Judy "Juci" Kathleen Torok born October 02, 1923 in Budapest, Hungary to the parents of Imre and Roza Salgo died April 23, 2016 in Laguna Hills, California. She was the younger of two daughters. Anna, her sister, passed away in Germany in 1998. Judy is survived by her son, John Torok (Barbara) of San Clemente, CA., her daughter, Kathleen Valenti (Jim) of Laguna Niguel, CA., her grandchildren, Joseph Valenti (Kristen) of Trabuco Canyon, CA., Nick Valenti (Amanda) of Irvine, CA., her three great-grandchildren; Cameron, Capriana and Carson Valenti, and her nieces in Germany, Elizabeth Berkes-Grosser (Gottfried) and Suzanna Berkes.

Judy was educated in Budapest, Hungary where she studied associate arts and ballet at the Ballet Academy of Prof. V.G. Troyanoff and became a professional ballerina.

On June 07, 1942 Judy married the love of her life Istvan Torok (Steve Torok). Soon afterward their first child, Andras (Andrew) Torok was born. Then the war broke out and changed their lives significantly. Her husband, Steve was imprisoned by the Russians, the family had to hide from the enemy and they lost their son, Andras. By the end of the war their second son, John and daughter, Kathleen were born.

In 1948 Judy began her career as a ballet teacher and also donated her time in hospitals helping children. The family was doing well.

The Hungarian Revolution broke out and in 1958 Judy and her family immigrated to the United States settling in San Carlos, CA where she started teaching ballet again. She taught at Notre Dame High School in Belmont, CA and then at Mount Carmel School in Redwood City, CA. In 1960 she opened-up the "Judy Torok School of Ballet" in downtown San Carlos, where she built a successful business and lifelong friendships with many of her students. In addition to running her school, she also taught privately and donated her time and skills to charity organizations, but always had time for cooking great family meals.

In 1983, her love Steve passed away. Although heartbroken, with her strength and courage Judy always strived to be independent and live a full life, rich with family and friends. In September 2015, she moved to Laguna Hills, CA to be closer to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Judy was an excellent cook and liked hosting dinners for her family and friends. She enjoyed attending plays, the opera and ballet performances. She especially loved teaching ballet, the annual recitals and shows she did for the women's auxiliary. One of Judy's former students commented, "I'm grateful that Judy was a part of my formative years. I learned much from her, not just in dance but in life. What an indomitable spirit she was."

Judy will be remembered as a loving, generous and courageous woman, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and dear friend to all.

Remembrances:

"I'm grateful that Judy was a part of my formative years. I learned much from her, not just in dance but in life. What an indomitable spirit she was."

"To me she was such a wonderful, energetic, creative and thoughtful friend. To say she will be missed is not enough, she was, is loved by many and will remain an inspiration in my, our hearts and memories…"

"I'm so grateful for you and your Mom's influence and presence in my life. Your Mom was truly like another Grandmother to me, since I lost one of my Grandmas to cancer when she was very young (in her 50s, my dad's mom) and I didn't have the opportunity to be with my Japanese grandmother as often as I would've liked. Your mother was the maternal figure that I dearly needed, growing up. She taught me how to be graceful, confident, assertive... her sense of humor just made me laugh, especially as I grew older and got married, she really shared some funny, wonderful tidbits of life with me"

"She had a unique gift of connecting with her students and I always felt very close to her. She was not conventional, and neither was I! We really could relate to each other, and she had a great sense of humor. I remember when we were doing the recital to benefit the San Mateo Mental Health Society, she said "I'm glad we're doing this for mental health, because I need a bed someplace!"



"I remember telling her that I had read that if you are going through a revolving door and a Hungarian is behind you, when you come out, they'll be ahead of you! She laughed and said that was true. I am sure I don't have to tell you what a strong force she was."



"Whenever I talked to her or saw her, she would always tell me about the grandchildren and great- grandchildren. She was very proud of her family and got a big kick out of all the kids. In the studio, she created such a community of wonderful friends- we really had a great time there!"

"She was also the life of the party! At one New Year Eve, she had every guest dancing in circles, holding hands, and weaving in and out around the furniture in our living room, dining room and family room. Guess the champagne also helped."

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