Mária Telkes died in her native Budapest, Hungary, at the age of 94. Her death marked the end of a long and productive life dedicated to scientific research and innovation, particularly in the field of solar energy. Her legacy continues to inspire scientists and engineers working on sustainable energy solutions.

Mária Telkes received the first Achievement Award from the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) for her wartime method of distilling water from salt water by solar heat. This award recognized her significant contributions to engineering, particularly her innovative solar-powered desalination machine developed during World War II.