Mina Hale Varney

January 6, 1953 - April 29, 2022

Wallingford Presbyterian Church

110 E. Brookhaven Rd.

Wallingford, PA 19086

Saturday 6/11, 9:00 am - 11:00 am

Wallingford Presbyterian Church

110 E. Brookhaven Rd.

Wallingford, PA 19086

Saturday 6/11, 11:00 am

Mina Hale Varney, a life-long resident of Rose Valley, passed away on April 29th at the age of 69. Mina bravely fought ovarian cancer for 4+ years. She is survived by her husband Earl, son Roger, daughter Hilary, and her twin brother Bill Hale (Gail). Born to William and Dorothy (“Dolly”) Hale, Mina graduated from Nether Providence High School in 1970. She earned a Bachelors in Elementary Education from Bucknell University, a Masters in Special Education from University of Delaware, and a Masters in Education Administration at Villanova University. Mina taught 2^nd grade and special education classes at Prospect Park Elementary School for 12 years before starting a family.

A life-long educator, Mina was active in the Art Goes To School program for 25 years and a Museum Guide at the Brandywine River Museum for more than 10 years. A dedicated leader at the Wallingford Presbyterian Church, she served as Elder, Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, Vacation Bible Camp leader and on the church’s Education Council. Mina was a long-time Town Watch volunteer and coordinator for Rose Valley. The Gardeners of Rose Valley knew her as an expert Bow maker for the annual “Holiday Swags” that adorned the street signs throughout the community.

In her younger days, when she still had healthy knees and ankles, Mina participated in Outward Bound, Vermont Bicycle Touring, Tennis, and was a regular in the Rose Valley Pool “1000 lap” club each summer. She will be remembered as a voracious reader, a mellifluous mezzo-soprano, an accomplished knitter (who made & gifted dozens of baby blankets/sweaters), and a lover of flowers (especially snapdragons).

A memorial celebration of Mina’s life will be held on Saturday, June 11th at 11am at the Wallingford Presbyterian Church, 110 E. Brookhaven Road, Wallingford, PA 19086. Visiting hours with the family will be 9 to 11am at the church before the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Wallingford Presbyterian Church http://wallingfordpres.org/giving-2/ ; Helen Kate Furness Library, 100 Providence Road, Wallingford, PA 19086 https://www.hkflibrary.org/make-a-donation/; or the Brandywine River Museum of Art, 1 Hoffmans Mill Road, Chadds Ford, PA 19317 https://www.brandywine.org/brandywine/support/make-donation.

Cavanagh Family Funeral Homes & Crematory

Steven Elliott

Jennifer Eshelman

Susanne and Steve Adams

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I was fortunate to be the instructor of the new guide trading program when Mina became a volunteer at the Brandywine River Museum of Art. Mina loved learning, art, and children, and that was the perfect combination for guiding tours at the museum. Always cheerful, and eager to share her knowledge with school groups, the museum staff quickly became used to Mina’s welcome presence. It always amazed me how giving Mina was, as she offered her time in so many ways within her church, community, and beyond. Soft spoken and humble about her ever giving kindness, Mina shined as a museum guide with the groups she lead through the galleries. Her infectious smile remains a comforting memory for me, and I remind myself of the huge effect she had on so many persons, which will last forever.

R.I.P. Mina! Prayers for Earl and all the Varney family!

I only met Mina once, but having worked with Earl for a number of years it was easy to see what a special woman she was in life. Heartbroken to hear of her loss, however a blessing to know she is with her savior now. My sympathies to Earl, Roger and Hilary.

I taught with Mina at Prospect Park School. My fondest memory of her is a wonderful trip we took to Puerto Rico to visit her brother Bill,who was living there at the time. I am so very sorry for your loss and send my deepest sympathy to the family.

My deepest sympathy to Earl and the family. I wish I had known Mina -she was clearly a beautiful soul.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Roomies for 4 years, but friends for over 50 years, the memories are legend and the loss is deeply felt. Mina and I shared many passions, among them family, good food, art, music, theater, and most especially gardens and the flowers that always brought joy and color into our lives. She and my mother shared a birthday....a coincidence that was just one more unbreakable connection. She was first and always a teacher, and she taught us all by example--how to face adversity; how to live with grace--a true "steel Magnolia". May she have peace after pain, and may her paradise be the most beautiful bower that God can create.

I will miss my dear friend, Mina who was always there for me. A beautiful singing voice, a wonderful smile and kind heart who never complained about the fight for her life she was experiencing these past years. Thank you for being in my life, my special friend.

Mina was a beautiful person inside and out. She will be missed. Praying for your entire family. I am so sorry for your loss. Jen Halladay Eshelman

Mina had a special light around her and we will miss that light of hers. Earl, Roger, Hilary and Bill….we hold you all in our love and light in this difficult journey you are going through. Mina will be missed by so many, including us.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.

Norwood

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Mina Hale Varney