In Memory of Loretta Varon Lewis
Loretta Varon Lewis, , on April 15, 2008. Loving wife, sister, mother,
“Nona” and friend. An acclaimed coloratura soprano, she provided great joy
throughout her life to those who were touched by her beautiful voice.
Loretta was born in New York City on December 2, 1928 to Julia and Benson
Varon. Recognized early for her musical gift, she held her first recital
when she was 12 years of age, and was accepted to and graduated from the
High School of Music and Art. Although a dedicated wife and mother, Loretta
was an accomplished artist with performances at Carnegie Hall, the Brooklyn
Academy of Music and on radio and TV. During her singing career, she
performed as the main soloist in such operas as the Marriage of Figaro, La
Boheme, Aida, and Madame Butterfly, and sang in over seven languages. A
woman of grace, style, elegance and substance, her passion for the arts was
matched only by her love of family, gardening, interior design, sewing,
cooking and travel.
She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Norman; her sister, Anita, her
devoted niece, Julie, sons and daughters-in-law Jeffrey and Kaye; Peter and
Wendy; and Kenneth and Lori; as well as her grandchildren Theodore,
Alexander, Julia, Amy, Daniel, Eliza, Andrew, Nathaniel and Teddy.
All of our lives are richer for having known her and her presence will shine
brightly in our hearts forever. A gathering to celebrate her life will be
announced shortly. Donations in her memory can be made to the Loretta Varon
Lewis Scholarship in Voice at the Juilliard School, New York City, attention
Ms. Karen Raven.
