In 1956, when she was three years old, she came to the United States of America with her parents and three older siblings. Trying to escape from Soviet imposed policies during the Hungarian revolution, they crossed the border into Austria, and came to South Bend, Indiana to start a new life.

four siblings, two of whom preceded her in death, Zsuzanna (Presits) Seider and Paul Presits. Surviving are Edie Perry (Gerry Yoquelet) and Joe (Lisa) Presits. Surviving are four sisters-in-law, Cathy (Phil) D'Hoore, Julie Barnhart, Marti Smith, and Joan Fickett; three brothers-in-law, Mike (Sandi) Donahue, Dale (Marilyn) Donahue, and Tim (Deb) Donahue, 25 nieces and nephews