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Varley Paul was my 6th grade teacher. She was my last classroom teacher at PMFS, but the first to meet me when my consciousness and confidence were awakening. She herself was very confident and modeled an inner strength and dignity very different from what society presented. Varley had traveled, been immersed in cultures, and made it clear to her students that there is a whole world out there beyond what we know. Looking back it’s remarkable how much we learned, like our “Wonders of the World” project. Mostly I remember that she always wanted her students to challenge themselves. She said that frequently: “Challenge yourself.” Somehow she was able to reach me, and push me, without an ounce of shaming or pressure. She set standards high and believed in us. There are things I learned in her class, big and small, that followed me throughout life. News of her death was shocking and sad. Varley lived an admirable life and I send love to her family.

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Varley made a big impression on me over the years on her regular trips to Echo Hill Outdoor School. Her quiet - her soulful engagement -her constancy - her spark. I was drawn to her presence and treasured our interactions on the adventure course, on the beach, and in the Whip. Each visit she took time to reconnect personally while supporting student learning & fostering love of the outdoors with unwavering investment.

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"I remember Varley as a teacher being incredibly competent and caring, thoughtful and excited. She set the bar high for myself and for my class as we went out into the world. Her work extends far beyond her, and she will be remembered and carried forward into the future. I send so much love."

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A poem.

Varley

A soul so beautiful, loving, and sweet

Varley

A human who was so generous and made sure I would eat.

Varley

A person who held you with support, compassion, and safety

Varley

Someone who was playful, funny, and feisty

Varley

Her laugh made you want to laugh along

Varley

A woman who was so very strong

Varley

Creative, artistic, an excellent teacher

Varley

A gift to everyone who is near and around her.

Varlita

You helped bring a voice out of someone so shy.

Varlita

I don't know how to say goodbye

Varlita

What advice would you give to me?

Varlita

You will always be loved, missed, and cherished by me.

Love,

Your Kadita

August 7th, 2026

In memory of my dearest friend Varley Paul.

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You could always see Varley's touch and attention to detail in her classroom

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I am still in shock. This is heartbreaking news. Varley wasn’t just a great friend and a work colleague for nearly 20 years — she was an amazing human being who touched so many lives, including as my son’s wonderful 6th grade teacher.

I will always remember how she listened to her students with her full attention, and how she used to invite my dad and me to talk to her class about Argentina, our country of birth, and about immigration to a new country. Every Friday, we’d meet her, her mom, and her kids at Borders in Chestnut Hill for coffee or tea, surrounded by books. I will miss her sense of humor most of all — she was always making me laugh.

Sending so much love and light to Jerry, Isabel, Gordie, Rachel, and the rest of the family. I love you, Varley. 🕯️💛💛💛💛

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I attended PMFS from '85-'92, Varley was so wonderful, a real person and a great educator, her mom too, it's difficult for me to even remember specific things that she taught me, what IS unforgettable is her beautiful spirit and sweet voice.

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Will was your student and learned so much from you. Rob loved coming to your class to talk about physics. What a beautiful legacy you left. Thank you, Varley.

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This is truly heartbreaking. Varley was my library teacher in 6th grade, and I will always remember how kind and encouraging she was. She always pushed me to do more when it came to my research and developing my ideas. So because of her, I became more confident in my work. Varley was also such a sweet person with a bright smile that could light up a room. She made the library feel like a welcoming place where everyone belonged, and she always treated her students with patience and respect. I hope Varley knew that she made a positive impact on me. I remember how I was nervous about going to Echo Hill and walking in the swamp, I asked her how deep the swamp was and she pointed to her chin with a smirk on her face implying that the mud would be up to our chins just to freak me out. Of course I believed her. Varley also had a great sense of humor. Thank you, Varley, for everything you did for your students. Your kindness, encouragement, and dedication will always be remembered. You will be deeply missed.

