Isabelle G Pachay

Isabelle G. Pachay, 89, of Decatur, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2022 in Portage, MI. Known as Bèci to family, she was born May 3, 1933 in Hungary, to Làszlò and Gizella Bereck. Isabelle immigrated to the U.S. at age fourteen, and moved from Chicago to Decatur, Michigan after her marriage to Andrew S. Pachay on December 31, 1955. They lived on and operated their family farm through 63 years of marriage.

Isabelle was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother and aunt, and was devoted to her family. She loved flower gardening, following the news, markets and politics, baking, sewing, reading and the company of friends. Her beautiful flower gardens were a reflection of her love of nature. She enjoyed the West Valley Neighborhood Club, New Dimensions, Decatur Study and Library Clubs and was a West Valley 4-H sewing leader. Her stories of growing up in Hungary during WWII captivated many. She always believed that she had a guardian angel, and said that if she had been born earlier, she would have been taken away by the Russians, and had she been born Jewish, the Germans would have taken her. She returned to Hungary for a visit forty-seven years later, and it was the trip of a lifetime. Isabelle also enjoyed many trips in the U.S. with family.

Isabelle spent the last years of her life at White Oaks in Lawton, MI and at her daughter’s home. The family wishes to thank Centrica Care Navigators for their kindness and care in Isabelle’s last months. She will be greatly missed by her daughter Amy (Karl) Pachay-Kish, grandsons Brian and Matthew Kish, son Andy (Amy) Pachay and grandchildren Andrew, Emma and Ellie Pachay, sister-in-law Mary Griggs, nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew S. Pachay, her brother Leslie Bereck, and her parents. She will be laid to rest at Lakeview Cemetery in Decatur. A celebration of her life will take place at a later date in spring, her favorite season.

Memorials in her honor may be made to The Carter Center (www.cartercenter.org) or to the Decatur VFW.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Isabelle’s guestbook and/or share a memory with the family.

The Pachay family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home and Cremation Society, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI 49002. (269) 344-5600.