Marta Elisa Varela's Obituary
Marta Elisa Varela
February 7, 1959 – September 16, 2024
Marta Elisa Varela, a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on September 16th, 2024, at the age of 65 years old.
Born in Tucson Arizona on February 7th, 1959, to Baldemar P Guerra and Josephine M Torres, she will be remembered for her compassion for others, her kindness and love she had for her family and friends. Marta is survived by her loving husband, Frank A Varela; her children, Louis Varela, Danica Gandara, Vanessa Eckles, Orlando Varela, Frank Varela; her grandchildren, Larissa Varela, Nyciana Denault, Laila Varela, Vincent Gandara, Mianette Gandara, Aria Eckles, Sienna Eckles, Orlando Varela Jr.; and her brother Danny Guerra.
Marta dedicated her life to her family, caring for her loved ones and being there to support them. Marta was the glue who kept everyone together. She was the peacemaker and counselor of reasoning. Marta believed in forgiveness and that we should be kind to one another. She would say don’t have hate in your heart, it’s not good for the soul. She wanted everyone to have hope in others even through disappointment and pain. She left this earth in hopes that her children and grandchildren would find happiness and become the men/women she raised them to be.
She enjoyed cooking, hosting parties and gatherings at their property in Sahuarita. Marta was most passionate about her family, friends but those who know her best know she loved her animals too. Throughout the years she had your standard pets; birds, cats and dogs but on occasion she would surprise her family with a few non-traditional pets; a desert turtle, 3ft Iguana, ferrets, sugar gliders, a peacock or two and even a marmoset monkey, Boo boo.
In 2019 Marta was diagnosed with breast cancer and for the last 5 years her cancer took over her body as it metastasized to multiple organs. She underwent numerous rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, doing anything and everything available to fight her illness and extend her time here on earth. She was given 1 -3 yrs. and exceeded her time by an additional 2 yrs. She was braver than she knew, stronger than she looked, smarter than she thought and more beautiful than you can imagine.
While our hearts mourn her loss, we take comfort in knowing she is no longer suffering in pain. We love you Marta, until we meet again.
Memorial Services will be held at Evergreen Mortuary, the Cemetery Burial will be at Holy Hope followed by a Celebration of Life at the American Legion Sahuaro Post NO 68 from 2pm-6pm.
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