Catherine Turner Varney

1932 - 2020

Catherine Turner Varney

Catherine Turner Varney, formerly of Charlotte VT, died peacefully with her family by her side on October 27, 2020. Born to Edith Charlotte (Merchant) and George Wilbur Coburn Turner on March 13, 1932 in New Haven, CT. The family eventually settled in Burlington, VT where Catherine Louise Turner was raised on a small farm on East Avenue.

Always learning new things, from preserving her garden produce to the gadgets of the information age, dressmaking-where she won the Vermont State 4H competition in dress design and construction and a prize trip to Chicago, caning furniture, and genealogy, Catherine was particularly interested in learning skills that are not as well known in this day and age. She graduated from Burlington High School and attended University of Vermont and Purdue University. Active in civic and community organizations over many years, she led Cub Scouts, joined the school board, and was a member of the Charlotte Congregational Church and choir, and the fraternal Order of the Eastern Star.

Catherine was married to Harry Ross Varney on August 30, 1952, beginning a union with her brother Gerald's best friend that lasted over sixty five years. Together Catherine and Harry owned and operated dairy farms in Charlotte, VT where for many happy years they raised their five children. After retirement in 1980, Catherine and Harry lived in Florida during the winter months, where she enjoyed tending a vast orchid collection, was an accomplished landscape and portrait artist, and became a very good golfer. They spent summers near family on Long Point Ferrisburgh, VT.

Catherine is survived by her four daughters: Linda (Steve) Reinhalter of North Carolina, Suzanne (Erik) Johnsrud of Utah, Dorothy (Jeff) Hill of Charlotte, VT, and Carol Varney of Florida, and her son Robert (Donna) Varney of Jericho, VT. She is also survived by her brother Robert (Pat) Turner, thirteen grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and several cousins, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Harry, brother Gerald Turner, and grand daughter Sara Jo Varney. An immediate private burial will take place in Bristol, VT. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the American Cancer Society.