Helen (Walkup) Varney, 90, longtime resident of Southborough, passed away November 24, 2025, peacefully surrounded by her family. She was the wife of the late Richard Varney married for 68 years.
Helen graduated from Ashland High School and went on to graduate from The Framingham Teacher’s College.
She was a long-time member of the Women’s Fellowship of the First Community Church in Southborough.
She had a passion for arts and crafts, especially cross stitch and knitting, which she shared with family and friends, always with the recipient in mind.
She could often be found vacationing in Newport, Rhode Island, where she loved to dine and shop.
Helen had a contagious laugh which will be missed by those that knew her.
She is survived by her 3 children, Brenda O’Rourke (Kevin), Mark Varney (Vicky Fontaine), and Christina Almada (Edward). Her grandchildren, Rachel Hatstat (Frederick), Jennifer Palestini (Marc), Bradley Varney (Bridget), Hillary O’Rourke (Alex), Thomas Lane, and 7 great grandchildren. In addition to her husband, Richard, she is predeceased by her grandson Conor O’Rourke.
Visiting Hours for Helen will be held on December 1, 2025, from 5:00-7:00 PM at the Morris-Johnston Funeral Home, 40 Main Street, Southborough, MA 01772. A Funeral Service will be held at The First Community Church,137 Southville Road, Southborough, MA at 10:00 AM on December 2, 2025. A private burial will be held for Helen at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA.
(Photo and Obituary via Morris-Johnston Funeral Home)
