Catherine Ranky Szabo passed away on March 26, 2026 at the age of 83. She was the only surviving child of Maria and Bela Ranky of Budapest, Hungary. She was the loving wife of 39 years of the late Cornelius (Neale) Szabo and the devoted mother of Christine, Caroline and Susan, and mother-in-law of Sean, Ed and Rich. She was the proud grandmother (Nagymama) of fourteen: Brian, Robert, Connor, Thomas, Melissa, Jessica, Olivia, Zachary, Alexander, Julianna, Nicholas, Christopher and her two infant grandchildren who predeceased her, Alanna and Matthew. She delighted in becoming a grandmother through marriage to Max, Reyna, Joe and Paige. She was overjoyed at being a great-grandmother (Omama) to Koa, Leila, Myles, Elliana and James. Her large family was the joy of her life, especially treasured because she was an only child. She made every attempt to attend the special events and college graduations of her grandchildren, even when they were far away.

Catherine emigrated to the United States in 1953 at the age of eleven, speaking no English. She had a natural aptitude for languages and was soon fluent in English, French and Hungarian. She graduated from Marymount Manhattan College with a degree in French literature. She married and soon after became a mother, the role she aspired to most. Catherine and Neale lived in Flushing, New York for almost forty years, two blocks from her parents whom she cared for into their later years. Catherine moved to Huntington Station after Neale passed from a seven year battle with cancer, in which she provided him with beautiful loving care.

Catherine knew she found her home when she joined St. Elizabeth of Hungary parish in Melville. She was active in the Widow and Widower’s group and several senior groups, where she held various leadership positions and enjoyed numerous outings with them. Having made many good friends, she extended her care and driving services to friends who were older and needed transportation to medical appointments. She traveled with her groups to Europe and set her schedule around attending her group meetings. A devout Catholic, Catherine attended Mass every Sunday, holy day of obligations, and the birthdays and anniversaries of family members. When no longer physically able to attend in person, she would religiously watch Mass on TV. Catherine loved getting together with family and friends and hearing about all the happy details of their lives and provided support and comfort in difficult times.

Visitation Services are Saturday April 4th from 3-9 PM at M.A. Connell Funeral Home.

Mass of Christian Burial is Monday April 6th at 9:30 AM at Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Church. 175 Wolf Hill Rd, Melville, NY 11747

If desired, in lieu of flowers, the family appreciates any donations be made to Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Church in Melville