Jean S. (Smith) Varnum

WORCESTER – Jean S. (Smith) Varnum, 95, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, following a brief illness. Born and raised in North Adams, Massachusetts, Jean was the daughter of the late Sterling E. and Edith P. (Patterson) Smith. She made her home in Paxton for over 40 years before relocating to Worcester in 2004. She is now reunited with her beloved husband of 67 years, Herbert M. Varnum, who passed away on September 6th of this year.

Jean graduated from Drury High School in North Adams in 1948 and went on to receive her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Colby College in Waterville, Maine. While at Colby, she was a proud member of Chi Omega Sorority and formed many cherished friendships that lasted a lifetime. After graduation, Jean worked in the Dean’s office at Williams College—where a student by the name of Herb Varnum, (who was apparently pursuing more than a college degree) made frequent visits. And there began a sweet love story. Jean soon became his bride and Herb her devoted husband.

Faith was central to Jean’s life. She was a longtime member of The First Congregational Church of Paxton, where she sang for many years in the choir, directed the children’s choir, and served on numerous committees.

Jean’s commitment to service extended well beyond the church. She was a dedicated volunteer in the Wachusett Regional High School Guidance Department, a Girl Scout leader, an active participant in the Meals-on-Wheels program and a member of the Paxton Women’s Club. In addition, she served for a number of years as a Board Member at Quabaug Corporation. Alongside Herb, Jean was also a generous philanthropist, supporting many charitable organizations.

Family always came first for Jean. She deeply adored her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She took genuine interest in their lives and delighted in their accomplishments. Jean made sure they knew they were loved. She worried about everyone’s safety until she received the “got home safe” confirmation call. She always had toys around the house for the “kids,” and the little ones sought her out. Children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren alike always felt comfortable in her home and looked forward to visiting - they knew Mimi/Grandma was a ready playmate!

Jean and Herb were blessed to enjoy a long retirement, which allowed them to travel extensively throughout the world and spend summers at their house in Kennebunk; yet they always looked forward to returning home, where family was truly the heart of everything they did.

Jean was a talented painter. Her beautiful artwork graced many walls in her home, as well as the homes of her family members and friends. She found joy in many other endeavors, such as piano, tennis, and playing golf alongside her husband. She even won a few tournaments in her day! But when arthritis prevented her from continuing with her beloved hobbies - including golf, Herb stopped playing in solidarity, and they found other pastimes to enjoy together. Even a trip to the grocery store could turn into a “date.”

Jean was gifted with an impeccable memory, possessed a remarkable depth of knowledge and delighted in challenges such as Trivial Pursuit and crossword puzzles. She was her family’s version of “Google.” With few exceptions, Jean had the correct and final answer.

Though quiet and unassuming by nature, Jean was the powerful engine that kept her household running and the glue that kept her family together. She handled the finances and knew where every penny was. She was the consummate hostess, always making sure that linens were clean, food was a-plenty (and delicious!) and no guest lifted a finger. Jean’s role was nothing short of “Superhero” on the home front.

Jean will be remembered for her quiet strength, generous spirit, deep faith, and unwavering love for those she held dear. In addition to her family, she will be lovingly missed by her many friends, who could always count on receiving a birthday card, special occasion acknowledgement or an unexpected note of thoughtful reflection from her.

She will be deeply missed by her devoted children, Karen (Matt) Mulcahy, and her partner, John Scully of Holden, and Susan Marrone and her husband, Vincent of Tennessee; her grandchildren, Sean Matt and his wife, Bryanna, Melissa Huffstetler and her husband, Scott, Stephen Matt and his fiancee, Danielle; her great-grandchildren, Ellie Matt, Roan Matt and Levi Huffstetler; her sisters-in-law, Martha Thayer and Sandra Varnum; several cousins, and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Besides her husband, Jean is predeceased by her parents, Sterling E. and Edith P. Smith; her brother Robert D. Smith; her sister-in-law Roberta W. Smith; her brother-in-law Roger E. Varnum and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

A memorial service will be celebrated at 11am on Saturday, January 31st at the First Congregational Church of Paxton, 1 Church Street, Paxton, MA. Interment will take place privately at Mooreland Cemetery in the spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The First Congregational Church Memorial Fund, 1 Church Street, Paxton, MA 01612, or a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are in the care of Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden.