Genevieve Varda

Genevieve Loyet Varda, 95, of Edwardsville, IL, formerly of Troy, IL, passed away peacefully at 4:30 p.m. on May 27, 2025. Born on June 9, 1929, on Maple Street in Collinsville, IL, Gen lived a full and loving life defined by compassion, friendship, and quiet strength.
She graduated from Collinsville High School, Class of 1947, where she enjoyed being in the band and played the clarinet. Gen furthered her education with two years at Belleville Area College. She went on to serve with distinction for 29 years as a cost analyst for the Military Airlift Command at Scott Air Force Base. Her dedication and work ethic left a lasting impression on all who knew her professionally.
In her younger years, Gen was active and adventurous, enjoying golf, bowling, traveling, and especially playing bridge and pinochle. She remained a lifelong member of SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Collinsville, where her faith and community meant a great deal to her.
Gen cherished her lifelong friendships, particularly the treasured bond with her high school friends Thelerna French, Jane Molinar, Kitty Osborn, and Mary Lou Schultz. Their bridge games and camaraderie spanned decades, a testament to the enduring joy and love in Gen's life.
Known for her warmth, sense of humor, and caring nature, Gen had a way of making those around her feel welcome and cherished. Family and friends often gravitated to her, drawn by her kindness and light-hearted spirit.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Ella (née Scully) Loyet; beloved husband, Robert "Gildo" Varda; a son, Joseph Michael Varda; a daughter, Nancy Ellen Smith; two brothers, James and Robert Loyet; and a sister, Virginia Stephens.
She is survived by her loving grandchildren, Suzanne Varda (Jon Meeth), Michael Hitch, and Brittany Hitch; her adored great-grandchildren, Zada, Paige, Miahlee, Kahlani Mae, Elijah, and Aileah; three sisters, Helen Graham, Marilyn Catalpa, and Nancy Deason; two sisters-in-law, Juanita (nee Meadows) Loyet and Carol (nee Hoke) Loyet; numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Cindy Hall and Susan Jordan.
Memorial visitation will be 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Monday, June 2, 2025 at SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 207 Vandalia, Collinsville, IL 62234.
Memorial mass will follow at 11 a.m. with Father Michael Haag celebrant. Burial will be in SS Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery, Collinsville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church or School or Hospice of Southern Illinois. They will be accepted at the visitation or can be mailed to Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.