Nancy Lynn (Haggerty) Varnum, a long-time resident of North Andover and Jackson, NH, lost her valiant battle with breast cancer on December 28th, at home with her family by her side. Born July 28, 1950, at Clover Hill Hospital to the late Franklin and Bernice (Mundy) Haggerty, she grew up in the Ballardvale section of Andover, graduating from Andover High School in 1968.
Nancy enjoyed performing in musicals during her high school years and later performed with a regional group in Reading. She was employed for many years in the financial industry in Boston. What Nancy enjoyed most of all was being outdoors; whether it was horseback riding, hiking, alpine skiing, cross country skiing or just "being" in the mountains with her husband, Tom. A talented multi-media artist, Nancy was a member of the Andover Art Association, the Rockport Art Association, the Methuen Art Institute Group (AIG) , the Concord Art Association and was selected to be an exhibitor in the Concord Art Show. She also exhibited her work at the Essex Art Center in Lawrence and at various local libraries. She enjoyed visits to many local galleries, as well as galleries in Europe, while traveling. Nancy also designed and presented art and spiritual programs for various clubs, church groups and support groups and was a member of the Andover, North Andover and Jackson, NH, historical societies. Nancy loved being with her friends, making friends easily and maintaining long lasting friendships.
She is survived by her loving husband, Thomas Varnum; sisters Joan V. Haggerty of No. Andover and Jerilyn (Thomas) Marjerison of Andover; nieces and nephews, Valerie (Paul) Silva of Rehoboth, Michael (Leanne) Haggerty of East Sandwich, Thomas (Kirsten) Marjerison of Yarmouth, ME, Kyle Semenetz of Haverhill, and Jennifer Poole of No. Andover, as well as many grandnieces and grandnephews. She also leaves her sisters-in-law, Louisa Varnum of Lowell and Virginia Bell of Carlsbad, CA; step-children Thomas (Kathy) Varnum of Londonderry, NH, Lisa (John) Healey of FL; step-grandchildren Taylor Varnum, Tommy Varnum and Matthew Chatel .
She was predeceased by her parents, her brother Robert W. Haggerty, her nephew Robert W. Haggerty, Jr., and her step-grandson, Mark Chatel.
Per Nancy's request, there will be no visiting hours. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 5th, at 11:00 at The North Parish of North Andover Unitarian Universalist Church, 190 Academy Road, North Andover. In lieu of flowers, donations in Nancy's memory may be made to Merrimack Valley Hospice, 360 Merrimack Street, Lawrence, MA 01843. Please contact Burke-Magliozzi Funeral Home for any additional information. www.burkemagliozzi.com