Leah Armstrong co23

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I was blessed enough to have Varley for 6th grade. Anyone who has experienced graduating from PMFS understands all of the emotions that come with it. Almost 15 years later and it is still one of the most positively impactful times of my life. Having Varley as a teacher for that last year is something I have always been so grateful for. Sending love and light to her family during this time.

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"It's still light out," Varley said as we would be driving home from beyond the bell (after care)

Friends, this is a tremendous loss. Her memories keep it "still light" in the darkness of grief.

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We absolutely loved Varley, as a teacher and as a person. The passion, expertise, curiosity, creativity, and fun that she brought to Aydin's 6th grade year was magical (even if that year...2019-20...ended in a way nobody was expecting). He was so excited about going to school every day! The many trips, guest speakers, projects, and special days (Brown Day! Green Day!) all beautifully served Varley's mission to provide A Big World in a Small Quaker School.

The feeling that I had as a parent in that class - that my child was absolutely adored by his teacher - has remained front of mind for me in the relationships I have with parents of my own students. From time to time, I share updates about Aydin with his former teachers, but Varley was the one I shared with most often (including excerpts from the narrative portion of his high school report cards lol). On the day of her death, hours before we heard she had died, Aydin registered for his first college classes...and one of my first thoughts was, "I have to tell Varley what classes he registered for. She'll be so excited for him!"

We will miss Varley so much and are holding her family in the Light. May her memory be a blessing.

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I have so many wonderful memories of Varley. Every time I saw her, there was a warm hug and a “How are you, and how is Leah?”

I remember during COVID, Varley was right there in the car line, making sure students were safe and parents were reassured. I always enjoyed our conversations, whether they were big or small.

During Leah’s last year at PMFS, I told Varley that Leah was excited to start her new school in the fall. Varley said, “Nicole, I get so excited to hear parents talk about my students moving on to new schools. Even though I was not her sixth-grade teacher, I have watched Leah grow up at PMFS, and she is ready.”

Varley’s ability to know every student always felt so special to me. She loved PMFS. She cared deeply about teaching and making sure her students had what they needed.

This hurts. I take comfort in reflecting on the time we all had with her. I am holding Jerry, Isabel, and Gordon in the Light.

Varley, I will miss you, my friend. 💜

Nicole Armstrong

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Varley was amazing, I had the honor of Being taught by her. One of my favorite parts about Varley was that she was one of the most caring teachers. Even though I struggled with certain subjects she never stopped trying until I found the solution. The best part was she read right through my bs, Varley could always tell if I didn’t read a book or if I wasn’t really trying, and would always call me out on it because she knew it would help me grow, and it did. She understood what I needed and it showed. After I graduated, Varley told me if I ever needed help to reach out, so I did, and she was so excited to help me. We worked through the problems I was having trouble with and I aced the test because of her. She was always there when I needed her and even reached out when I didn’t. She was a one-of-a-kind teacher. I’ll miss you at the strawberry festival this year 🥺❤️

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Varley was such an amazing teacher and one of the most patient, loving, and caring people I've ever known. She saw the best in Ansel and in every child she taught, and made sure that their light always shone bright. She will be deeply missed, and she has left an indelible mark on all our hearts.

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It was a true honor to meet you dear Barley, Your journey to Mexico left an indelible mark on our hearts, especially in Diego's. Thank you for being his guide and for sharing your wisdom and love with him.

The light you radiated as a teacher will always be remembered. We will carry you in our memories and hearts, knowing that you have touched the lives of many with your dedication and passion.

With love,

Salvador, Diego y Eileen

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I had the privilege of getting to know Varley by working with her as her assistant. She quickly became a close and trusted friend. Her support and guidance throughout the years has gotten me through many moments. She was an inspiration for what it means to be a great teacher. While my heart hurts and is incredibly heavy at the moment, I am incredibly grateful for the time I got with her. Sending love and light to her family and everyone who was touched by her.

