Leora M. Varricchio

Leora Marion Turner Varricchio, beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family after a long and beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and devotion. Born in a blizzard on February 24, 1929, to Ray and Winnie Turner, Leora grew up with deep admiration for her two older brothers, Irwin and Vernon Turner. Both proudly served their county during World War II, Irwin in the United States Navy and Vernon in the United States Army. Leora carried immense pride for their service and accomplishments throughout her life.

At the age of eighteen, on August 29, 1947, Leora married the love of her life, Dominico Varricchio. Together, as newlyweds, they quite literally built their home with their own hands, a home that would become the heart of the family and the backdrop of countless cherished memories. Nestled on Little Long Lake, it was a place filled with laughter, many family gatherings, and the kind of love in a family that stands the test of time.

They raised four wonderful children: Dominico (Don), Michael, Kathy and Lori, who were the center of her world and the source of her greatest joy.

Leora’s legacy lives on through her beautiful and ever-growing family. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dominico, and her son, Don Varricchio, who passed in 2007. Don is survived by his wife, Elaine and their children: Tami, Becky (Russ Kloosterman) and their children, Stacey, Stephen and Sarah and Brian with his daughters Francesca and Vivian.

Her son Mike (Sharon) blessed Leora with three more grandchildren: Mike Jr. (Sarah) and their children Isabella, Lucia, Maria, Monica, and Xavier; Jeff (Beena) and their children Jackson and Anika; and Rachel (Mike Stevens) and their children Layla, Joey, Piper, and Scarlett.

Her daughter Kathy (Dennis Reid) brought her joy and through their daughter Katie (Ty Hathaway) and their son Grayson.

Her daughter Lori, who is preceded in death by her husband Bud Haan, gave Leora three more grandchildren to love: Andrea (Chris Van Hof) and their children Dexter and Fritz; Alex (Jamie) and Ansley (Luke Cooper).

Leora was the very proud matriarch of four children, ten grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren. She was known for her feisty spirit, her quick wit, and her love of life’s simple pleasures, like a good corn dog shared at the lake or sitting in her favorite chair crocheting hundreds of blankets for her whole family. She was a fierce woman who never backed down from any struggle she faced. Her strength, determination, and fire inspired her entire family to live with courage and heart.

Her warmth, humor and unconditional love will forever echo in the laughter of her family and the beautiful sunsets of Little Long Lake, the place she called home and the place where her legacy will live on.

Visitation will be held at Winkel Funeral Home in Otsego, on Sunday, November 16, 2025, from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11am, Monday, November 17, 2025, at St. Margaret Catholic Church in Otsego, with Rev. Fr. Simon Manjooran officiating. Burial will be held at 3:45pm at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Kalamazoo. A reception will follow at the Fieldstone Grill in Portage.

Contributions in memory of Leora may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.