Varo

LAURETTA VARO

Lauretta Varo lost her fight of eight years to the ugly monster, cancer. Lauretta was at home surrounded by loved ones when she started her new advantage, on June 27, 2012 at 2 a.m.

Lauretta was born March 2, 1954 in a small western New York town, Akron, to a proud Italian family. She will be dearly missed by Mom, Clara; Step-mom, Luisa; and three half brothers and families from California; her Dad, Franco predeceased her. Her large, very close Italian family will sadly miss Retta, as she was the shining star at family gatherings singing Italian songs, dancing and playing Morra.

Retta's life partner of 39 years, Gloria, was left behind with a gift of a trillion happy memories and sadly a very large hole in her heart.

Lauretta and Gloria moved to Bethel in the fall of 1976. They managed the Bethel Inn dining room for a few years before opening The Only Place Restaurant. Fifteen years later Lauretta opened The Doggie & Kitty Motel/Salon to fulfill her love of animals.

Lauretta was one of a few people to start “The Mahoosuc Community Band” in '94; she played the sax.

Retta along with Gloria taught Tae Kwon Do for over 15 years in Bethel awarding four people with their Black Belts; she held the position of second degree Black Belt.

She also volunteered for almost 20 years with Maine Handicap Skiing, which she loved tethering bucket skiers. She loved fishing, sledding, swimming at local swimming holes and skiing with all the children who were a very important part of Retta and Gloria's life. She loved her life with Gloria in Bethel and wished it would last forever. She used to say often that “Bethel has been very good to us.”

Retta will be sadly missed and remembered by many.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Lauretta's name to Responsible Pet Care, PO Box 82, Norway, ME 04268.

A Celebration of Lauretta's Life will be held on Aug. 12, Sunday, starting at 3 p.m. at The Bethel Inn Conference Center.