Sharon K. Varagona, 69, of St. Louis, passed away on December 13th, 2021, with family and friends by her side.
She was born to Ione and James Gifford on September 18th, 1952, in St. Louis, MO. She was the youngest of three, with older brothers Bob and Denny. Sharon graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1970 and was very involved in their recent 50th reunion.
She married Charles “Buddy” Varagona at St. Ambrose Church in 1975. They had met 2 years prior at Palace Bowl. They have lived in the same house on Tholozan in the Lindenwood Park neighborhood of St. Louis since that time. There they brought Sara, Jim, and Matthew into this world. Sharon was very involved during their time at St. Joan of Arc school, being the catalyst that led to a crosswalk signal installed for the kids’ safety and the hiring of a crossing guard. She also started a hot lunch program there. She thought of herself as a 2nd mom to many kids there (as Mrs. V), watching them before or after school, giving rides, sharing meals, or just having a lively conversation. She always showed support for and pride in her children, and later grandchildren, through their endeavors, even her “adopted children” as she called them.
Many people knew Sharon from her 20 years at The Home Depot on South Kingshighway. She was sometimes regarded as Sunshine Sharon for her friendliness and going out of her way to assist customers and coworkers, who also went on to become friends and acquaintances for years to come. The same could be said for her time at Zip Print (5 cent copies) prior to that, through which she met and mingled with big names in the community.
Sharon had a great appreciation and love for family and friends, showing it through visits or sharing photos and lots of stories. She made friends wherever she went, whether in her neighborhood, from her neighbors to folks simply walking by with their dog, through work, through church, or her children’s schools. It wasn’t difficult with her gift of gab. She loved to make and give food, fudge, quilts, and more. It was her way of expressing her appreciation, that she cared, and she loved you.
When Matthew passed unexpectedly in 2000, she pushed forward in her faith and kept his memory alive through charitable endeavors such as a benefit, golf tournaments, and a scholarship. She befriended and shared experiences with many who had also lost a child.
In 2008, she began the role of Nana to her now 4 grandchildren. She beamed with pride when talking about them and loved being around them. She’d say they “rock my world” and she was “happy as a lark”.
Her son-in-law, Chance, passed in 2019, just days after her retirement. She traveled that day to be with her daughter, Sara, and granddaughters, and stayed for the next few months to help do whatever she could to show her love.
She was fond of the St. Louis Cardinals, Days of Our Lives, and Facebook, but would also gladly express her displeasure with any of them.
She enjoyed seeing her granddogs and also greeting her neighborhood dogs, giving them Milk Bones and water.
She had such a memorable voice and laugh. And some people might tell you she looked like Velma from Scooby-Doo.
Although the last year of her life was filled with many medical misadventures that she was sure to tell all about, it was a wonderful demonstration of love through her marriage, her family, and friendships. She taught us so much good, and it’s time to carry that on.
Sharon is survived by her husband, Buddy Varagona, her daughter, Sara (the late Chance) Reilly, her son, Jim (Shannon) Varagona; grandchildren Dylan Varagona, Vivienne Varagona, Giana Reilly, and Olivia Reilly; brother Bob. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ione and Jim, brother, Denny, and son, Matthew.
Services: Visitation at Kutis Affton Chapel, 10151 Gravois, Tuesday, December 21, 4-7 p.m., then taken to her beloved St. Ambrose Catholic Church on Wednesday, December 22, for visitation at 8:45 a.m. until funeral Mass at 9:45 a.m. Interment J.B. National Cemetery. Contributions in Sharon’s memory to The Vasculitis Foundation appreciated: https://www.vasculitisfoundation.org/donate/ or P.O. Box 28660 Kansas City, Missouri 64188
Please accept my deepest condolences to you over the loss of Sharon. I offer you my heartfelt support and friendship in this difficult time.
Please accept my deepest condolences to you over the loss of Sharon. I offer you my heartfelt support and friendship in this difficult time.
Sending love to the family and R.I.P Sharon you will be missed
Sending love to the family and R.I.P Sharon you will be missed
I met Sharon through her daughter who is my daughter in law. She was always willing to lend a hand no matter what. She will be truly missed by many. Rest in Paradise, Sharon.
I met Sharon through her daughter who is my daughter in law. She was always willing to lend a hand no matter what. She will be truly missed by many. Rest in Paradise, Sharon.
I met Sharon, when I was assigned to the 23rd Ward as NSO. She was very active in the neighborhood organization, regularly attending meetings. I was used to having arms-length professional relationships with residents, but Sharon was having none of that! Her endearing personality quickly made us friends. When things got difficult, she was one of my staunchest supporters, earning her a permanent place in my heart. We kept in touch through Facebook after I retired. I will miss her chatty posts and family photos. She was one of the loveliest souls I have ever encountered on earth.
I met Sharon, when I was assigned to the 23rd Ward as NSO. She was very active in the neighborhood organization, regularly attending meetings. I was used to having arms-length professional relationships with residents, but Sharon was having none of that! Her endearing personality quickly made us friends. When things got difficult, she was one of my staunchest supporters, earning her a permanent place in my heart. We kept in touch through Facebook after I retired. I will miss her chatty posts and family photos. She was one of the loveliest souls I have ever encountered on earth.
