Lois R. (Bertocchi) Varney, a lifetime resident of Somerville, passed away Sunday, January 3rd at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, surrounded by her loving family. She was 73.
Born and raised in Somerville, she was the daughter of the late Louis and Ida (Meletti) Bertocchi. Lois attended Somerville High School and graduated with the class of 1959. During her high school years she worked as a waitress at the soda fountain at Kresge’s Drug Store in Porter Square. After graduation she worked at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear and New Engand Gas & Electric. In 1966 Lois married her husband Alfred and the two started their family with love and devotion. A homemaker, Lois was a loving and caring woman who believed that family should come first. She was a music lover and some of her favorites were Patsy Cline and Elvis. She was an excellent writer and often wrote beautiful poetry. She loved trying new restaurants and was an amazing cook. An avid classic movie watcher, her favorite actor of all time was Cary Grant. In her spare time, Lois enjoyed Boston sports especially the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots. She never missed the Patriots and often would call friends and family to discuss the game. Lois was a proud American who spent a lot of her time watching and discussing politics. Another favorite past time was shopping with her granddaughter and traveling to the family summer home in Maine at Lake Wesserunsett. Lois used to always say there is humor in everything and that is the way she lived her life. She made everybody laugh and was extremely funny.
Lois was the beloved wife of Alfred T. Varney Jr., with whom she shared 49 loving years of marriage. She was the devoted mother of Meredith Westgate and her husband William of Melrose, Alan L. Varney and his wife Bonnie Cody of Dallas, TX. She was the loving grandmother of Ally Rose Westgate of Melrose and the dear sister of Richard Bertocchi and his wife Gail of Chatham. Lois was the sister-in-law of Robert Varney and his wife Ellen of Melrose, Carol Martin and her late husband Paul of Medford. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family on Sunday, January 10th from 4 through 8 PM at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., in Medford. At the request of the family, her funeral service and interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Lois’ name may be sent to St. Joseph's Indian School, P.O. BOX 326, Chamberlain, SD 57326.