Marie J. Varley

Marie J. Varley

Newark

Marie J. Varley, of Newark, NJ, died as the Angelus Bells rang on Labor Day, September 2, 2013, at the Dominican Sisters of Caldwell St. Catherine of Siena Health Care Center. She was surrounded by her family and friends.

A memorial mass will be offered on Saturday, September 7, 2013 at 10:30 am at St. Joseph's Church, 110 Telford Street at Tremont Avenue, East Orange, NJ. The family will greet parishioners and friends as they enter the church.

Marie was born on June 10, 1938 in Jersey City to the late Myles and Josephine (Kelly) Varley. She attended St. John's Grammar School and St. Dominic Academy prior to entering the Caldwell Dominican Community and Caldwell College where she received a BA in Social Studies and Education. In the years to follow she received a MA in Government and International Relations from the University of Notre Dame and an Ed.D from the University of Santa Barbara. Dr. Marie Varley began her teaching career at St. Joseph's Grammar School, Union City, moved to St. Mary's Grammar School in Wharton, NJ, became Principal at St. Michael's in Union and then was the Dean of Students, History and Political Science Teacher and Education Field Supervisor at Caldwell College, Her last education position was Education Field Supervisor at Seton Hall University. Marie recently retired as the Regional Director for Church Service for the NJ/NY Metro area after 33 years of organizing and teaching around local and world hunger. She was fondly known as "The CROP Lady" and raised funds for the poor through CROP Walks for Hunger, special events and visiting major donors. She organized trips overseas to educate people about the needs of the poor and also traveled for her work to West and South Africa, Indonesia, Central America and Pakistan observing the results of funding in all aspects of relief and development. Marie brought many years of experience as a fund-raiser serving on the Marion Manor Senior Housing Board, Link Community School Board, Chairing the Kenmare High School Board, Chairing the Development Committee of the Board of Trustees of St. Dominic Academy and as a member of the Development Committee of the Dominican Sisters of Caldwell, NJ. She has served as a consultant with many schools and institutions, in particular Resurrection School in Jersey City, where she helped them explore, plan and initiate innovative ways of engaging their networks in fund-raising. Marie loved everything Irish including Irish Step Dancing, music and visiting friends and family in her beloved Ireland. Her last trip in June included an annual visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Knock and the holy water from the Shrine blessed her daily during her final days in Caldwell.

Surviving Marie are her brother, Myles Varley of Mt. Olive Township, NJ; brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Geraldine Varley of Allenhurst, NJ; sister and brother-in-law, Sheila and Al Alfano of Middletown, NJ; sister and brother-in-law, Eileen and Robert Betz of Middletown, NJ; her dear friend, Dr. Jane Selinske of Newark, NJ; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grand-nephews, cherished cousins and friends.

The Varley family wishes to thank NYU Cancer Center, St. Catherine of Siena Health Care Center, the Dominican Sisters of Caldwell, all her caregivers and the many friends who supported Marie during her illness. Marie has chosen to donate her body to medical research. Marie was always grateful for the many blessings she received during her life. She had a strong faith, love of God and the Blessed Mother and embraced the belief "to give back." In memory of Marie, let us also embrace her philosophy "to give back." Donations in Marie's memory may be made to St. Joseph's Church Handicap Ramp Fund, 110 Telford Street, East Orange, New Jersey 07018.