Emma Rachel Nagy 

June 18, 1937 - September 11, 2026

Emma Rachel Nagy, age 89, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Friday morning, September 11, 2026.

 Emma was born on June 18, 1937, in the small village of Pocsaj, Hungary, to Rachel Olah and Joszef Olah. She grew up as part of a large family, with six sisters and one brother. From humble beginnings in rural Hungary, Emma possessed a determination and adventurous spirit that would remain with her throughout her life. As a young girl, she often said that one day she would move to America. True to her word and to the determination that defined her, she eventually made that dream a reality. 

As a young woman, Emma moved from Pocsaj to Budapest, where she worked in a light bulb factory. It was there that she met Karoly Nagy, who would become her husband. Together, they eventually began a new chapter of their lives in the United States, and Emma made Columbus, Ohio, her home for most of her life. 

After coming to America, Emma devoted much of her working life to caring for children as a nanny. Over the years, she cared for many children, giving them far more than supervision. She taught them, cooked for them, helped them grow, made them laugh, and shared with them the seemingly endless supply of love she carried within her. Caring for children was not simply a job for Emma; it was something that brought her genuine happiness and allowed her nurturing spirit to shine. 

Emma was remarkably hardworking, resourceful, handy, tough, and resilient. She knew how to take care of herself and the people around her, and there was very little she was afraid to tackle. Yet alongside that strength was a playful, youthful spirit and a wonderful sense of humor. 

Emma never really met a stranger, only someone who had not yet become her friend. She had an easy charm, loved joking with people, and could strike up a conversation almost anywhere. Her youthful energy stayed with her throughout her life and frequently charmed everyone she encountered, including, on more than one memorable occasion, police officers whom she somehow managed to talk into letting her drive away without a ticket. 

Above all, Emma loved people. She loved children, family, friends, conversation, laughter, cooking for others, helping those who needed her, and finding ways to make the lives of those around her a little brighter. Her life was one of determination, generosity, humor, resilience, and abundant love. 

Emma is survived by her son, Attila Nagy; her granddaughter, Kate Whitlow, and her husband, Romaeo Whitlow; and her sisters, Anna, Irma, Valeria, and Aranka, along with many extended family members, friends, and the many children and families whose lives she touched throughout the years. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Karoly Nagy; her parents, Rachel Olah and Joszef Olah; her sisters, Magdolna and Julianna; and her brother, Jozsef. 

A viewing and celebration of Emma's life will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Evans Funeral Home. 

Funeral services will be held the following morning, Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Evans Funeral Home, followed by a procession to Obetz Cemetery, where Emma will be laid to rest. A luncheon will follow the interment at the social hall of the Hungarian Reformed Church, giving family and friends an opportunity to gather, share memories, and celebrate a remarkable life. 

In keeping with Emma's wishes and her lifelong love of children, the family asks that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, helping children and families facing childhood cancer. 

Emma traveled a long way from the little Hungarian village where her story began. She built the life she once dreamed about, worked hard, loved freely, raised a family, cared for generations of children, made friends wherever she went, and never lost the humor or youthful spirit that made her unmistakably Emma. 

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all whose lives she touched