Published November 22, 2019
MELROSE — Ellen A. (Laskey) Varney, 77, passed away at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital on November 15, 2019.
Ellen was born in Cambridge on March 8, 1942 to the late Raymond and Marion Laskey, was raised in Somerville and graduated from St. Joseph High School. Ellen graduated from Mt. Auburn School of Nursing and was a registered nurse for over 50 years. Ellen started her career at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital and then worked in the emergency room on the 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift at Boston Medical Center in Boston for 27 years.
After her children were older, and while still working, Mrs. Varney went back to school and graduated from Umass Boston with a bachelor’s degree. She was an exceptional and dedicated nurse throughout her entire career.
Ellen loved taking vacations to various destinations with her husband Bob, especially Bermuda and always enjoyed her yearly trip to Hampton Beach, N.H. She enjoyed crocheting and knitting and loved her Toyota Camry. Ellen also enjoyed entertaining her co-workers from both hospitals she worked at as well as her family and friends.
Mrs. Varney was the beloved wife of 55 years to Robert E. Varney. Loving mother of Michele Varney of Melrose, David Varney of N.C., Kevin Varney of Melrose, Derek Varney and Amie of Brentwood, N.H. and the late Stephen Varney. Cherished grandmother of Colby, Tayla, Justine and Zachary. Caring sister of Jane Dargan of Melrose and Raymond Laskey. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Church, 9 Herbert St. Melrose on Saturday, November 23 at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. There are no visiting hours. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Stephen Varney Automotive Scholarship Fund, 153 Linwood Ave. Melrose, MA 02176. To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com.
