Claudia Louise Varney

claudiaClaudia Louise Varney, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister died suddenly at her home in Wells on October 4 of a massive heart attack.

Claudia was born in Portland, Maine to Dorothy (Dottie) Forbes Griffin and Wilfred (Brim) Ashley Griffin. Claudia graduated from South Portland High School in 1961.

As a young girl, Claudia spent a lot of her time at her Grandparents home in Yarmouth at Riverside Birches, home of "Herbie" the tree. Claudia lived there with her beloved dog Penny and would dress her up and push her in a baby carriage. Claudia loved horses and her father bought her a beautiful mare, Sugarfoot, who was boarded at Skyline Stables in North Yarmouth. Gary, Claudia's husband, worked at the stables. That is where they met.

In 1961 Claudia married the love of her life, Gary Varney. They shared an incredible life together raising four children. Charles Varney of Chebeague Island and his son Jeremy; Debbie Tomasini, formerly of Chebeague Island, is currently residing in Raymond with her husband Miguel and a menagerie of pets; the late Angela Varney Weagle, lost tragically to breast cancer in 2003. Angela and husband Erik have three beautiful sons, Tyler, James and Ashton. Losing Angela was such a heart break for the whole family, Claudia's strong faith helped her through this tragic time; son Scott Varney and his wife Cristina, four beautiful children, Zachary, Jacob, Noah and Addison all of Buxton. Also surviving is a brother, William Griffin and wife Joni; niece Kathleen and nephews Andrew and Ryan.

Claudia and Gary moved around quite a bit, which became endearing, rather comical when the family tried to count all the places they inhabited with children and animals.

Chebeague Island was and forever will be home to Claudia, Birthplace of her husband Gary, Claudia loved the fellowhip and peace of this special place. Claudia worked as a cook at the Island school cafeteria, babysat, cleaned homes, picked crabmeat, and much more.

Claudia was very active in the Chebeague Island Metodist Church. She loved reading and studying the bible.

Claudia has been working for Cole-Haan for the past 30 years. She was very dedicated to her job and loved her co-workers. She would dirve in any kind of weather to work without batting an eye. She was a very special, sweet soul, and will be dearly missed by all that knew her.

A celebration of Life will be held November 3rd at 11 am at the First Baptist Church, Main Street, Yarmouth, Maine. Refreshments, pictures, memory sharing following immediately after the service in the church downstairs.