Diana (Griffin) Vári passed away peacefully on October 4, 2021. She was born August 5, 1934 in Worcester, Massachusetts to John Patrick Griffin and Ida Rosanne (Walsh) Griffin. Diana moved a number of times throughout her life, finally moving to Boulder, Colorado in 1977; her “true” home.
Following her graduation from A.B. Davis High School in Mt. Vernon, New York in 1950, she attended New York University in Manhattan. While at NYU, Diana met Richard Edward Haan whom she later married in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on August 5, 1953. Diana and Richard had three children, they divorced in 1961. With three small children in tow, Diana returned to college and received a B.A. in History from Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea, Ohio. On September 21, 1962, Diana married Peter Vári, and they had one child. Diana and Peter were divorced in 1973.
Diana’s passion was history, especially Native American Indian and African American studies. She received a MA, and pursued a PhD at Indiana University while serving in the History Department. She taught at several universities while raising her children and continued pursing historical documents from various tribal reservations for her dissertation.
Diana was a member of the Flatirons Ski club for 40+ years; enjoying hiking, skiing and FACs. She loved to read, especially mysteries and history books, and belonged to the Mystery Book Club in Boulder. She spent a lot of time discovering and documenting genealogy. Through the years she belonged to several writing groups. Diana also volunteered with a few different organizations, including the Boulder Police Department. When able, she enjoyed traveling.
Diana is survived by her four children: Lynn (Haan) Millar, Brian Haan, Brett Haan and Milena Vari; and five grandchildren: Ariel Haan,Theron Haan, James Millar, Jacob Haan and Maggie Haan.
There will be a Celebration of Life held at the Chautauqua Park Community House on Friday, October 15th from 2-4PM. If you are not vaccinated, please do not attend out of respect for the health of the family and friends. In lieu of flowers or other gifts, please consider a donation to Sierra Club(ColoradoSierraClub.org), Native American Rights Fund (NARF.org) or the Smithsonian Institute (SI.edu).
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