Heidelinde Maria Lakatos

     Heidelinde Maria (Trawöger) Lakatos, 85, of Chardon, Ohio, completed her life journey surrounded by family on January 13, 2026. 

Heide was born on June 25, 1940 in Vöcklamarkt, Austria. She met and fell in love with Sandor, and even though they could not speak each other's language, they followed their hearts to America, where they learned English, built their life together, and raised their beautiful family in Fairport and Painesville, Ohio. Together, they built and ran a successful landscaping business and Christmas tree farm, working side by side for decades.

     Heide leaves behind her children, Alex (Dianne) Lakatos, Gabriella (Russ) Wheeler and Tibor (Lisa) Lakatos. She also leaves behind her ten cherished grandchildren, Christopher (Jessica) Cook, Matthew (Amanda) Cook, Michael (Lynne) Cook, Alex (Jamie) Lakatos, Kristen Welch, Kaila (Michael) Turovsky, Hayley Wheeler, Tibor (Kathryn) Lakatos, Adrianna Lakatos, Dominick Lakatos and many beloved great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her brother Heribert Trawöger.

     Heide enjoyed spending time with her beautiful family, including daily lunches and Sunday dinners. She always had a meal ready for any child, grandchild, or friend who walked through her door. She was an incredibly talented chef and baker who rarely used a recipe but somehow each dish turned out perfectly. Grandma was always adding something to the bowl right under your nose, making it impossible to ever replicate or write down her recipes. She always had an extra spoonful for your plate after you were done eating — even after you said “Grandma, I’m full!”

     Heide was a talented crochet artist and crafted handmade stuffed animals, hats, slippers, scarves and pillows for all the children. The “misfit” bin had many funny creations — the result of crocheting without any pattern or plan. She always had a craft or activity ready to complete with her great-grandchildren as well. She loved to give them rides on her golf cart around the ponds with stops to feed the fish, feed the animals and visit the family cemetery.

     Heide always had a smile on her face, a warm meal to share, a kind word to uplift, the best advice and a story to tell about her life. Grandma welcomed everyone to her home, no questions asked and no strings attached. When you left, you felt full and you felt loved. There will never be another Grandma Heide and she will be missed more than words could ever say.