and were loved.  Éva was a proud and dedicated grandmother.  She enjoyed life, loving fiercely, laughing, singing, fiery temper, loved playing cards and Rumi cube with her grandkids.  She loved her cognac, cooking/canning, gardening, fishing, and traveling back to Hungary.  She adored her family, friends, and pets.  Both were hard workers, Patriotic Proud Hungarian Americans, heroic and never giving up.  Éva, Tundi, Nana, Nagy, friend, Mom, Anyuka, you will be sorely missed.  Especially your roaring infectious laughter.  This world will not be the same without you.

“Remember when we were all together at Charlottes house when all the kids were so young?  All the grandkids were together.  You wanted to take everyone to Panera Bread.  The kids looked at you like a deer in headlights.  They were outside in the woods, running around and dirty and they could not fathom giving that up.  None of the kids wanted to go.  So, what did you do?  You threw your hands up into the air and said ‘Okay, SHEET on you, I’m leaving’.  We laughed so hard and that has become one of our favorite sayings.  That is exactly what you did today Mom on August 30, 2021.  We all love you fiercely.

There will be a private celebration of life in Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, donations in celebration of Éva’s life can be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306, www.dogood.t2t.org/give/320847/#!/donation/checkout.

Éva’s family has entrusted her care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Éva’s full obituary, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign her official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.