03/16/2022
Dear Mom:
Taken too soon from this world. So much left to accomplish. Your resume speaks for itself — you ARE a saint. I can’t even believe I’m holding this prayer card with your face on it right now. I think you know that you are the ONLY reason I finished medical school. If it weren’t for you I would never have become an orthopedic surgeon. Period. After losing dad — you were the true glue and the heart and soul of this entire family.
You deserved much better. "Sweet Lu" deserved the "Sweetest exit" ever from the planet. But you did not get that — and so many questions remain. Yes , You did not deserve this type of exit from the world. You. Deserved. Better. Period.
But you know what? Seeing what you went through has opened my eyes to the true field of pancreatic cancer. The status quo is not acceptable any longer. I’m officially opening my doors to investigating better outcomes for this atrocious disease. I will not rest until we achieve better. I love you forever.
Your son,
Matthew
***********************
Luanne Varacallo, age 64 of DuBois, PA died Sunday, March 13, 2022 at Penn Highlands DuBois Hospital surrounded by her loving family.
Born on November 21, 1957 in DuBois, PA, she was the daughter of the late Lucian and Elizabeth “Betty” (Fitzpatrick) Cavalier.
On June 20, 1981, she married Dr. Albert L. Varacallo, Jr. He preceded her in death on July 8, 2010.
Luanne was a graduate of DuBois Central Catholic High School, Class of 1975, and a 1979 graduate of Muskingum University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science. Following her graduation from college, she worked as a paralegal and a claims adjustor before taking on her most rewarding role as a mother to 6 children.
Luanne was a Certified Lifestyle Coach. Fitness and nutrition were aways a passion. She was a spin instructor at the YMCA for many years and taught Silver Sneakers. Luanne was constantly giving of her time and talent as a volunteer and leader for many organizations in our community. She was the president of the Dr. Albert Varacallo Foundation, a Free Medical Clinic volunteer and was a longtime staple at many DuBois Central Catholic functions. Above all, family and faith were the foundation of her life.
She was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church where she was active in church ministries and was a religious education instructor for over 20 years at St. Michael and St. Marys in Reynoldsville. She also loved to travel.
Luanne is survived by six children (Natalie Milliron & her husband Michael of Sarasota, FL; Dr. Christopher Varacallo & his wife Elissa; Dr. Matthew Varacallo; Albert Varacallo III, Dominic Varacallo & his wife Andrea; and Dr. Patricia Varacallo, all of DuBois, PA), eight grandchildren (Cecelia, Leah, Reese, AJ, Dominic, Michael, Lucia,(with whom she shared a birthday), Natalia and one grandchild on the way), siblings; (Mary Segerberg and her husband Mark and Paul Cavalier and his wife Charlotte both of DuBois, PA) and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by one sister (Betty Lou Cavalier) and two brothers (David Cavalier and infant Gary Cavalier).
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 from 12 PM – 4 PM and 6 PM -8 PM at the Baronick Funeral Home & Crematorium, Inc.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, March 17, 2022 at 10 a.m. from St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church with Msgr. Richard Siefer, Msgr. Charles Kaza, & Fr. David Whiteford con celebrating.
Burial will follow in St. Michael Cemetery.
Although flowers are appreciated, in lieu of flowers, “Sweet Lu” would want nothing more than for you to make a donation to the Doc V Foundation, established in memory of her beloved husband Dr. Albert Varacallo, Jr. The foundation was established by Luanne & her children after Doc V was tragically taken from us much too soon. The mission of the foundation is to continue to touch the lives of those in our community just as Dr. Varacallo did. You can donate by going to docvfoundation.com or by sending a contribution to the Doc V Foundation, PO Box 487, DuBois, PA 15801.
Online condolences can be made to www.baronickfuneralhome.com