Sharon will truly be missed in the neighborhood as she was the dog whisper to all our dogs, yet alone the nicest strong woman I have met besides my mother.
Sharon made everyone feel so good about themselves, especially new people she met.
It was an honor to have her along with Buddy in my life & Skippys.
Be at peace Sharon & watch over your Family, as we know nothing would stop you ever.
Sharon will truly be missed in the neighborhood as she was the dog whisper to all our dogs, yet alone the nicest strong woman I have met besides my mother.
Sharon made everyone feel so good about themselves, especially new people she met.
It was an honor to have her along with Buddy in my life & Skippys.
Be at peace Sharon & watch over your Family, as we know nothing would stop you ever.
My sincerest condolences to Sharon’s family. I remember her as a friend of Teresa Harvey’s, and she was always very nice and funny. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
My sincerest condolences to Sharon’s family. I remember her as a friend of Teresa Harvey’s, and she was always very nice and funny. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
I worked with Sharon for the 6 years I was at Home Depot. She was a hard worker and we shared many stories about our busy grandchildren.
My heart goes out to the family. Just know she was a friend to many and her legacy continues. R.I.P Sharon
I worked with Sharon for the 6 years I was at Home Depot. She was a hard worker and we shared many stories about our busy grandchildren.
My heart goes out to the family. Just know she was a friend to many and her legacy continues. R.I.P Sharon
I’ve known Sharon since our children were at St Joan of Arc together.
Full of life
Shared herself with everyone
Giving person
Loved each & every moment
Kind soul
She is missed
Her smile will warm my heart
I’ve known Sharon since our children were at St Joan of Arc together.
Full of life
Shared herself with everyone
Giving person
Loved each & every moment
Kind soul
She is missed
Her smile will warm my heart
Gone but never forgotten. Her smile was bright. It always made me smile no matter how I felt. She was a wonderful woman.
Gone but never forgotten. Her smile was bright. It always made me smile no matter how I felt. She was a wonderful woman.
Sharon and Buddy are the heart and soul of Tholozan Ave. It simply won’t be the same without her friendly chats. A friend and neighbor to everyone. Our love and condolences to Buddy and her family. ❤️
Sharon and Buddy are the heart and soul of Tholozan Ave. It simply won’t be the same without her friendly chats. A friend and neighbor to everyone. Our love and condolences to Buddy and her family. ❤️
We are so sorry for your loss! Our prayers go out to you and your family during this trying time. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help the family!
We are so sorry for your loss! Our prayers go out to you and your family during this trying time. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help the family!
Buddy,
I’m so sorry to hear about Sharon’s passing. My deepest condolences and prayers for you and your family.
Buddy,
I’m so sorry to hear about Sharon’s passing. My deepest condolences and prayers for you and your family.
Buddy. My sympathy to you and your family upon learning of Sharon’s death.
Buddy. My sympathy to you and your family upon learning of Sharon’s death.
Buddy,
I am so sorry to hear Sharon’s passing away. Condolences to you and the whole family. Hang in there, Buddy.
Much love to you and the family,
Amy the screener at the hospital
Buddy,
I am so sorry to hear Sharon’s passing away. Condolences to you and the whole family. Hang in there, Buddy.
Much love to you and the family,
Amy the screener at the hospital
I worked with Sharon for 13 years at Home Depot. I was just a kid when I met her and she quickly claimed me as her “adopted daughter.” She helped me through many difficult times and was a true friend. I have never met anyone like her. There are really no adequate words to describe her beautiful soul. Her love and kindness will never be forgotten. Deepest sympathies to her family. She loved you all so very much.
I worked with Sharon for 13 years at Home Depot. I was just a kid when I met her and she quickly claimed me as her “adopted daughter.” She helped me through many difficult times and was a true friend. I have never met anyone like her. There are really no adequate words to describe her beautiful soul. Her love and kindness will never be forgotten. Deepest sympathies to her family. She loved you all so very much.
I have known Sharon for many years She used to work at Zip print and she was so friendly to everyone She said a poem she created at my fathers funeral. Which was so sweet, happening so suddenly that we were just numb.I will never forget her sharp mind and caring, a life well lived. May God bless and keep her family left behind. my sister and I leave our most sincere condolences for you all.
I have known Sharon for many years She used to work at Zip print and she was so friendly to everyone She said a poem she created at my fathers funeral. Which was so sweet, happening so suddenly that we were just numb.I will never forget her sharp mind and caring, a life well lived. May God bless and keep her family left behind. my sister and I leave our most sincere condolences for you all.
Buddy and family, I am so sorry to learn that Sharon passed. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you remember the wonderful person she was. Sincerely,
Cindy (Hinkle) Fraser, Mary and Russ’s daughter.
Buddy and family, I am so sorry to learn that Sharon passed. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you remember the wonderful person she was. Sincerely,
Cindy (Hinkle) Fraser, Mary and Russ’s daughter.