Brenda Varvoutis
Brenda Varvoutis, 64, a Houston, TX resident for over 40 years, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2021. Born on October 1, 1956 in Harrisburg, PA., Brenda was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, teacher, musician and educator. She was preceded in death by her parents Janet Rex Stegner and Robert Eugene Stegner.
Brenda’s love for music spanned her entire life. She was involved in every music organization from church to school organizations. During her teen years, participating in her school’s marching band, choir, and concert band, she was recognized for her talent at the county, regional, and all state, choir, band and orchestras levels.
Always passionate about music, very early in her career she attended the Interlochen Center for the Arts, studied flute in Paris with Jean Pierre Rampal and later earned a Bachelor of Music Fine Arts at the University of Houston on scholarship. After graduation, she began a 35-year teaching career in the Pasadena Independent School District. In 2018, she was named Region 4 Secondary Teacher of the Year. She was active in: TMEA, TCDA, ACDA, Theater Under The Stars, Bay Area Youth Singers and leading the choir at Lakeside Lutheran Church.
Brenda worked with the Houston Symphony, produced numerous musicals, choral events and galas throughout Houston. She was an excellent costumer and seamstress.
As choir director at South Houston High School, she made singing a fun learning experience for her students. Many of her students became All-State singers. Her musicals were nominated for the Tommy Tune Awards and she often took her choirs on tours around the state. She was always devoted to giving her students the best possible education.
She loved teaching music to all ages. She taught her students at Bay Area Youth Singers songs and pieces from around the globe and performed them in different languages.
As choir director at Lakeside Lutheran, she insured the congregation enjoyed the best possible music for worship. During the 25-year tenure with the church, her choirs enjoyed singing a multitude of pieces from her extensive musical career.
She leaves behind her devoted husband, Warren Renander, sisters; Lisa Miller and Kristen Gonzales, her children; Eleni Drier, Kristina Rios, Thanassi Varvoutis and Leonora Mancilla, 7 grandchildren, Caleb, KJ, Alex, Axton, Ty, Dimitri and Olivia.
A memorial service will be held on May 15, 2021 at South Main Baptist Church, Pasadena, TX. Visitation from 1 – 2pm, Service from 2 – 3pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Brenda Varvoutis Music Scholarship through the Bay Area Youth Singers website.
The memorial service will be live-streamed. The link is available from the church website – www.southmain.org
Sonny, Bob and I are so sorry for your loss. Even though we never met her we have heard many stories about what a loving and kind person she was. God’s blessings to you and your entire family.
Warren, we are so saddened to hear about Brenda’s passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers for peace and strength during this most difficult time. With love, Ron and Cheri Spies
Sonny, so sorry to hear of your loss! My prayers are for her and the rest of your family! Peace be with you!
Soo very sorry for you Warren
Brenda’s musical influence on our family is an extraordinary gift that will continue throughout all of our lives. We’ll forever miss her and will never forget her.
Brenda and I became friends when she was the music teacher at Freeman Elementary school. She had a heart of gold, and was always looking out for others. Her sense of humor always shined, like the year she invited me to spend Easter dinner with you guys just to see my reaction when she showed me the complete roasting pig in the back yard. Easter Greek style! RIP my friend!
Brenda was a joy to work with and always had a can do attitude. Although I was merely a lowly substitute, when I worked with her, I was a colleague and treated with respect. Rest easy Mrs. V and teach those angel choirs Solfege and the Kodaly hand signs.
What an incredible loss! The legacy that she leaves behind in her family, church family and students is nothing short of remarkable. Taken far too soon for everyone, but now in the company of the heavenly host. Sing on, sweet soul, sing on!
How can someone so tiny make such a huge impact on so many? I never had the honor of knowing her personally but I do know that her reputation precedes her! Rest in Peace sweet soul!
My heart is heavy with this news, but I feel so honored to have known Brenda. Her impact on her students can not be understated: she was amazing. Brenda’s tireless energy made her a source of inspiration for those around her. I loved sitting and talking with her on my breaks – she was wise and funny and always kind. She leaves behind a legacy of excellence. My goodness, you will be missed dear friend.
Brenda, you are one of the most gentle and kind souls my family ever had the pleasure to know. We never heard an unhappy or hurtful word from you, even in the most challenging times. You have been the most amazing example of a lady my daughters have ever had, and I know they will carry the lessons you taught them throughout their entire lives. Your love of music will live on through all of the people you have blessed with your amazing talents. May God bless you and your beautiful family.
Brenda was the Choir Director at South Houston Intermediate, and I was her assistant. That was my first teaching job, over 30 years ago. She was a great mentor and became a great friend. She was one of the most determined, hard-working people I have known. She loved her students and they loved her. Rest In Peace my friend. You will be truly missed!