Obituary of Harriett Fran Varney

Harriett Fran Varney, 82, of Mercer, Maine passed away after a battle with colon cancer on January 22, 2025 at the Oak Grove Center in Waterville, Maine.

Harriett was born on January 7, 1943 in Bangor, Maine to the late Harold and Thelma (Rand) Holmes. Growing up, Harriett was a stellar academic and piano student. She graduated top of her class at Skowhegan High School in 1961, then attended Colby College in Waterville. Harriett continued to succeed academically and moved to New York City to attend Columbia University for graduate school. While originally there to study French, she was inspired by fellow students to switch to law studies.

Upon graduating from Columbia Law School, Fran decided to return to Maine as part of the back to earth movement. She purchased an old farmhouse in Mercer that remained Fran’s home for the rest of her days. Fran had 2 children with her first husband, then a daughter with her second husband. Her law career often took a backseat to her commitment to being a present parent. Highlights of her 50+ year legal career include defending conscientious objectors during the Vietnam War Era, some public defense work, real estate and personal law.

In her spare time, Fran enjoyed walking with friends, reading books, watching sunsets, enjoying music, eating good food, watching quality movies and TV and traveling to visit family.

In addition to her husband of 42 years, William B. Varney, Fran is survived by her children, Sarah Hunt Downs (Joe) of Evansville, IN, Randy Hunt (Marianne Bach) of Vancouver, BC, and Rebecca Lynn Myers (Vince) of Wilmington, NC. Fran is also survived by her grandchildren Catherine Hunt of NJ, Robin Hunt of MA, Natalie Downs and Car Downs of IN, and Emmett Bach Hunt and Niall Bach Hunt of Vancouver. Extended family includes the Fowlers of Norcross and the Parks of Wilmington, NC. Fran also has a long list of chosen family that she collected along the way that will miss her dearly.

In lieu of flowers, Fran’s family encourages you to make a donation to the charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 1st, 2025, 1-3 p.m. at the Mercer Community Center, 1015 Beech Hill Road, Mercer, Maine.