Frances "Tia Panchi" Varela Livingston

October 4, 1940 • Douglas, Arizona

November 24, 2025 • Tucson, Arizona

Frances Varela Livingston, lovingly known to all as Tia Panchi, lived a full life surrounded by the people and places she loved most. Born on October 4, 1940, in Douglas, Arizona, she graduated from Loretto School in 1955 and Douglas High School in 1958. She always carried her hometown with her, and those Douglas roots meant a lot.

After years of hard work, she embraced retirement like a sport…actually, two sports. Bowling and golf became her happy places. If there were a league, she would join it. If there was a trophy, she probably chased it. The friendships she built through the years were many, and she was blessed by a community that loved her dearly.

As the last living aunt of the Varela family, she was a cherished link to a strong and spirited generation. While she did not have children of her own, she loved her nieces and nephews as if they were her own. She celebrated our victories, rolled her eyes at our nonsense, and showed up for us in ways that mattered most.

Our family is especially grateful to her nieces, Valerie Boatner and Virginia Verdugo, who watched over her and made sure she always had what she needed. Their devotion gave her comfort and joy throughout her later years.

We also extend our thanks to TMC and TMC Peppi's House for their compassionate care.

A gathering to celebrate her life will take place on Friday, December 12, 2025, at Carrillo's Mortuary, 204 S. Stone Avenue, from 8 to 9 a.m. Family and friends will then continue to San Augustine Cathedral (192–2 S. Stone Ave.) for the recitation of the rosary at 9:30 a.m., followed by the funeral Mass and blessing of the ashes at 10 a.m.

Honoring her wishes, her cremains will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Douglas, Arizona, on January 17, 2026, time to be determined, where she will rest alongside her sister, Maria Teresa.

We will remember Tia Panchi for her gentle warmth, her kindness, and the steady love she gave so generously.