Ivette Vargas Obituary

Ivette Pons Vargas (born May 9, 1960) began her journey to the spirit world on April 17, 2023. A loving mother, devoted daughter, beautiful wife, beloved grandmother, sister, teacher, friend, niece, and neighbor, she loved deeply, spoke her hardest truths in Spanish, and shared laughter and memories with friends and loved ones in various corners of the world. Born in Puerto Rico to Virginia Lugo Lugo of Sabana Grande, Puerto Rico, and Nicolas Pons Marin of Utuado, Puerto Rico she grew up in Ponce and was the youngest of five siblings - Luis, Cruz Virginia, Juan Ramon, and Denise. She moved to the Bronx, New York with her family when she was in high school and trained as a hairdresser upon graduation. As a hairdresser she worked with exceptional Puerto Rican clients and friends including Puerto Rican singer/songwriter Hector Lavoe. In 1979 she met and fell in love with Joseph Paul Solyom. They were married in 1981. Together they welcomed two daughters: Ivette Alodie and Jessica Ann. In 1985 she moved to Salt Lake City, Utah where she met and fell in love with Jose Antonio Vargas. They married in 1987 and remained married until her passing. Together they welcomed another daughter, Xiomara Jasmine. As a mother, Ivette worked tirelessly to connect her daughters to their heritage ensuring they spoke both English and Spanish as she wanted them to be able to communicate with people across North and South America. She also ensured she took her daughters to Puerto Rico regularly so they would also have a sense of home. Although she never learned to drive, she made sure she raised daughters who were independent and became the first generation to own and drive their own cars, operate their own businesses, own their own homes, and graduate from college with advanced degrees. Her daughters and her grandchildren were her pride. In 1996 she became a preschool teacher and relished working with young people. Her love of the outdoors and especially water inspired her to spend time relaxing with her family in East Canyon, Utah and the beaches of her beloved island. A wonderful cook, incredible salsa dancer, and lover of boleros, aesthetic beauty and fashion she loved the sunset and never let her fingernails go unpolished nor guests leave without receiving nourishment for both body and soul. She is survived by her husband, Tony, three daughters, Alodie, Jessica, and Xiomara, and three grandchildren, Omar Antonio, Adelina Jasmine, and Adrian Nicolas, as well as one grand puppy, Felix Anthony. A Celebration of Life will be held on May 13, 2023, in North Scottsdale. Flowers and cards can be sent to 8120 E. Camino Adele, Scottsdale AZ, 85255. She will be deeply missed. Gracias por tu amor, Betty.