Martha Wargo was born in Sátoraljaújhely, Hungary in 1926, the daughter of John Kiss, the town burgher, and Sarolta Kuharik. Her family lived through the German occupation of Hungary, and she married Lorand "Larry" Wargo, the son of an American diplomat who had been raised in Hungary.
In 1949, Larry and Martha escaped from the Soviet occupation of Hungary after WW2, and lived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Although Larry was an American citizen, the quota for Hungarian escapees was filled. They lived there until they could save enough money for Martha's entrance to the US. They came ashore in New Orleans in 1955, flipped a coin, and went West. Larry became an optical effects specialist in Hollywood, and their first daughter, Katherine, was born in 1956. They continued their lucky streak with Elizabeth, born in 1959, and Rosemarie, 1960.
Martha and Larry were welcomed by the Hungarian community, and she learned about America as her daughters grew up and went through school. She started working outside the house as a seamstress, and established herself as a designer and couturier. When Larry was hired by the Rand Corporation, the family moved to Massachusetts. Later, Larry started his own optical and laser design company, and they moved to Corpus Christi, and finally to Austin.
Larry and Martha were strong in the Catholic faith, joining the family of Saint Catherine of Siena in 1992. Martha was a firm believer in demonstrating faith through works, and was active in the ladies club. She turned her couturier's hand to provide new vestments and altar pieces for the clergy of St. Catherine's. When Father Oliver asked her if she would be willing to organize a little table in the church narthex to provide candles and holy cards, she responded with a facility that offered candles, cards, Bibles, rosaries, figurines, and devotional material. Her hands were never idle, and she knitted innumerable booties and baby blankets to donate to church fairs.
Martha had the Hungarian passion for life, embracing her family and friends with joy. She worked willingly, laughed joyously, and loved fiercely.
Her partner in life, Larry, passed on in 1994. Martha is survived by her three daughters, Katherine, Elizabeth, and Rosemarie; her grandchildren Dana, Christina, Magdalene, Andrew, Jessica and Thomas; and her great-grandchild Lilah.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with Recitation of Holy Rosary at 7:00 PM, on Wednesday, June 13, 2018. Her funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Thursday, June 14th, 2018 at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 4800 Convict Hill Road, in Austin.
