09/07/2025
For anyone that knew my mom and hasn’t heard yet, I’m very sorry to say Marika passed on Thursday afternoon. She celebrated her 90th birthday in August. She had a long life full of dancing and laughter. We are having a celebration of life party in the near future. All will be welcome. If you didn’t know her you can get to know her through the people, food, and drink she loved, and the stories that would surely make her laugh.
Obituary for Marika Bodnar
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Marika Bodnar at the age of 90, a cherished mother, grandmother, and inspiring ballet dancer. Born in Hungary and having lived as a war refugee, Marika spent ten years in South America, where she opened her first dance studio in Venezuela. After moving to the United States, she founded the Academy de la Danse in New Jersey, which she lovingly ran for 25 years. Marika was predeceased by her husband, Frank Bodnar, who passed away in 1980.
She is survived by her sons Arpad and Tibor, their spouses Liza and Sandra, and her adored granddaughters Ruby and Lucy. Marika had a deep love for education, science, art, literature, and world cuisine, and she shared this passion for learning and culture with everyone around her.
Her grace, resilience, and love for the arts will remain in the hearts of her family and all whose lives she touched
