TURNER – Kathryn “Kathi” Rose Varney, 70, of Turner, went home to be with her Heavenly Father on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born Jan. 30, 1954, the fifth child of the late Hartley and Ruth (Blackstone) James.

After graduating from Washburn High School (Washburn, Maine) in 1972, Kathi attended Central Maine Medical Center School of Nursing followed by the University of Southern Maine, where she earned her Nurse Practitioner diploma.

She worked as an oncology nurse practitioner in Presque Isle and Portland. She was the first NP in Radiation Therapy at Maine Medical Center. In 1986 she felt called to step away from her career to stay at home with her daughters. In 1997 she was offered the opportunity to start the Bennett Breast Center at Central Maine Medical Center where she served for 20 years.

Kathi was a loving wife, mother, sister, and friend. She will be remembered for her love of music, passion for discipling women, and for being a great cook. Kathi was a diehard Patriots fan, and she and Al had many of miles of adventures on their motorcycle.

She was an active member of East Auburn Baptist Church where she served in the choir and as a Grief Share leader. Her decades of ministry included serving as a youth leader, choir director, VBS facilitator, and teacher at a number of local churches. In her last year she was well loved and cared for by family, friends, and her community.

Kathi is survived by her husband of 46 years, Alvin “Al” Varney; children, Mikala (Tom) Burleigh and Kate (Ryan) Timms; grandchildren, Arden and Maeve Burleigh and Reagan, Brody, Waverly, and Cannon Timms. She is also survived by her siblings Diane (Larry) Wilcox, Errol (Nancy) James, Owen James, Cary James, Darlene James; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Along with her parents, Kathi was preceded in death by her brother, Daniel James, and sister, Lois Woollard.

Family and friends are welcomed for a visitation at East Auburn Baptist Church on Sunday, April 14 at 2 p.m. followed by a celebration of life service at 3 p.m. A reception meal and time of remembrance and sharing will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in honor of Kathi can be made to the GriefShare Support Group at East Auburn Baptist Church.

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