Helen M. Varnum

Helen M. VARNUM We lost our mother on December 8, 2011, one week away from her 90th birthday. She was born on December 15, 1921. Our dad, Robert N. Varnum, preceded her in death by 6 years. They were married for 57 years. Mom never stopped missing the woods, lakes, and small towns of Maine, where she was born, spent many of her growing up years, graduated from college, and met Dad. After their marriage, Dad's job took them to many different states to live, mostly in the midwest. Mom was constantly packing up old homes and settling down in new ones, all while the size of her family continued to grow, until there were 7 children. When 6 of the kids had grown up and left home, Dad's job took him, Mom, and our youngest sibling to Europe to live for 3 years. That was just fine with Mom, as she loved to travel and see new places. She had a great time exploring continental Europe, England, and Scotland. Mom loved music, dance, and art. She especially loved listening to jazz and the big band music of the 1930's and '40's, and one of her favorite ways to relax was to play Mozart sonatas on the piano. She helped Dad learn to appreciate classical music, and she made many sacrifices to make sure there was money and transportation for art and music lessons for us kids. She was a very opinionated woman, but often her opinions were based on sound fact. She read about everything, had an extensive library, and loved to talk to anyone and everyone about their jobs and interests. She absorbed knowledge and rarely forgot anything she had learned. She was a draftsman during World War II, before there was any such thing as a draftswoman. Mom and Dad both taught us to value integrity, honesty, responsibility, and pride in hard work, but it was Mom who instilled in us a love of the arts and reading. She is survived by all 7 of her children, 13 grandchildren, and one great grandchild. We will all miss her. Remembrances may be sent to the American Red Cross or to The University of Maine Alumni Association, One Alumni Place, Orono, ME 04469-5792. A memorial gathering will be held on Monday, December 26 from 2:00-4:00 PM in the Ida Culver library, 12505 Greenwood Avenue N., Seattle.