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IRON MOUNTAIN -- Suzanne Marie Varda, 96, of Iron Mountain, passed away peacefully on Oct. 10, 2026.
Born on Dec. 12, 1929, in Iron River, to Joseph and Nellie Tokoly, she graduated from Stambaugh High School in 1947. Sue spent her life as a fierce protector of her family, a master shopper, and a friend to anyone who ever sat at her kitchen table.
She married Lloyd J. Varda, with whom she shared 50 years of love and laughter. They built their beautiful home on Pine Mountain Road, where the coffee was always on with fresh-baked coffee cake in the oven. They loved Sunday drives, spending time at Irene's on Saturday night, picking berries, and going out for cheese ravioli. They even won a twisting contest together!
Sue was an elegant woman of quiet strength. She enjoyed her garden and painting furniture, never missed a Wednesday at Wendy's with the girls, was a proud member of the Red Hat Society, and loved to entertain her dear friends at her beautifully decorated dining table. She loved shopping, anytime, anywhere. Her kitchen drawer was always filled with chocolate candy. Some of her most special moments were at Bruce's camp, visiting Lucy in California, and traveling with Nanny. Her greatest pride was her family, and she loved nothing more than spending endless time together with a fire in the fireplace and a roast in the oven.
She is survived by her children, Lucinda Hokanson (David) of Austin, Bruce Varda (Sue) of Florence, Wis., and Nannette Mazich (Ken) of Chicago; her seven cherished grandchildren, Alexis Hokanson, Andrianna Starling (Lee), Vanessa Taylor (Troy), Valarie Andes (Tom), Nicholas Varda (Kathy), Sofia Mazich, and Joseph Mazich; 14 great-grandchildren, Giancarlo Hokanson, Vivan, Tabatha, and Tristin, Taylor, Jacob, Alex, and Will Andes, Henry, Abe, Findlay, and Hazel Varda, Thor, and Storm Starling; her sister, Kathryn Kumkoski; and brother, Chester Tokoly.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd J. Varda; her parents, Joseph and Nell Tokoly; and great-grandson Baby Taylor.
A visitation will be held on Friday, Oct. 16, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. A funeral Mass will be celebrated immediately following at 11:30 a.m. at American Martyrs Catholic Church in Kingsford, and burial will be at Iron Mountain Cemetery Park.
Condolences may be expressed to the family of Suzanne Marie Varda online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.
The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.