Obituary of Mary Louise Varga
Mary Louise Arbanas was born on November 17, 1930, in Calumet, Michigan. She was one of seven children born to the union of Marion and Mary (Vukonich) Arbanas. She attended Mattawan High School in Mattawan, Michigan graduating with the class of 1948. She then continued her education at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan from where she obtained a Masters Degree in Education.
Mary worked many years as an educator in the Wayne-Westland School District, an occupation that she truly loved.
Mary had many varied interests. She loved the arts, attending the Symphony and Ballet, but she also enjoyed watching University of Michigan Football. Mary and her grandson Bryan Phinezy even took a trip to the Rose Bowl game in Pasadena, California to watch her beloved Wolverines play. With a love for travel she had visited many international places. Two of her most cherished trips were cruises to Alaska and Antarctica. When Mary spent time at home countless hours were in the garden tending to her beautiful flowers.
Mary was very generous with her time, volunteering wherever she could. Over the years one of her favorite places to give back was at the Baptist Medical Center on Amelia Island in Nassau County, Florida.
Even with all her activities to keep her busy, Mary found her greatest solace in the company of her loved ones, delving deep into conversation.
Mary Lousie Varga, age 92 passed away on Tuesday; January 24, 2023, at the Brookdale Manor Senior Living in Monroe, Michigan. Her passing was preceded by her parents: Marion and Mary Arbanas; her daughter: Wendy Phinezy; two brothers: Jack and Rudy Arbanas; and a son-in-law: Bill Phinezy.
To cherish Mary’s memory she leaves a sister: Patsy Breitenbach of Crestwood, Kentucky; three brothers: Jerry Arbanas of Berrien Springs, Michigan, Larry (Peggy) Arbanas of Dewitt, Michigan, and Tom Arbanas of St. Joseph, Michigan; two sisters-in-law: Betty Arbanas of Wellston, Michigan and Rosie Arbanas of San Francisco, California; three grandchildren: Melissa (Chris Cunningham) of Blissfield, Michigan, Bryan Phinezy of Lansing, Michigan and John (Courtney) Phinezy of Manistee, Michigan; eight great grandchildren: Collin O’Connor, Cole, Brayden, and Chloe Cunningham, Jason and Bella Phinezy, and Kat and Amelia Vasquez.
Private family services will be held at a later date. Mary’s care has been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. Cremation has taken place through the on-site crematory, Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan.
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