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Ruthanne Varrin Obituary
Rochester, NY: Died peacefully at her home on July 15, 2008. Born Ruthanne Olson on December 4, 1930 in Rochester, the youngest of four children, she grew up in Pittsford, graduating from Pittsford High and then Carleton College. In 1963 she married Philippe Varrin, originally from Courgenay, Switzerland. An avid sailor and golfer, her true passion was music; she held the position of organist and choir director at a variety of Episcopal churches.
Her husband, Philippe Varrin, her parents, Raymond & Edith Olson, and her eldest bother, Kenneth Olson preceded Ruthanne in death. Surviving are her son, Chris Varrin, brothers Robert and Allen Olson, and numerous nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church in Pittsford later this summer. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Shepherd Home, 1959 Five Mile Line Road, Penfield, NY 14526.
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Memories and Condolences
for Ruthanne Varrin
Mitchell Scholar
August 13, 2008
Dear Chris,
Your mother was a fine person and an accomplished musician. She and your father welcomed me into their close circle in NJ after I became friends with their friend, William Grourke. We spent many happy evenings together, the four of us, playing bridge and sharing laughs. What good memories!!!
William Grourke
August 13, 2008
Chris,
So, so many happy memories of singing with your mother at the piano or organ... she had a song in her heart and we were all the notes of her opus. God bless Ruth!
Sharon Hilton
July 28, 2008
Dear Chris, My deepest sympathy on the loss of you Mom. She was, indeed a wonderful woman with whom I sang in the Christ Church choir. Her presence will be greatly missed.
Revs. Mary Anne and Tom Wickett
July 28, 2008
We didn't know Ruthanne for very long, but our prayers have always been with her as they are now with her family. May God bring you peace knowing that she is now with her Lord.
Tim Masters
July 28, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Varrin and Olson family and friends. Ruthanne was a marvelous lady who infused tremendous joy and style into everything she did. She is greatly missed.
Pru Kirkpatrick
July 27, 2008
Ruthanne was gracious and dignified in her living and in her dying. What an inspiration for those she has left behind. She will be remembered for her kindness and her love of music.
Stephen Kennedy
July 27, 2008
Ruth was one of the most delightful people that I ever had the good fortune to know. Though it was only for a short time that we knew each other, I felt a special connection and bond to her. Her smile would brighten the room and make troubles melt away. The Christ Church (Rochester) Choir will miss Ruth terribly. My condolences to Chris and all of the Varrin family.
A. Peter Blum
July 27, 2008
I only knew Ruthanne for a couple years. She was a joy to sing with and to be with.
She will be missed.
Ann Olson
July 27, 2008
Chris and family-all my sympathy.
This is so hard to write--for I should be calling Ruthanne instead. Our calls were often, and frequently long. The last ended with "We'll talk again soon". Ann Olson, Thomasville, GA.
Mary Schultz
July 27, 2008
I knew Ruthanne only for the past couple of years, when she and I sang together as altos at Christ Church Rochester. I enjoyed visiting her and listening to Morton Laurisden CDs with her. Even in her illness, she knew I loved chocolate cake!
All of the Christ Church choir will miss Ruthanne.
Mollie Wilson
July 22, 2008
Dear Chris,
I never got to meet your mother, but as a new member in the Emmanuel Church Choir, I have heard so many wonderful tales about her, and I know that she was deeply loved and highly respected by so many. My prayers go out for you.
Lucinda Boyd
July 22, 2008
It was a privilege to know you as well as experience your musicianship Ruth. You enjoyed life and complained little.
Ann Campbell
July 22, 2008
Ruth, Family and Friends will be in our Prayers! Sincerely,Ann Campbell and family.
Bill Grourke
July 22, 2008
Chris,
Words cannot express the true sorrow I feel. Ruth was a marvelous person, she filled my life with such laughter when no one else could. She will be deeply missed.
Steve Barney
July 22, 2008
Your fellow choir members at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Southern Pines, NC will miss you dearly, but rejoice that you have gone into the light of God's countenance in peace and joy.
SCHUYLER & DEBORAH HELLINGS
July 21, 2008
WE KNEW HER AS A ACCOMPLISHED ORGANIST AND MUSIC DIRECTOR IN ALEX. BAY, NY. OUR PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE FAMILY ON THEIR LOSS OF A FINE FRIEND.
Cyndie Johnson
July 21, 2008
Chris and family,
I miss her already but she still seems to be everywhere!
Love,
Cyndie
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