Patricia Anne Varvir

VARVIR, PATRICIA ANNE BERNADETTE December 11, 1931 - April 12, 2012 Beautiful wife and beloved mother, Patricia Anne Bernadette Johnson Brandt Varvir died on Thursday, April 12, 2012 at Borgess Medical Center. Patricia was born at home in Escanaba, Michigan, on December 11, 1931, the youngest of six children. She lived in Escanaba and Bark River before moving to Kalamazoo in 1949. She worked at Sutherland Paper Company, Echrich's, Checker Cab, Western Michigan University, and Kalamazoo Label Company, but her favorite job was working in greenhouses later in life. Tending to her flowers and occasional garden gave her much happiness. She always said she would rather be outdoors puttering in the dirt than cleaning in the house. Patricia was an excellent cook and baker; how we will all miss her delicious Christmas treats! There was nothing Patricia liked better than an interesting conversation with her family or a good (or new) friend. She could have an engaging conversation with anyone. Patricia adored spending time with her only grandchild, Kazmira. They were the best of buddies and co-conspirators in all things. Our hearts are broken and we will never be quite the same. Our Patsy. Kind and gentle, committed to family, an indomitable spirit. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Donald Varvir; son Stephen Varvir of Vicksburg, Michigan; daughter Desiree' and husband Jeffry Ruhland; their daughter and Patricia's only grandchild, Kazmira Ruhland, all of Portage, Michigan; son Erik-John Varvir of Zeeland, Michigan; sisters-in-law Dorothy (Varvir) Parker; Barbara (Varvir) Sanders; Frances (Varvir) Cook, and oodles of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Kurt Joseph Varvir; her parents Julia (LaFromboise) Johnson and Torval Brandt, and five siblings; Una Mae (Johnson) Rose; Rita Belle (Johnson) Lark; Carl Johnson; John Johnson, and Joyce (Johnson) Anderson. In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place and a private celebration of her life has been held. In lieu of cards or flowers, please pass on a random act of kindness to someone; it would make Patricia very happy. Online condolences can be posted at www.avinkcremation.com