Patricia Varga

Patricia Varga was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Oct. 14, 1935, to Eleanor and Michael Nowak. Her life story is best described as a three-act play, rich with plot twists and comedic timing that would define her future. Act One Young Pat and her brother, Richard (died 1999), were known as ‘Dolly’ and ‘Dicky’ growing up. Although she was loved dearly, the family endured hardship and instability which formed key elements in Pat’s character. Imagination, bravery, and resourcefulness helped her navigate a difficult childhood. Pat’s younger cousin Linda was the sister of her heart, and together they shared many adventures. In 1950, Pat’s family moved from Milwaukee to Detroit. While she excelled at school and loved learning, Pat was not able to pursue college. She worked at the local Kresge’s soda fountain, and later as a telephone operator at Michigan Bell. By reading books, newspapers and doing crosswords, she fed her thirst for knowledge and vocabulary. Pat was a voracious reader, avid puzzler, and fierce competitor at Trivial Pursuit. She famously told a teammate, “I may be wrong, but I’m righter than you.” And she was. Act Two In 1959, she married Bill Varga, her perfect partner in life who shared her love of laughter and dancing. Her need for stability was met by Bill who was easy-going, resourceful, and dependable. Together, they settled in Ecorse and raised four children: John (Cheron); Laura (Colette Jacobsen); Lynn (Alan Shippey, died 2007); and Jeff (Riley Whinnery). A shoestring budget was met with creative solutions. Pat learned how to sew clothes for the kids and cut their hair. She decorated their modest home with her own watercolor paintings (she taught herself using “how-to” books after Bill and the kids were asleep). They ate salad harvested from their backyard garden, and saved money so each kid could play an instrument. Pat went back to work as a telephone operator at Sears, and eventually became the soothing alto voice heard throughout the store announcing the sales of the day: “Good afternoon, Shoppers…”. Their fortunes changed when Bill became an insurance agent. They moved their family from Ecorse to Warren, and after having been frugal for so long, they were finally able to travel to places Pat thought she could only read about. Act Three Pat’s discovery of theater was accidental, but she fell in love with it and flourished on the stage, tapping into the imagination she developed as a child. Throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s she performed in community theaters, commercials, and even a television episode of Rescue 911 before reality TV was a thing (which she did not invent, so don’t blame her). Told as a child she couldn’t sing, she proved them wrong, bravely landing parts in musicals as well as dramas. She scoured the thrift shops for costumes and gained accolades playing lead roles at several local theatres including the lead character in Gin Game at Livonia Redford Theater. By far the most important role Pat played was as a loving mother and devoted grandmother to nine grandkids: Vance, Kara, Brendan, Emily, Evan, Mary, Jay Shippey, Adam Shippey, and Dylan Shippey (Brandy). Pat became a great-grandmother in June when Dylan and Brandy welcomed a baby girl, Stevie Jean! In 2005, Pat and Bill moved to Clinton Township. Family meant everything to them. They never missed an opportunity to celebrate family birthdays and the grandkids’ sporting events and musical activities. Curtain Call Pat battled Parkinson’s Disease for 10 years but refused to let it get the best of her. She and Bill enjoyed 61 years together and kept dancing well into their ‘70s. During their twilight years, Pat and Bill took care of each other until Bill’s passing in 2021. Despite Pat’s body fighting against her, she overcame a broken hip and six broken ribs, and fought back using Swedish Fish, popcorn, ice cream, and chocolate fudge. As she neared the end of her journey, her stage became smaller, but she was firmly in the center of it. She welcomed help from her loving caregivers who became trusted friends. Like any good play, Pat embodied the perfect combination of great dialogue, rich characters, and comedic surprises. She commanded her performance with humility, gratitude and the human frailties that make a story come alive. Pat was truly at her best toward the end. She was patient and accepting of each new level of decline. In her last days, she was content, playful, and able to sing until the final curtain. A standing ovation for a life well-lived! Memorial Visitation Monday August 21st, 2-8pm with a 7pm Memorial Service at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons. 36900 Schoenherr Rd. at Metro Parkway (16 Mile). Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Michigan Parkinson’s Foundation (www.parkinsonsmi.org ) Please share memories with the family at their "On-Line Guestbook" @ WujekCalcaterra.com

Patricia Varga

October 14, 1935 - August 10, 2023