Rene Nicole Vania

Oct 17, 1994 -

Mar 1, 2020

Rene Nicole Vania, age 25, passed away due to complications while recovering from a lung transplant at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle. Rene passed quietly and peacefully while surrounded by the love and support of her close family. The family will attend a memorial service at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church on Saturday, June 27, 2020. Following the church service, please join family and friends by sharing a story of Rene as they remember and celebrate her life at Alaska Aviation Museum Odom Hanger on June 27, 2020, at 12:30 p.m., in her hometown of Anchorage, Alaska.

Rene grew up as a happy, active child, participating in cheerleading, gymnastics, and baton, as well as taking full advantage of childhood in Alaska on many family camping trips. Later in life, Rene's interests grew to reflect her creative side as she developed a love of travelling, baking, crafting and painting. However, even with all her interests and creativity, one of her favorite activities remained cuddling on the couch with her dog, Karl and cat, Grace.

Although Rene's adventurous spirit guided her to many places in life, her true home was Anchorage, where she was born and raised. She graduated from A.J. Dimond High School in 2013 and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in community health education with a minor in aging services from Portland State University. After graduating from Portland State, Rene began a new adventure in Waco, Texas, where she enrolled in a program to become a Respiratory Therapist. Although unable to finish the program due to failing health, Rene was driven by the goal of pursuing a meaningful career, and ultimately hoped to help others suffering from lung conditions like her own.

Always quick with a joke or a comeback, Rene's spirit shined the brightest through her humor, sass and sarcasm. Her ability to lighten the mood when faced with fear, doubt or insecurity was a source of strength and confidence to all those close to her. Loyal and uncommonly genuine, Rene always acted true to herself, standing her ground and sticking up for what she believed in. Rene's lasting impact can be seen in the form of the lighthearted joy, companionship and true sense of authenticity she brought to the lives of those blessed enough to call her family or friend. She was proud of her family, pets and the life she built for herself.

Rene is survived by her parents, Tom and Veronica; her brother, Kevin; her boyfriend, Casey Hoflich; along with her grandparents, many aunts, uncles and cousins that were very dear to her; and her dog/pride and joy, Karl.