Ilona Polyak, beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother,
passed away on July 1, 2026, at Sunnyside Healthcare Center, Washington. Born on
February 12, 1930, in Algyő, Hungary, to Mészáros István and Kiss Erzsébet, Ilona lived a life
marked by courage, devotion, hard work, and love for her family.
In 1952, Ilona married George I. Polyak, beginning a lifelong partnership that would carry
them across countries and continents. In 1957, she escaped Hungary and reunited with
George in Frankfurt, Germany. Together, they immigrated to Cleveland, Ohio, where they
built a new life and remained until 1964, when the family moved to California. In 1978,
George’s work at the Hanford Site brought the family to Richland, Washington, where Ilona
would spend 48 years—half of her life—and become part of the community she called
home.
Ilona worked as a seamstress in Cleveland and California before dedicating herself full
time to homemaking in Richland. She took great pride in caring for her family and creating a
warm, welcoming home. She was known for her love of cooking and baking, her skillful
hands, and the generosity she shared with those around her.
Throughout her years in Richland, Ilona was active in service and community life. She
joined the Washington Civil Air Patrol, where George flew rescue missions, and she
volunteered with the Young Ladies Institute (YLI) through Christ the King Church as well as
with the Richland Food Bank. She also enjoyed bowling on a local team, traveling, and
spending time with family and friends.
Above all, Ilona loved her family. She will be remembered for her strength, resilience,
faithfulness, and deep devotion to those she loved. Her life was a testament to
perseverance, kindness, and the enduring bonds of family.
Ilona was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George I. Polyak II; her son, George J.
Polyak III; and her grandson, Eric Ericson. She is survived by her daughter, Agnes Ericson;
her son, Attila Polyak; her grandchildren, Kristin Ericson, Maria (Polyak) Zdzieblowski,
Matthew Polyak, George J. Polyak IV; and Alitta (Polyak) Bentley; and her greatgrandchildren, Victoria Harper, Evelyn Zdzieblowski, Tulip Polyak, and Tenzin Polyak.
A funeral service will be held on July 22, 2026, at Christ the King Church in Richland,
Washington. The rosary will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by Mass at 10:30 a.m.
Ilona’s memory will live on in the hearts of her family and all who knew her.