Ora Mae Vardigan

Born on June 19, 1920, Ora was the daughter of James and Della (LeGault) Ray. On December 26, 1938, she married Paul Joseph Vardigan, beginning a remarkable 75-year love story. They enjoyed traveling to California to visit their daughter, taking trips to Canada, Las Vegas, and to visit their sons in Lower Michigan. They will be remembered for polka dancing in their kitchen, hitting golf balls at the athletic field and their twice-daily neighborhood walks with their dog, Reggie.

Ora was a strong, proud, classy woman known for her unmistakable sass and sharp wit. Her legacy is defined by love, unwavering faith, and a rare resiliency. As the matriarch of her family she was a great mother; always there in times of need. She brought humor, authenticity, and grace into every room, never turning down a beer and a slice of pizza.

In her final days, Ora was surrounded by her devoted daughter and granddaughters, who remained faithfully by her side reassuring her that it was time to be reunited with her husband.

She is survived by her children, Ronald (Michele) Vardigan, John (Mary) Vardigan, Thomas (Suzanne) Vardigan, and twins Robert (the late Tammy) Vardigan and Bonnie (Stephen) Miketinac. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Nick Vardigan, Joshua (Sheri) Vardigan, Jasmin (Matt) Vardigan, Jennay Vardigan, Jessica (Josh) Balog, Benjamin (Kylie) Vardigan, Jennifer (Jason) Zdunek, Ashley Weber, Nichole (Kevin) McGraw, Mandy (Jeff) Erickson, and Angela (Kevin) Puszczewicz; 10 great-grandchildren, Caitlyn, Owen and Kelcie McGraw, Brynn and Grant Puszczewicz, Braylon and Nolan Zdunek, Willow Bleau, Elle Vardigan, and Donovan Balog; as well as many nieces, nephews, and her neighbors, the Smiths. In addition to her Parents and Husband, Paul, Ora is preceded in death by her sisters Evelyn Anderson, Ruth Hedberg and Gladys Barron, brothers Wally and Bert Ray, her beloved granddaughter Anna Vardigan and special niece Mary Pat Tweedale.

For the last five years, Ora resided at the Eastwood Nursing Center in Marquette. The family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff for the exceptional care and love she received.

“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us”. Helen Keller, 1929.

A Christian burial service will be held on Friday June 19th, 2026, at Holy Cross Cemetery in Escanaba. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Eastwood Nursing Facility 900 Maas Street, Negaunee, MI 49866. Messages of condolence may be offered at www.skradskifuneralhomes.com