VARNEY, Debera (Debbie) L., 58, September 17, 2015. Arrangements by Dunn Funeral Home, Houlton.
HOULTON – Debera (Debbie) L. Varney, 58, passed away on September 17, 2015, with her loving family by her side. She was born May 15, 1956 to Carl and Louise Kirner at Loring Air force Base.
Debbie grew up traveling the world as her father was in the Air Force, with time spent in Spain, Hawaii, and Houlton. She graduated in 1974 from Houlton High School and went on to earn an Associate’s Degree from Thomas College in 1976. She worked as a legal secretary prior to working for MSAD #70 as a special education secretary since 1992. It is at MSAD #70 where she found her “second family”.
Above all else, Debbie loved spending time with her husband, daughters, and grandson. She was extremely hardworking and caring, putting everyone else’s needs before her own. She loved being out in the sun, cheering on the Boston Red Sox, spending time with her dogs, and watching her grandson play sports. She could light up a room with her contagious smile and personality.
Debbie is survived by her beloved husband, Michael; daughter, Amanda Varney, daughter, Michelle Slike and her husband, Levi; grandson, Michael Fitzpatrick; father, Carl Kirner; mother and father-in-law, Janet and Hillis Varney; aunt, Peggy Drost and her husband, James Drost; uncle, Al Friel and his wife, Connie; sister-in-law, Debbie Adams and her husband, Dana; sister-in-law, Judy Putnam and her husband, Barry; step-sister, Beth Sylvia and her husband, Charlie; and several special nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She will also be missed by her “fur babies” Hattie, Charlie, and Bella. She was predeceased by her mother, Louise Kirner.
Her family would like to give a special thank you to the healthcare providers at Pines Oncology and Surgical Services, Cary Medical Center, and the Maine Veterans’ Home in Caribou who provided her with the care she received over the past year. She fought her battle and received the best care from individuals who went above and beyond their job to make her healthy and happy.
Friends called from 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, Sept. 21 at Dunn Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 2 p.m. at Saint Mary of the Visitation Church with Rev. David Raymond celebrant. A reception followed the service in the Parish Center. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Debbie’s memory to the Jefferson Cary Oncology Center or Bridge to Hope to help other individuals battling cancer, c/o Dunn Funeral Home, 11 Park Street, Houlton, ME 04730. Online condolences and guest book: dunnfuneral.com.
