Shirley A. Varner

Shirley Ann Varner, 75, passed away peacefully Sunday evening April 2, 2023 at her residence following a five years of declining health. Shirley was born in Youngstown, Ohio on June 1, 1947 the daughter of Louis and Rosemary V. (LaSalandra) LaVecchia Sr. and has lived in this area all her life.

Shirley was a 1965 graduate of Niles McKinley High School, and an active member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, McDonald where she was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society and volunteered with the church food pantry. She had a great love for her family and was involved with all of the activities which frequently including cooking and baking. In her spare time following retirement she did cross word puzzles and word search. Shirley enjoyed camping and traveling with her husband Bill and was a member of the Girard Eagles Auxiliary. Shirley worked her entire life, first with the family LaVecchia Catering Business, at Carlisle Department Store, and 20 years as a demonstration lady for the Sams Club of Niles.

Shirley is survived by her husband, William J. Varner whom she married June 20, 1970; son, Frank (Alanna) Varner of Girard; three daughters, Melinda (Ryan) Helt of McDonald, Kimmy Varner of McDonald, Brenda (Matt) Messner of Girard; four grandchildren, Kaitlyn Helt and fiance Adam McGinnis, Autumn Helt, Maddy Messner, Nolan Messner; and sister-in-law, Arlene Wilson of Niles. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Louis LaVecchia Jr.

Calling hours will be today, Tuesday, April 4, 2023 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Holeton-Yuhasz Funeral Home, Niles, and Wednesday April 5, 2023 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, McDonald, on Wednesday April 5, 2023 at 1:00 pm with the Rev. Edward Brienz officiating. Burial will be private at Resurrection Cemetery.