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For more than 60 years Marika Hayek worked long hours, including Christmas and other holidays, keeping Londoners well fed and their spirits high at her downtown Hungarian landmark restaurant.

Hayek, who despite being in her mid-80s still ran the Budapest restaurant on Dundas Street, died earlier this week.

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“To sum her up — if that is possible — she was truly a unique individual and her work ethic was unbelievable,” said Jim Chapman, a longtime friend whom Hayek referred to as her adopted “son.”

Working seven days a week if necessary, Hayek would be up early to cook all morning, help serve lunch and then return for evening service, working until the restaurant closed, Chapman said.

On Thursday, the Budapest was closed and a note on window cited a family emergency. Inside its tables were perfectly set with their trademark red napkins. In keeping with Hayek’s wishes, the Budapest will reopen soon.