Erika R. Vavara

Erika Renee Varvara

August 19, 1955 – December 26, 2024

Age 69

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at the Roy Smith Shelter House at 601 Middlebury Rd, Kent, OH 44240. The gathering will be an open house from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Instead of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Erika’s name to The Buckeye Flame, an organization dedicated to amplifying the voices of LGBTQ+ Ohioans and fostering community and civic empowerment. (https://bit.ly/ErikaVar). 

Erika was preceded in death by her parents, Mildred Varney (née Chernick) and Richard Varney Sr., as well as her beloved Shiba Inu, Ti-Ti, who held a special place in her heart. She is survived by her sister Melissa Philips, her four children Victoria Varney, Lucy Beder, Charlotte Braganza, and William Varney, as well as her three cherished grandchildren: Olive, Sonny, and Amelia.

Born in Providence, RI, and raised in Killingly, CT, Erika attended Killingly High School and graduated from Boston University. In 1996, she relocated to Ohio with her family. 

In her later years, Erika embraced spirituality, dedicating much of her time to exploring teachings and philosophies that emphasized inner peace, compassion, and the interconnectedness of all beings. She often engaged in profound conversations, sharing insights that encouraged self-reflection, understanding, and harmony.

Erika was also very passionate about film, music, history, and nature, sharing her interests enthusiastically with those around her. Her warmth and wisdom touched the lives of many in Ohio and across the East Coast.

She will be remembered as a beloved parent, sibling, and friend who brought light and joy to everyone she met. Though deeply missed, her legacy of love, curiosity, and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

To share a memory of Erika or leave a special message for her family, visit the guest book below.