Barbara Jean Varda

Barbara Jean Varda, 88, of South Bend, IN went home to be with the Lord on Friday, January 2, 2026, with her family by her side. Barb was born on March 24, 1937 to John A. and Henrietta Stechcon in Chicago, IL. She married the love of her life, Lawrence Henry Varda on April 24, 1954 at St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Parish in South Bend, IN.

Barb grew up in Chicago, IL. She was baptized at St. Cecilia Catholic Church on June 20, 1937. She graduated from John Adams High School, and Indiana University in South Bend, IN. Barb began her career as an Executive secretary at the Girl Scouts of Singing Sands for over 17 years. Barb then furthered her career at Moreau Seminary at Notre Dame University, where she was the executive secretary to the director of vocations. Barb was the past-president of the Eagles Ladies Auxiliary 2083, formerly a Eucharistic minister at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. She was a COR Parent for over 7 years. She retired from Moreau Seminary in 2001, so she and her husband could enjoy traveling, fine wine and taking time to smell the roses. After retirement Barb and her husband enjoyed wintering in Florida for over 20 years and most recently in Lake Wales, FL. Barb loved to spend time with her wonderful family. When she had time she enjoyed golf, gardening, reading, sewing and crocheting. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was most affectionately known to those who loved her as “Gigi”, she will be sadly missed.

Barb is survived by her husband of over 71 years, Larry; their children Lauri Ann (Gerald “Jerry”) Ditsch of South Bend, IN., Julie (Chris) Watkins of Bremen, IN., Kenneth (Lynn) Varda of Hebron, KY and Richard Varda of South Bend, IN; grandchildren, Jeremy (Amy) Ditsch, Jason (Katy) Ditsch, Jennifer (Alex) Loepker, Nick (Lisa) Watkins, Paul (Katie) Watkins, Sarah (Rich) Widhalm, Anthony Varda, Justin Varda, Alexandria (Taylor) Davis, Caroline Varda, Michael (Brianna) Varda, Brandon (Stacie) Varda, Heather Varda, Tyler Varda; great-grandchildren, Kingston Ditsch, Livya (Becca) Morrissy, Bradig Ditsch, Cayden Ditsch, Kayli Cadotte, Fitzgerald Loepker, Ellington Loepker, Samuel Watkins, Cora Watkins, Colin Watkins, Mya Watkins, Alex Watkins, Elizabeth Widhalm, William Widhalm, Miley Varda, Katelyn Kruse, Corbin Varda, Elliott Varda, Cillian Varda, Hunter Varda, Harrison Davis, Harper Davis, Cameron Ditsch, Carter Ditsch and Adriana Ditsch and her great-great grandson Faelen; her sister, Dorothy (Jerry) Corell of Phoenix, AZ. Barb was preceded by her brothers, John Stechcon and James Stechcon.

Visitation will be held from 3-6pm on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at Hahn Funeral Home, 505 West 8th Street, Mishawaka, IN 46544 where a rosary will be prayed at 5:30pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10am on Friday, January 9, 2026 St. Bavo’s Church 511 West 7th Street, Mishawaka, IN 46544 where a time to visit will be one hour before mass at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery in South Bend, IN. Memorial donations may be made to Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545 and St. Bavo’s Church. Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46514 is assisting the Varda family. Online condolences may be made to Barb’s family at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com