LIMERICK- Janice Elaine (Barnard) Varnum, 80, of Limerick passed away peacefully on June 18 after battling Parkinson’s Disease for over 20 years. She was truly a gracious, kind and loving soul whose presence will be irreplaceable to those who were fortunate enough to know her.
Janice was born in Swampscott, MA, educated in Lynn, and attended Salem State College before becoming a mother to her four children.
She was a member of the Greater Lynn Unitarian Universalist church, the Limerick Historical Society, and also served on the National Board of UU PSI Symposium. A lifelong learner, Janice was a Reiki II practitioner, a passionate student of astrology, and ESP. She had an immense love of gemstones and minerals. She also enjoyed camping, gardening, crocheting, collecting antique bottles, and a day at the beach or atop a mountain.
One of Janice’s great loves was her never-ending quest for adventure. Along with her sister, Linda Collyer of South Effingham, NH, she traveled to explore ancient cultures from Egypt to Peru, Turkey, Bolivia, Greece, Israel and the stone circles of Britain. There was always another journey on the horizon for them to share.
Janice was predeceased by her husband, Robert L. Varnum, with whom she had shared 47 years of marriage. They loved to travel in the U.S. and spent several winters traveling out west to Arizona and California.
She was also predeceased by her parents, Harvey F. Barnard and Gladys (Butterfield) Barnard; and her grandsons, Benjamin Caron and Mason Boltrushek.
In addition to her sister, she is survived by her sister’s partner, Frank Cormo; her son, Scott Varnum of Lynn, MA; and her three daughters, Susan Schueler and her husband Michael of Waltham, MA; Debbie Boltrushek of Limerick; and Linda Bassi of South Berwick. She also leaves nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and her lifelong friend, Donna Nelson and her husband David of Limerick.
A private memorial service to honor her life will take place in September. Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com