Louisa Ann Varnum passed away on August 22, 2024, after a brief period of declining health at Lowell General Hospital. Born in Lowell, MA, on April 30, 1948, Louisa was the cherished daughter of the late Thomas and Jean (Clark) Varnum.
A proud graduate of Lowell High School, Class of 1965, Louisa pursued her passion for education, earning a BA from UMass Amherst and a Master’s Degree from UMass Boston. Her love for learning and teaching shaped her career as a dedicated Lowell Public School teacher, where she touched the lives of countless students for 36 years with her wisdom, kindness, and unwavering support. Even after retiring from teaching, Louisa continued her commitment to service by returning to the IRS in Andover, where she had worked summers through her college years. She served the City of Lowell for 47 years as a member and Chair of the Lowell Conservation Commission.
Louisa was the Varnum family historian. In conjunction with the Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust and the Trustees, she preserved almost 5 acres of the original 1664 Varnum Family farm in Lowell.
Louisa was a devoted and active member of the Pawtucket Congregational Church in Lowell. The beautiful, historic church was more than just a place of worship for Louisa—it was a sanctuary where she found comfort and joy in volunteering, connecting with the congregation, and forming lasting friendships that enriched her life. Her presence will be dearly missed by all who knew her at the church.
Louisa shared over 20 years of cherished friendship and companionship with her partner, John Hamblet of Lowell. Her love and devotion to her family were evident in the close relationships she maintained with her brother, Thomas Varnum of North Andover, and his good friend, Joan Ashlock of Andover, as well as her sister, Virginia Bell of Oceanside, California. She is survived by her nephews, Thomas Varnum (Kathy) of Londonderry, NH, Jeff Bell of Londonderry, Jonathan Bell of Oceanside, California and her niece, Lisa Healey (John), of Cocoa, Florida and many great nieces, nephews and cousins.
Louisa’s warmth, kindness, and dedication to those she loved will be remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy of service, love, and friendship will continue to inspire those who were touched by her gentle spirit.
A memorial service to celebrate Louisa’s life will be held On Saturday, October 5 at 2:00 PM at Pawtucket Congregational Church on Mammoth Road in Lowell, where her memory will be honored in the place that meant so much to her.
May Louisa Ann Varnum rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the love she so generously gave to others.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust or to the MSPCA Nevins Farm.
Arrangements by Morse-Bayliss Funeral Home 978-458-6841. Guestbook at www.morsebaylissfuneralhome.com
3 responses to “In Loving Memory of Louisa Ann Varnum”
I just heard this evening about Louisa’s passing to the other side. I am sorry for this as she WAS Pawtucketville! She and her family were the original settlers of the ‘wild’ side of the Merrimack River, as the Dracut( at the time, Drawcutt) side or now Pawtuckettville side of the river was known. Pawtucketville and the greater Lowell-Dracut area and I will miss her public service and quiet devotion to the protection of our great city and neighborhood.
Read the Varnum family history and you’ll understand how deep her roots were in this city and in this Country!
Godspeed.
Served with her on conservation board during the time wang towers was being built .. it was quite a period Louise was very thorough and prepared and fair .. I truly enjoyed her company
So sorry to hear this. I taught with Louisa for many years at The Rogers School. She loved seeing her students get excited about science. She will be deeply missed.💕