Fleur Varney Chandler

Obituary for Fleur Elizabeth Varney Chandler (1933-2025)
Fleur Elizabeth Varney Chandler, aged 92, passed away peacefully at Pennswood Village, in Newtown, PA, where she and her husband of 70 years, [Dr. James John ("Jay") Chandler] lived since 2016, following 50 years as residents of Princeton, NJ.
Born in Dayton, Ohio, Fleur moved with her family several times so her father could pursue his Army career, but upon his retirement after WWII, they settled in Rocky River, Ohio. It was there, in her hometown high school, that Fleur caught the eye of a handsome upperclassman, Jay Chandler, who became the love of her life. Their seven decades-long love story was a partnership marked by mutual respect, an enduring affection for each other, a commitment to give back to their discovery of new places and cultures.
Fleur earned a scholarship to attend Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, MA, where she nurtured her lifelong commitment to learning but also cultivated an elegant curiosity about the world and a blossoming love for Jay, who was attending Dartmouth College, 115 miles north in Hanover, NH. Soon after graduation in June 1955, Fleur donned her wedding dress, and the family dog promptly leapt through her veil. Undeterred, the high school sweethearts said, "I do," vowing 'to love and cherish each other 'til death do us part.' That they did.
Early in their marriage, while Jay pursued his medical degree at the University of Michigan, Fleur loved teaching first graders in Saline, Michigan, and later was a substitute teacher in other communities where she lived. Jay's career in medicine and as a Naval Officer brought them to Boston, MA, Newport, RI, Portland OR, and Newfoundland, Canada, where Fleur hosted a radio show on the Naval base every Friday, and where their daughter, Jennifer Fleur Chandler, was born. When Jay completed his surgical residency in 1965, the Chandlers settled in Princeton, NJ. Fleur loved living in Princeton where she dove into serving on the Women's Auxiliary of the Princeton Medical Center as President and on the hospital's board. Along with other doctors' wives she enthusiastically committed to baking hundreds of strawberry shortcakes for the Strawberry Patch at the famous annual "Hospital Fete." Pursuing her commitment to education and service she created an endowed scholarship at her alma mater, Mount Holyoke College, and valued her volunteer work for the Mount Holyoke Club of Princeton and as well as fellowship through her membership in the Present Day Club. Alongside Jay she was a strong supporter of Princeton Day School, All Saints Church in Princeton, and WomanSpace, as well as other nonprofits in Mercer County, NJ.
An animated presence and gardener of note, Fleur knew the name and temperament of every flower in her garden, which she nurtured as intentionally as her many friendships. Everyone marveled that she never forgot to send greeting cards to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. Fleur was also known for her gracious manners and ability to make everyone feel appreciated, including those who cared for her at the end of her life. She loved a good party and took great joy in cooking, setting a beautiful table, and making sure everyone's plate was full.
Fleur shared her love of learning and interest in the history and cuisine of different cultures with Jay. Together they often entertained in the home they adored designed by noted Princeton-area architect Rolf Bauhan, and traveled widely, but Fleur's favorite spot in the world was their summer cottage in Quebec, built by Jay's grandparents in the 1930's. There, on an island in the middle of a large Canadian lake, Fleur celebrated being in harmony with family, friends, and nature. Canada was where she honeymooned with Jay in 1955, bonded with family, celebrated many of her own birthdays and wedding anniversaries, loved listening to the loons and watching the moon rise, hosted dinner parties and porch "wine tastings," caught fish, and expertly cooked them. It often seemed that for Fleur, the rest of the year was waiting to return to Canada. For loving and being loved by Jay for 70 years, Fleur's life was blessed, and when adversity faced her, that love and her faith, as well as the support of family and the skilled caregivers at Pennswood Village, gave her comfort and strength.
She is survived and lovingly remembered by her husband, Dr. James John (Jay) Chandler, who resides at Pennswood Village in Newtown, PA; her daughter, Jennifer Chandler Hauge (Potomac Falls, VA) and treasured grandchildren, Camden Chandler Hauge of (New York, NY) [Lucas Sin] and Michael Lansdowne Hauge (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia); her younger brothers, Dr. James (Jim) Varney [Ruth], also of Princeton, NJ, and Tom Varney [Linda Martin] of Hilliard, Ohio, as well as her sons-in-law, Stephen B. Hauge (Morristown, NJ) and Steven N. Berk (Potomac Falls, VA), As an extra bonus, Fleur was lovingly "adopted" by two wonderful "bonus" children and their families, Emily Bakemeier (Guilford, CT) and Dylan Hogarty (Princeton, NJ and New York, NY).
A memorial service will be held at All Saints Church at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Fleur's memory to the Fleur Varney Chandler '55 Endowed Scholarship at Mount Holyoke College; to Pennswood Village, Newtown, PA; or Womanspace, in Lawrenceville, NJ.
Arrangements are under the direction of Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, Princeton.