Linda L. (Francis) Varney, 83, of Mendon, Massachusetts, passed away on September 23, 2026, in Milford, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on February 15, 1943, in Milford, Massachusetts, the daughter of the late William J. Francis, Jr. and Edith E. (Look) Francis. Linda grew up with strong family values that remained at the center of her life, and she carried those values with kindness and humor in all that she did. She was a loving and thoughtful woman whose presence brought comfort and warmth to those around her.
Linda was a graduate of Hopedale High School, and she went on to build a life of hard work, responsibility, and service. She was deeply involved in the family business and served as President, Treasurer and Director of Varney Brothers Concrete in Bellingham. She also worked in all phases of the family’s cattle farm, Twin Elm Farm in Mendon, where her dedication and steady hand were well known and greatly respected. Her work ethic and commitment reflected the best of her generation, and she approached every responsibility with determination and pride.
In addition to her work in business and agriculture, Linda was active in her community and gave generously of her time and talents. Over the years, she served on many boards including The Milford National Bank and Milford Regional Hospital. She was also a board member of the Milford Area Chamber of Commerce, a Water Board member in Mendon, and a local owners representative for the Health and Welfare Fund of the Teamster’s Union Local 170. Through these roles, she earned the respect of many and contributed meaningfully to the communities she called home.
Linda enjoyed a full and active life beyond her professional and civic commitments. She loved to golf and treasured time spent at the Hopedale Country Club, Franklin Country Club, The Quechee Club in Vermont, and Willowbend in Mashpee. She was also a member of the Warriors Club in Mendon and was an avid supporter of local youth sports. These interests brought her joy and companionship, and she especially appreciated the friendships and memories formed along the way.
Family was the heart of Linda’s life, and she is survived by her children, Tracy L. Anderson and her husband Bobby of Mendon, Laurie J. Armstrong and her husband Ricky of Mendon, Jon R. Varney and his wife Leslie of Mendon, and Elizabeth A. Varney and her husband Yobani of Newton. She also leaves her sister Geri Cyr and her husband Hank of North Carolina, her brothers, Chet Francis and his wife Neeni of Hopedale, and Mark W. Francis of Texas, as well as her sisters-in-law, Patty Francis of Arizona and Joanne Francis of Hopedale. Linda was a proud grandmother to Lindsay Schmitt and her husband Peter, Aliey Armstrong and her husband Gus, Megan Bushlow and her husband Ryan, Jalen “JJ” Ortiz, Nathan Varney, Alexander Varney, and Luca Martinez. She was also blessed with three adorable great-grandchildren, Maeve, Cameron, and Aubrey, who brought
her great happiness. She leaves many nieces and nephews who will remember her with love and affection. She was predeceased by her brothers, Rick Francis and Bill Francis. Linda’s life was enriched by the deep bonds she shared with her family, and those relationships remained a source of strength and joy throughout her years.
The family is extremely grateful for all the love and care received from the care teams of Atria Draper Place (Hopedale), Lydia Taft House Rehabilitation Center (Uxbridge) and her final home in the Memory Care Unit at Countryside Healthcare in Milford.
Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 from 4-7 PM in the Buma-Sargeant Funeral Home, 42 Congress St., Milford.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 10:30 AM in the Hopedale Unitarian Parish, 65 Hopedale St., Hopedale.
Burial to follow in Hopedale Village Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Countryside Healthcare of Milford, c/o Memory Care Unit, 1 Countryside Drive, Milford, MA 01757 or The Anthony Ferrucci Memorial, Scholarship Fund, 78 North Ave., Mendon, MA 01756.