Rosa (Martinez) Varela's Obituary
Mrs. Rosa (Martinez) Varela, age 85, went lovingly to be with her Lord on Sunday, December 25, 2011, at Sanctuary of the Shore in Grand Haven, MI. She was born in Houston, Texas to Luz and Carmen (Serna) Martinez and lived most of her life in the Muskegon area. She graduated from Hackley School of Nursing as a registered nurse in 1948. Rosa worked 30 years as a registered nurse for Mercy Hospital and retired from Brookhaven Medical Care Facility. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Bartolo Varela. SURVIVORS include 3 children, Carol Jean Varela-Haager of Albuquerque, NM, Richard Eric Varela of Muskegon, Elaine Kay (Jeffrey) Johnston of Norton Shores; 4 grandchildren, Felicia (Matthew) Butner of Virginia, Melina Schwartz of Muskegon, Xochitl Haager of Albuquerque, NM, and Angel Haager of Albuquerque, NM; 2 great-granddaughter, Krista Lyne Weller-Schwartz and Yasmine Guillen; 2 brothers, Louie (Nancy) Martinez of Muskegon, Tony Martinez of Muskegon; 6 sisters, Theresa Panzero of Muskegon, Molly (Edward “Lee”) Smith of Spring Lake, Mary (Harold) Stoops of Topeka, KS, Carmen (Frank) Richards of Spring Lake, Theresa Rivera of Spring Lake, Virginia (Jose) Reyes of Muskegon; 1 sister-in-law, Marilyn Martinez of Muskegon. She was preceded in death by her parents and 1 brother, Raymond Martinez. A Memorial Luncheon will take place at 1:00 PM Friday, December 30, 2011 at the Muskegon Recreation Club (1763 Lakeshore Drive). Memorial Contributions may be directed to Harbor Hospice. Arrangements handled by The Walburn Chapel, Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 1547 W. Sherman Blvd. (231) 759-8565. Sign the guest book on-line at www.sytsemafh.com.
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