In Loving Memory of Ileana "Ilonka" Jakab
Ileana (Ilonka) Jakab passed away peacefully on October 18, 2026, at the age of 85, surrounded by her beloved family. A woman of deep faith, Ilonka believed in the power of prayer and carried that faith with her throughout her life.
Born on January 1, 1941, in Magyar Lóna (Luna de Sus), Romania, Ilonka lived a remarkable life spanning two continents. One of seven children born to Pali and Ilona Varga, she was the third oldest. She survived the hardships of World War II and later lived through the Romanian Revolution of 1989, experiences that shaped her into a woman of extraordinary resilience, courage, and strength.
Ilonka married her beloved husband, Martin, and together they shared 59 years of marriage, raising two daughters, Judit and Zorela. A devoted wife and mother, she made countless sacrifices to provide her daughters with the best opportunities and a brighter future. Following the Romanian Revolution, she joined Martin in the United States, where they began a new chapter of their lives and worked to create greater opportunities for their family.
Above all, Ilonka was the heart of her family. She was a loving mother, devoted wife, loyal friend, and a proud grandmother. Her love was expressed in countless ways, through her generosity, her unwavering support, and the traditions she lovingly passed down to the next generation.
Ilonka had a special passion for gardening. She had a remarkable gift for bringing life and beauty to everything she planted, and her flowers seemed to bloom just as beautifully as the love she shared with those around her. She worked at Rutgers University and, following her retirement, devoted much of her time to her grandchildren and to her church community. A devoted member of Magyar Reformed Church, she generously gave her time volunteering and remained active in a congregation that held a special place in her heart. She especially loved preparing traditional Hungarian meals and cooking all of her grandchildren's favorite dishes, creating memories they will cherish forever.
Ilonka was predeceased by her beloved husband, Martin Jakab; her parents, Pali and Ilona Varga; and three of her siblings. She leaves behind her two loving daughters, Judit Mueller and her husband, John, and Zorela Jimenez and her husband, Luis; and her five cherished grandchildren, Jennifer Mueller, John Mueller, Matthew Mueller, Sophia Jimenez, and Izabell Jimenez. She will also be lovingly remembered by her surviving siblings, extended family, and dear friends.
A service celebrating Ilonka's life will be held on November 7, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. at Magyar Reformed Church, 175 Somerset Street, New Brunswick, NJ. Family and friends are warmly invited to join in honoring and remembering her life.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Ilonka's memory to Magyar Reformed Church:
Ilonka's life was defined by faith, resilience, sacrifice, and, above all, love. Though she will be deeply missed, her strength, the traditions she passed down, the beauty she brought into the world, and the love she gave so freely will live on through her family.
May she rest in eternal peace and be reunited in heaven with her beloved Martin and the family who went before her.
