Angela McAlpin, 87
Angela McAlpin, 87, passed away Friday, April 29, 2005, in Kalispell.
She was born into a musical family in Budapest, Hungary, on May 12, 1917, to Richard and Miraslava Fricsay. Both her father and grandfather were prominent orchestra conductors. Her uncle, Ference Fricsay (now deceased), rose to world-class prominence as principal conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. There still exists today a music conservatory in Hungary named after her great-grandfather.
Angela became a solo dancer with the Budapest Opera Ballet and was an accomplished pianist. Later she married Laszlo Perjessy (now deceased), a high-ranking member of the Hungarian military. He was also a champion fencer. The marriage produced two children: Ildilco Davidson of Grand Junction, Colo., and Gabriel Perjessy of Kalispell.
During World War II, the family decided to escape from Hungary as the Russians were approaching. Angela, acting as courier and accompanied by her two children and a driver, bluffed her way through the retreating German lines. Later she was reunited with her husband, who commanded a flotilla of Hungarian river patrol boats and safely delivered the flotilla to the Allies.
The family lived in displaced-person camps in Germany after World War II for seven years. They finally received an opportunity to emigrate to the United States through sponsorship of the Congregational Church of Billings. The family established themselves in Billings and later Angela started a successful ballet school and her husband taught fencing at the YMCA.
Angela later married Gordon McAlpin (now deceased), a successful Billings oil man. The McAlpins traveled to many places in the world and Mr. McAlpin was involved in a variety of business interests.
Angela is survived by her two children and two grandchildren, Megan Perjessy and Rachel Perjessy.
Interment will be private, followed by a private celebration gathering.
The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to Agape (non-deductible), P.O. Box 35, Big Arm, MT 59910.