Helen VARI

HELEN VARI It is with profound sadness that the family of Helen Vari (née Fabinyi) announces her passing on March 16, 2023. Helen passed away peacefully at the age of 91 at her home in Toronto, surrounded by her loving family. Helen was predeceased by her husband, George W. Vari; and her younger brother, Peter Fabinyi. She is survived by her youngest brother, Paul Fabinyi; her two 'daughters,' Agnes Hilkene and Victoria De Luca; and their husbands, Christopher Hilkene and Jason De Luca. She was beloved Oma to Alexandra Hilkene, Anna-Sophia De Luca and Isabella Georgina De Luca. Helen is also missed by family and friends abroad: the Fabinyi family in Hungary, the Sheely family in the U.S.A. and many dear friends around the world. Born in Iglo, Helen lived in Hungary until moving to Montreal, Canada in the early 1960's where she married the love of her life, George. Helen and George worked side-by-side, establishing a very successful international real estate development and construction company that operated on five continents. In 1984, they created the George and Helen Vari Foundation to support their philanthropic goals. Helen served as the President of the World Monuments Fund, France, where she oversaw the restoration of the Cathedral Dome of the Hôtel National des Invalides in 1989. It was the largest ever restoration of a historic building prior to the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican. In 2001, the George and Helen Vari Foundation donated 6,000 Canadian Sugar Maple trees to restore the damage sustained to the forests at the Bois de Boulogne, Paris and to the Château de Versailles. Because of those efforts, they were named the Ontario Forest and the Canadian Forest, respectively. The Vari Foundation also contributed to the restoration of the Fountain of Hope and the renewed forecourt at Rideau Hall, the Governor General's official residence in Ottawa, Canada. As Honourary Colonel of the Toronto Scottish Regiment, Helen was a staunch supporter of Canada's active military personnel, as well as its veterans. She contributed to a number of initiatives to celebrate the important history of the Toronto Scottish Regiment and fondly called it "The best Regiment in the world." She was the lead donor in building the Visitor Education Centre and the George Vari Gate, entrance to the Vimy Foundation Centennial Park at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France. She was affectionately known as the 'Empress of Vimy.' The Canadian Army presented Helen with The Commander Canadian Army Commendation and the Canadian Military awarded her with the Chief of the Defence Staff Commendation. In 2016, Helen received the Order of Canada for her exceptional record of philanthropy and volunteer engagement. The French Government also awarded her with the Ordre National du Mérite and made her a Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur for her ongoing efforts to foster France-Canada relations. In 2021, she was elevated to Grand Officier de La Légion d'Honneur, making her one of only four individuals and the only woman in North America to hold the office. Helen and George's contribution to York University's main entrance and teaching facilities was the largest private donation to a Canadian University at the time. This led to the building being named Vari Hall in their honour in 1992. In addition to their significant gift to The George Vari Engineering & Computing Centre at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), Helen continued to support students through numerous scholarships and bursaries. She adored "her students" and would often note the phrases, "We came to Canada with nothing; Canada gave us everything" and "You can do it!" in her convocation addresses. Her relentless focus on helping students through numerous universities has benefited thousands of young people in Ontario and beyond. For her steadfast support, Helen received honorary doctorates from six Universities: York University, Victoria University at the University of Toronto, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), Ontario Tech University, St. Francis Xavier University and Nipissing University. The family remembers Helen as a proud Canadian and a tireless champion of education. She was a strong, warm, kind and funny individual, with a lust for life. She was happiest when surrounded by family and friends and could feel the love around her. She particularly loved spending time at the farm in Cobourg for holidays, the annual garden party in August, or simply going for strolls at her cherished property with family and friends. All are invited to the Visitation Centre at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, 375 Mount Pleasant Road (east gate entrance), Toronto, on Thursday, March 30, 2023 from 2:00-4:30 p.m. and from 6:30-9:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, March 31, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 354 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto. Interment and Reception will follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery and Visitation Centre. In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen's memory can be made to the Toronto Scottish Regimental Foundation in support of the George and Helen Vari Bursary Awards. Please consider making a donation to the Toronto Scottish Regiment Foundation by visiting www.canadahelps.org and searching for 'Toronto Scottish Regiment Foundation.'