Loretta Varon Lewis

LEWIS--Loretta Varon, on April 15, 2008. Loving wife, sister, mother, "Nona" and friend. An acclaimed coloratura soprano, she provided great joy throughout her life to those who were touched by her beautiful voice. Loretta was born in NYC on December 2, 1928 to Julia and Benson Varon. Recognized early for her musical gift, she held her first recital when she was 12 years of age, and was accepted to and graduated from the High School of Music and Art. Although a dedicated wife and mother, Loretta was an accomplished artist with performances at Carnegie Hall, the Brooklyn Academy of Music and on radio and TV. During her singing career, she performed as the main soloist in such operas as the Marriage of Figaro, La Boheme, Aida, and Madame Butterfly, and sang in over seven languages. A woman of grace, style, elegance and substance, her passion for the arts was matched only by her love of family, gardening, interior design, sewing, cooking and travel. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Norman; sons and daughters-in-law, Jeffrey and Kaye; Peter and Wendy; and Kenneth and Lori; as well as her grandchildren Theodore, Alexander, Julia, Amy, Daniel, Eliza, Andrew, Nathaniel and Teddy; her sister Anita and Niece Julie. All of our lives are richer for having known her and her presence will shine brightly in our hearts forever. A gathering to celebrate her life will be announced shortly. Donations in her memory can be made to the Loretta Varon Lewis Scholarship in Voice at the Juilliard School, NYC, attention Ms. Karen Raven.