Skip to content

Mary Varabioff

1920 - 2014

We regret to announce the passing of Mary Varabioff on Sunday, November 23, 2014. Mary was born in Mikado, Saskatchewan on April 13, 1920. She was the 3rd of 8 Children born to George Soobotin and Mary Remazoff. Being a section foreman for the CPR, her father was transferred to B.C. in 1924 and the family subsequently relocated to Grand Forks, Eholt, Tunnel and Roseberry. In 1938 Mary moved from Roseberry to Grand Forks to be closer to her family and relatives and she has been a resident of Grand Forks ever since. In early 1940 Mary wed Nick Varabioff and soon after they established a nine acre farmstead in West Grand Forks. Here she nurtured and raised four children, an assortment of farm animals and an ever-present vegetable and berry garden. In 1960 Mary took a waitressing position at the Honey Dew Café under the employ of the Mark family. Mrs. Mark, who Mary’s family fondly called “Mrs. Soon”, became one of her most endearing friends and Mary stayed on at the café until her retirement in 1985. In 1970 Mary purchased her own home in North Ruckle Addition where she spent her best years tending to her flower beds and garden. She loved to spend time with her many grandchildren, relatives and friends who would stop by for a cup of tea and a raspberry tart or a bowl of borsht. During her later years Mary could be seen daily from dawn ‘til dusk, sitting on her front porch greeting neighbours and strangers alike as they passed by. Mary was predeceased by her husband Nick Varabioff and by her son Eddie (Vicki) Varabioff of Grand Forks. She is survived by her son Norman (Natalie) of Grand Forks, by her son Peter of Vernon, by her daughter Vera Sneddon of Greenwood, and by her 6 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Mary Varabioff was interred at the Evergreen Cemetery on Saturday, November 29, 2014. A celebration-of- life will be held in her memory at a later date. Hers was the strength and the will that held our family together. She was respected, adored and loved by all who knew her. In our hearts and minds she will always be fondly remembered simply as our “Baba” Mary. We were blessed to have been a part of her life…and we will miss her.



Your condolences will be approved within one business day. You will need a valid Facebook account. Please email us if you have any questions.