Carolyn Vara Obituary

Carolyn Caliendo Coogan Vara

July 2, 1942 - June 13, 2025

ELBRIDGE - It is with heavy hearts that we, the family of Carolyn Caliendo Coogan Vara, 82, of Elbridge, N.Y. and Winterhaven, Fla., let you know that she gained her heavenly wings on June 13, 2025, which was her father's birthday.

Carolyn was a lifelong resident of Auburn, N.Y. Born on July 2, 1942, she devoted her life to her family whom she loved and cherished more than anything else. She graduated from Mount Carmel High School in 1960. Carolyn enjoyed music, dancing and singing, which were a major part of her life. Her hobbies included collecting old dolls and Gone with the Wind memorabilia. She loved all things from the Victorian era. She enjoyed shopping and playing online games with her Facebook friends.

Family celebrations and reunions were so important to Carolyn, for keeping her family close was the most important thing to her. Her family size cake pieces were the talk of the party and a tradition that will live on.

Carolyn is survived by her loving husband, Alfred Vara; her loving children, Cindy (Mike Bell) Silke, Dan (Lisa) Coogan, and Cheryl (Wayne) McEvers; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. She also leaves behind a very close friend of 55 years, Theresa Ferguson, who she loved dearly and her family in Florida, John Kara and Jane Winters.

Carolyn now joins in eternal rest with her husband of 48 years, Robert W. Coogan; her parents, Anthony and Julia Caliendo; her brother, Sam Caliendo; and her sister, Bernice Burns.

Friends were welcome to visit with the family from 10 to 11 a.m., on Wednesday, June 18, in White Chapel Funeral Home Inc., 197 South Street, Auburn N.Y. A funeral service followed at 11 a.m., in the funeral home. Carolyn was laid to rest in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Auburn.

Condolences to the family may be offered at whitechapelfh.com.