Elizabeth Nemeth McGusty

Elizabeth Nemeth McGusty, 91, of Philadelphia, PA passed away Thursday July 10th, 2025 at Sunrise of Westtown in West Chester. Born in 1933 in Molnaszecsod, Vas, Hungary, She was the daughter of Michael Nemeth and Gizella Takacs.  Elizabeth was a nurse, brilliant chemist, loving sister, devoted mother and grandmother.

Growing up in Hungary, Elizabeth showed remarkable intelligence and determination from an early age. She graduated from high school at just 15 years old, earning top honors as the highest-performing student in her class. Driven by a passion to help others, she earned her nursing degree and began further studies in chemistry at the university in Budapest.

During the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, Elizabeth’s compassion and courage led her to serve as an ambulance nurse, treating the wounded amid the violence and chaos. After a brief visit home to see her mother, Elizabeth learned that her father, her brother, and younger sister had escaped to Austria and arrived in the United States. A few months later, Elizabeth and her mother also fled Hungary and joined the family in the USA.

Upon arriving in New York, Elizabeth’s academic excellence was immediately recognized. She was met at the airport by a college recruiter and offered a four-year scholarship to continue her chemistry studies at Augustana University in Minnesota. After graduating with distinction, she was hired by SmithKline Beecham in Philadelphia, where she built a successful career as a research chemist. Her work contributed meaningfully to the advancement of pharmaceutical science and arthritis medicine.

Elizabeth was a longtime resident of the Philadelphia area and a devout, faithful Christian. She embraced the opportunities of her new country while cherishing the deep roots and traditions of her Hungarian heritage.

She enjoyed gardening, reading, and engaging in thoughtful conversations about her favorite topics, religion and politics. 

Elizabeth is survived by her sister Zsuzsi Kazlauskas (Dennis), sons James Jr (Renee) and Edwin; her granddaughters Brenna and Jamie; along with nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her brother Roger (Ethel) and sister Edith.

Services and interment will be private. A Memorial Service celebrating Elizabeth’s life will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. of West Chester, PA 610-696-1181; www.DellaFH.com