Maria M. Sallay

Maria M. Sallay, 96 of Carmel, passed away on Monday December 21, 2020. She was born on June 4, 1924 in Szabadhídvég, Hungary to the late Janos and Rosalia Lichtenberger. Her studies in theater and dance in Budapest was cut short by the invasion of Budapest during World War II. After the war Hungary was under the yolk of a communist government. In 1956 she risked everything and joined thousands of citizens who escaped during a weeklong revolt against the brutal Soviet regime. She ultimately immigrated to the US to join her sister in New Jersey. She and Stephen Sallay met at a ball at the Waldorf Astoria in New York and were married a year later in 1960. They became American citizens in 1962. They contributed their talents to this country and were patriotic Americans.

Maria is survived by her son, Dr. Peter (Lauren) Sallay; grandchildren, Monica, Stefan, Christian, and Spencer Sallay. She was preceded in passing by her husband, Stephen.

A private service for Maria will be held on Saturday December 26, 2020 at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery in the Chapel. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Autism Society of Indiana, or to St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church.

Please click here to view Maria’s virtual service.