Denise "Lisette" Varano (nee Alalof) 95, formerly of Maywood, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 13, 2023. Denise was a kind, feisty, generous and creative person who was a talented and accomplished knitter, seamstress, cook and especially baker. She was born in Paris, France where she lived in an orphanage until WWII when she fled to Casablanca where she lived for 14 years before coming to the United States. In 1957, she married Rudolph "Rudy" Varano who she met at Palisades Amusement Park. Denise loved animals, especially cats, and enjoyed feeding the birds and squirrels and any other critter lucky enough to venture into her backyard. For many years, her favorite weekend activity was going to garage sales. Having no driver's license, she was an avid walker and her Maywood neighbors will no doubt remember seeing her on her at least once daily trips to Shop-Rite, where she was well-known and loved by the staff. Denise is survived by her two daughters, Karen and Sandra Varano, her granddaughters Katherine and Rachel Kustera, and her dearest friend and "sister" Marcelle Coudrai.

Visitation Thursday, May 18th from 4-7 PM at Costa Memorial Home Boulevard and Central Avenue Hasbrouck Heights. Private cremation will follow. Memorial contributions to your favorite charity would be appreciated.