Obituary of Elizabeth Anne Varney

SELKIRK - Elizabeth Anne Varney, 43, died peacefully surrounded by her loving family at St. Peter’s Hospital on October 5, 2018.  Elizabeth’s fight against cancer will leave a permanent imprint on the hearts of all who witnessed her bravery, generosity, and faith during this difficult time.

Born Elizabeth Anne Van Deusen, on February 6, 1975 in Hudson, New York she will be remembered as a determined young lady earning top grades in school.  She attended the Ghent School, Ghent, NY; Mary E. Dardess Elementary, Chatham, NY; Hudson High School, Hudson, NY; St. Lawrence High School, Brasher Falls, NY and several other schools while living out of state.  She continued her education at Clarkson University and College of St. Rose graduating with a Chemistry degree in 1996.

She was united in marriage with Mikle L. Varney on August 12, 1995 at Pine Grove United Methodist Church in Colonie, NY.

Elizabeth’s most rewarding work has been raising her two children.  She loved attending their school functions, musical performances and athletic events.  She was very proud of both Donovan’s and Abigail’s musical talents and found great joy watching their soccer games.

Multiple employers and organizations have benefitted from Elizabeth’s organizational talents, love of a challenge and ability to tackle a project.  Most recently she worked as an office manager for ABG Building Corp and church secretary at King’s Chapel.  She had worked previously as a substitute teacher at A.W. Becker Elementary, Selkirk, NY.

Members of King’s Chapel in Glenmont, NY have relied on Elizabeth’s service as a Deaconess and secretary for 5 years.  She has given countless hours providing others with counsel and spiritual guidance.  Her efforts to inspire others through her own challenges will impact their congregation for years to come.

Elizabeth especially treasured family traditions. Her family and friends will cherish their memories of traveling with the Varney family, vacations at the lake, the Tulip Festival on Mother’s Day, visiting the fair on Labor Day, attending the Women’s Retreat at the Word of Life Bible Institute, finding the perfect Christmas tree, Thanksgivings at the farm and watching White Christmas on Christmas Day.  Every one of these traditions has been skillfully and carefully preserved by Elizabeth in the photo albums she created using her spectacular scrapbooking skills.

Elizabeth is survived by her husband, Mikle, son Donovan, daughter Abigail, aunts Rebecca Dullea and Kimberley Van Deusen, mother Susan Adriance, and half-sisters Samantha Adriance and Melissa Churilla.  She is predeceased by her father David A. Van Deusen and paternal grandparents Roger and Mary Van Deusen.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, October 13th at 2pm at King’s Chapel, 440 Rt 9W, Glenmont, NY.

In lieu of flowers, please help us in supporting the Capital City Rescue Mission in Albany, NY.  www.capitalcityrescuemission.org.