In Memoriam: Helen Vari (1931-2023)

Mar 22, 2023
Helen Vari smiling happily.

Helen Vari (Hon DHumL 2011 VIC), a long-time friend of the University of Toronto and an honorary chair of the Defy Gravity Campaign, has passed away. She was 91. A renowned philanthropist, she had a profound impact at the university, endowing a chair in advanced surgery and supporting student scholarships for more than 25 years.

“Helen Vari will be remembered for her steadfast generosity,” said Meric Gertler, U of T’s president. “She was passionate about health care and education, and we are proud that her philanthropic legacy at the University of Toronto reflects both. We will miss her warm friendship and wish to extend our sincerest condolences to her nieces and all her family.”

The Vari Scholarships, a chair in otolaryngology and outstanding volunteer service

Through the George and Helen Vari Foundation, Helen Vari and her late husband, the Honourable George Vari (1923-2010), touched many lives. In 1997, they established the Vari Scholarships, which have provided life-changing support to Victoria College students intending to enter the teaching profession and students already pursuing teaching qualification at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE). These generous scholarships are the largest single awards available to education students at the university. Over more than 25 years, more than 109 students have benefited.

Recently, Helen Vari also created the George and Helen Vari Scholars at Risk award to help students whose lives and careers were imperiled in their home countries. To date, the award has empowered 51 students in need of refuge to continue their educations at U of T.

Mrs. Vari made these awards all the more memorable by forging a connection with each Vari Scholar.
We valued her friendship and how she went above and beyond to encourage students.

“Scholarships touch students very closely,” said Erica Walker, dean of OISE, “and Mrs. Vari made these awards all the more memorable by forging a connection with each Vari Scholar. They knew first-hand she wanted to ensure that talented students with a passion for teaching get a fair chance to make a difference in their chosen fields. Every student she helped, and all of us at OISE, will always appreciate that.”

“We are grateful indeed,” said Rhonda McEwen, president of Victoria University in the University of Toronto. “Helen and George Vari have empowered those who will go on to shape future generations through their teaching, and inspired them with an example of compassion in action. We at Victoria valued her friendship and how she went above and beyond to encourage students. I will always remember her warm welcome to me, and all of us at Vic will miss her warm interest and care.”

Mrs. Vari made these awards all the more memorable by forging a connection with each Vari Scholar.
We valued her friendship and how she went above and beyond to encourage students.

Just two years ago, Vari also endowed the George and Helen Vari Chair in Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery. Inspired by care that George received from Dr. Patrick Gullane, this research chair supports each successive leader of the Department of Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery.

Temerty Medicine is so grateful to Mrs. Vari for recognizing the importance of otolaryngology—head and neck surgery.

“This chair was an exceptional gift,” said Dr. Trevor Young, dean of the Temerty Faculty of Medicine. “Flexible, sustainable funding has tremendous impact. It helps us make key discoveries in much-needed specialties and transform them into better care for patients. Temerty Medicine is so grateful to Mrs. Vari for recognizing the importance of otolaryngology—head and neck surgery and ensuring the continued support of the next generation of specialists.”

Temerty Medicine is so grateful to Mrs. Vari for recognizing the importance of otolaryngology—head and neck surgery.

Helen Vari also gave something extremely precious—her time. “I’ve always been happy to help U of T in any way I can,” she once said. She worked on four U of T fundraising campaigns, including the current Defy Gravity campaign. She met with the Vari Scholars every year to hear their stories. And she even hosted alumni events at her home in Paris. The University honoured her with an Arbor Award, its highest volunteer recognition.

A life of giving: celebrating learning, honouring heritage, growing a bright future

During her lifetime, Helen Vari experienced tremendous ups and downs. Born Helen de Fabinyi, she grew up in Hungary and survived the Second World War and the tragic revolution of 1956. She later moved to  Canada, got married and began building a new life together with her husband George Vari.

As George achieved success developing iconic buildings on five continents, Helen travelled the world, hosted parties for heads of state, and above all, threw herself into making a difference.

In 1984, they launched the George and Helen Vari Foundation. Helen led the foundation, which supported causes from education and science to immigration and international relations.

Helen Vari made things happen. She brought people together and ignited them to action with her generous spirit. And she made friends wherever she went.

Helen also volunteered extensively, serving organizations such as Ontario Heritage, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada, the Vimy Foundation, the Université de Paris, and many others. She received several recognitions, including Queen Elizabeth II Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals, a commendation from Veterans Affairs Canada, and honorary degrees from several universities, including U of T. France elevated her to la Légion d’honneur and Canada appointed her a member of the Order of Canada.

Helen Vari made things happen. She brought people together and ignited them to action with her generous spirit. And she made friends wherever she went.

“Helen Vari made things happen,” said David Palmer, U of T’s vice-president, advancement. “She brought people together and ignited them to action with her generous spirit. And she made friends wherever she went. The University of Toronto will always be honoured that she counted us one of those friends, and proud to carry forward her legacy in education and in surgery.”