Kathryn "Katy" (Richey) Kilwin Varga

Katy Kilwin Varga was born on Friday, March 13, 1925 in Manistique, Michigan, the daughter of Alfred and Catherine Richey.

Katy graduated from Manistique High School in 1943. She worked at the First National Bank until 1945 when she married Donald Kilwin.

Katy and Don lived in Detroit for two years. In 1947 they moved to Petoskey to purchase a bakery that they discovered was for sale in a Detroit newspaper ad.  She and Don worked together in the bakery and candy business in Petoskey for many years. After Don's death in 1982, Katy continued to operate the "Kandy Wink" candy business.

Katy traveled and enjoyed helping other people to start their own candy businesses in several locations throughout Michigan.

In 1997 Katy celebrated "Fifty Years in Business" and announced her retirement at a gathering at the Bay View Inn. Katy married Paul J. Varga in 1996 in Manistique, Michigan. Katy and Paul met at the Friendship Center in Petoskey while playing bridge.

Aside from her career in the candy business, Katy was involved with the Petoskey community.  She was a volunteer at the Crooked Tree Arts Center for many years and served on the CTAC Board of Directors. Katy was awarded 'Volunteer of the Year' at the CTAC in 1994. Katy was a member of the First Church of Christ Scientist. She served on the church's Board of Directors and was a Treasurer for many years.  Katy also served on the Board of Directors at La Chaumiere condos. She was Treasurer there as well.

Katy and Don were charter members of the "Whirl A Way" square dance club. She and Don were the first Presidents of that club.

Katy had a "candy kitchen" set up in her home. Her lifelong hobby was making chocolates and giving them away.

Katy was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, two brothers, her first husband Don Kilwin and her late husband Paul Varga. 

Katy is survived by her step children Paul M. (Elizabeth), Randall (Josie), her grandchildren Anne, Jolene and Spencer Varga and a close cousin, Paula (Ken) Fineout and their children Katie and Chris. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

Our sincere gratitude to NW Michigan Hospice, especially Katy's RN, her PA and the all the staff at Mallard Cove for their kind and heartfelt daily care.

Katy touched the lives of many people. She will be remembered by the way she lived her life...with grace, in peace and with love for all.

Memorial donations may be made to the First Church of Christ Scientist, Friendship Center of Petoskey, or Brother Dan's Food Pantry.

Katy’s life will be remembered and celebrated during a funeral service that is planned for 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 6th at Stone Funeral Home.  Visitation will take place on Thursday, October 5th from 5:00-8:00 p.m.

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