Obituary of Magda Hafter

Magda Hafter passed away peacefully on 1-1-13 after a brief illness. She was 86 years old and a Vineland resident since 1956. Frequently outspoken, always extraordinarily passionate when it came to her family and her causes, tough as nails, and a survivor to the core, Magda was truly loved and will be missed by all whom she touched. Born Magda Kelemen in Kormano,Hungary she was imprisoned as a teenager during the Holocaust. Owing to the atrocities of the Nazis, Magda lost both of her parents, her only brother, and her beloved aunts, uncles and cousins. But Magda was able to endure the hardships and sufferings of various concentration camps, including the infamous Auschwitz death camp, before being liberated at the end of World War II. After Liberation, Magda lived in Czechoslovakia, where she met and married her first husband, Karol Drobny,who together realized their dream of living in the US which occurred in 1951 landing them in Ellis Island NY. Together they had , Alex, Martha and Stuart. Karol tragically passed away in 1960, leaving Magda, who spoke little English at the time, heartbroken and alone to care for and raise a pre-teen, preschooler and toddler. Yet Magda was an incredibly strong woman, and she worked day and night as a beautician at the Elite Beauty Salon, her shop on Elmer Street, to support her children. Magda found love again in 1968, when she was introduced to her honey, Murray Hafter. Murray and Magda were happily married for 39 years, and together owned and operated the Boston Shoe Store on Landis Avenue for nearly two decades. Murray died in 2005. Though she was oftentimes defined as a Holocaust survivor, Magda's true legacy is the wonderful family she leaves behind: Alex (Helene) Drobny, Martha Rudnick and Stuart (Lorraine) Drobny; adoring grandchildren Michele (Andrew) Witlieb, Jamie (Holbrook) Forusz, Karli (David) Ross, Suzanne (Patrick) Connelly, Michael Drobny and Jaclyn Drobny; and five great grandchildren, Ellie and Zac Witlieb, Halle and Kendall Forusz and Stella Ross. Her family was the air that she breathed, and even in her waning days, calls to "Mom-Mom" brightened her spirits. Beyond family, Magda enjoyed volunteering for several organizations like the Hebrew Womens Benevolent Society, Hadassah and, of course, Beth Israel Synagogue, where she served as President of the Sisterhood and board member. Magda never passed up the opportunity to bake one of her delicious roll cakes,and show off her grandchildren and great children pictures. Her funeral will be held on 1-3-13 at Beth Israel Synagogue located at 1015 East Park Avenue in Vineland, New Jersey 08360 @ 1pm ... Thereafter, family and friends will again gather at Alliance Cemetery (970 Gershal Avenue in Norma, New Jersey 08347), where Magda will be laid to rest alongside her husband, Murray. Shiva will be at the home of Alex and Helene Drobny. After Shabbat on Jan 5th Shiva will continue at the home of Stuart and Lorraine Drobny in Blue Bell. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Magda's honor to the Beth Israel Sisterhood, Hebrew Womens Benevolent Society and the USC Shoah Foundation.