Mary J. Varner

WEST BOYLSTON-Mary J. "Jean" (Picard) Varner, 90, of West Boylston passed away Thursday, June 18, 2015 in the Holden Nursing Center.

Her husband of 57 years, Ronald C. Varner predeceased her in 2002. She leaves a son, Stephen J. Varner of Holden, three daughters, Sue Lamoureux of Port St. Lucie, FL, Kathleen A. Hurtubise and her husband, Paul of West Boylston and Christine M. Buma and her husband, Kurt of Pepperell, five grand-daughters; Michele Nelson, Lisa Jones, Amy O'Donnell, Alison Herrera and Kelly Mackie; five great-grandchildren; Colin and Kendall Jones, Peter and Paige O'Donnell and Blake Herrera. A brother, Albert Picard and a sister, Carol Picard, predeceased her. She was born in Worcester, daughter of Albert A. and Mary H. (McGreevey) Picard and moved to West Boylston in 1956.

Mary Jean worked at the former Ames and Zayres Department Stores for many years, before retiring. She was a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. Mary Jean had a love of horses which began a family tradition. She owned, bred, and showed Morgan horses and was a member of the American Morgan Horse Association. She loved attending horse shows with her family, and showed her horses to multiple championship titles over the years.

The family would like to thank the entire staff of the Holden Nursing Center for their compassion and care over the last seven years.

A Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, June 23 at 10:00am in Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 111 Worcester St., West Boylston. Burial will be in Mt. Vernon Cemetery. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Holden Nursing Center c/o of the Activities Fund, 32 Mayo Dr., Holden, MA 01520. Arrangements in the care of FAY BROTHERS Funeral Home, 1 West Boylston Street.