Karen Varney, a career development associate
in career services, died July 27 in a car accident. She
was 44.
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Varney |
Varney started working at EMU 25 years ago in the financial
aid department. She moved to the career services center
in 1983, where she worked until her unexpected death. She
also taught classes in the College of Technology as an
adjunct professor. Varney was a passionate supporter of
Relay for Life.
"Karen was all about the students," said Sarah Kersey
Otto, acting director of career services. "She was their
mom away from home. She maintained ties throughout the
years with many students and kept kids at EMU who would
have dropped out or transferred. She was a lifeline for
students, whether the issue was related to EMU or not.
She was always there. She put her heart and soul into EMU."
She is survived by a daughter, Melissa Varney, of Ypsilanti;
two sisters, one brother and her father. Memorial contributions
can be made to the Ypsilanti Relay for Life. To make a
donation, please contact the coordinator, Cathie McClure
at 487-2390.
Henry Collins, a boiler operator at Eastern Michigan University
from 1966 until he retired in 1985, died July 15. He was
86.
Collins was honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force,
where he patrolled the Aleutian Islands during World War
II. He was a lifetime member of Calvary Baptist Church
and enjoyed being outdoors in his garden. His friends will
remember and miss their early morning coffee together at
McDonald's.
He is survived by three children, Eddie Collins, Jennie
Hartwig, and Jim Collins; seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren,
one sister and two brothers.
Memorial contributions in his name can be made to the
Alzheimer's Association. His guest book is available for
signing at www.janowiakfuneralhome.com.
Irma P. Knavel, an Eastern Michigan
University food service employee who retired in 1969, died
July 9. She was 84.
Knavel was born in Augusta, Mich. She was
a member of Congress Street Church of God and the Ypsilanti
Senior Citizens.
Survivors include two daughters, Charlett Fortney, of
Saline, and Rose Gay, of Ypsilanti; four grandchildren,
15 great-grandchildren, a sister, Etta Lou Godbey, of Kentucky;
and several nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions can be made to either the American
Lung Association or the American Cancer Society. Her guest
book is available to sign at
www.starkfuneral.com.
