Vauna Bernstein Ratner

Vauna Bernstein Ratner, at the age of 53 passed away on February 27th in her family home surrounded by loved ones.

Born in Idaho Falls, Idaho, Vauna spent her years growing up in Saranac Lake and graduated with the class of 1980. Friends will remember her involvement and love of musical theater in Saranac Lake and Lake Placid, and her honor to be selected to carry the Costa Rica banner during the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid. Vauna returned home in July, along with her three beloved cats, to Saranac Lake to be with family after living in Florida and then Hawaii for over 20 years. She was thrilled to reconnect with friends and gain new friends as well as experiences. She recently developed a love and appreciation for yoga and it's healing and relaxing properties. Relaxing at camp on Upper Saranac, seeing snow and the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival ice palace, and sharing time with family and friends including but not limited to Terry, Bob, PJ, Margie and Rob, Helene, George, Val and Paula, Tim and Chad, Lynne and Doug, Eleanor, and Cheryl and John gave her great delight.

Vauna is survived by her father and stepmother Manny and Meg Bernstein of Saranac Lake NY, her husband Ira Ratner of Los Angeles, CA, her sister, Bobbie Bernstein Karp, nephews Joseph and Joshua Karp of Saranac Lake, and brother and wife, Arthur and Chris Bernstein of Kinderhook, NY.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. No calling hours or funeral will be held. Instead, a remembrance will take place during the summer at her family camp on Upper Saranac. Vauna and her family wish to warmly acknowledge the support and care from the health care providers at Adirondack Health's Merrill Oncology Center and High Peaks Hospice.

Family and friends wishing to remember Vauna can make memorial contributions to their favorite humane society. Family and friends can also share their memories and sign the online guestbook at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.