Valeria Szalay

Owner of Valerie’s Drive-In

Valeria Szalay, age 74, of Monroe, died Sunday, April 13, at St Vincent’s Medical Center. Ms Szalay leaves grandchildren Travis Szalay and Ryan Szalay in Sandy Hook. She was the wife of Julius Szalay.

Born in Hungary on April 21, 1933, she was the daughter of Julius and Julianna Horvath Orban. Mrs Szalay was the owner and operator of Valerie’s Drive-In in Monroe. She served in the food industry for most of her life.

Ms Szalay was a Freedom Fighter in the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. She was known and loved by all.

Besides her husband, Mrs Szalay is survived by four children, Julian Szalay, Stephen Szalay, and Susanne Smelzer, all of Monroe, and Aniko Ference of Hungary. In addition to Travis and Ryan, she is also survived by grandchildren Julianna Tomas and Julius Ference, both of Hungary, and Brian Smeltzer of Monroe.

She was predeceased by grandsons Adam and Christian Smeltzer.

A memorial service was held at Monroe Congregational Church on April 17. Interment will be private. Family and friends may send notes of encouragement and condolences to the Szalay family via www.mem.com. Arrangements were in care of Leo P. Gallagher & Son Community Funeral Home in Monroe.

The Newtown Bee        April 18, 2008