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I worked with Varley in 6th grade for a couple of years. I remember the first time she slipped out of the classroom at lunchtime to release some mice into a nearby field. She had a live trap at home and would literally drive the trap and its lucky little rescues to school and release them into safety during a break. That kind of sums up for me what a kind and compassionate human being she was. We are heartbroken and sending love to her family and everyone who was lucky enough to know and love her. Rest in peace, dear Varley xx

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My dad died in January, and even though I graduated sixth grade in 1989, Varley and Will sent a card to me. That meant so much. Varley was still holding all of her students in her heart no matter how many years ago they had been in her classroom. That’s really incredible.

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This is a very hard one. Rachel Paul was my first teacher at Plymouth. Varley was my older son’s last. I was very sad the younger one didn’t have the opportunity to have her.

Her brilliance as an educator and unique light as a human being were largely unsung, but I think that’s the way she probably wanted it. She was a midwife for one of the most challenging transitions in our kids’ lives during one of the most challenging times in all of our lives (spring 2020). She did all this with humility, quiet stealth, incredible creativity, and grace.

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Today, while overlooking the Indian Ocean in the Seychelles, I found myself thinking about Valery only hours before I discovered the notification of her death. In just a few days, my husband and I leave for Madagascar, a destination that has been on my bucket list since 1991, when Inwas a 6th grader in Valery and Mark’s class. I was assigned to research Madagascar for a classroom assignment. I was captivated by Madagascar then (it is the 4th largest island in the world), and that curiosity stayed with me for decades (I can’t believe I’m about to observe a lemur in nature). It feels fitting that she’s on my mind as I’m finally about to experience the place that first captured my imagination because of her.

I also remember Valery teaching me how to properly outline my notes, a skill that quietly carried me through years of school. And I’ll never forget working side by side with her to publish my own children’s book. I still have my copy and treasure it.

More than anything, Valery had a gift for making her students feel seen and capable. She instilled confidence while encouraging us to look beyond our own backyard, connect with others, and embrace the vast, beautiful world waiting to be explored. She inspired us to seek adventure, stay curious, and live life fully.

Thank you, Valery, for the lessons that reached far beyond the classroom. Your influence has traveled farther than you probably ever imagined.

My condolences to everyone whose lives she touched.

Rebecca Slater Malinsky

1991

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First, I could talk about Varley forever. I met her in 2021 after the COVID lockdown, and I had the privilege of working alongside her and Gladys during BtB. Some of my fondest memories are with the two of them. We shared many wonderful dinners together, and one of my favorite outings was our trip to the art museum.

Varley was a truly beautiful person who had a remarkable gift for making those around her smile and laugh. She was incredibly generous, whether it was offering me rides home or surprising me with food or chocolate. One of my favorite memories was a game we played on every car ride home. She would try to guess what I was having for dinner, and later I would text her to let her know if she was right.

Varley was always there for me, just as she was for so many others. As an aspiring lead teacher, I valued her wisdom and guidance more than I can express. She was an exceptional mentor, but even more than that, she was one of my safe people—someone I could tell anything to without hesitation. She became family.

She always made me feel at home in her classroom. Although she was never my teacher, she taught me so much through her kindness, patience, and example. She inspired countless students, colleagues, and friends, and she never stopped believing in me, even when I struggled.

I will always remember her laughter, her love, and the light she brought into my life. I loved my dear friend deeply, and I will miss her always. 💔

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Although Hajj and I only knew Varley for a short time, the impact she made on us was unforgettable. The patience, encouragement, and genuine care she showed Hajj meant so much and helped make his fifth-grade year a wonderful experience.

I will always be grateful for the time we shared with her. She truly made a difference, and we will never forget her kindness.❤️

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I love this photo. ❤️

This was one of the many dinners we shared at our home with our wonderful teacher friends from Mexico. Endless conversations in both English and Spanish, music playing in the background, and homemade food, something Varley and I both loved so much.

Listening to her was always a gift. She was so wise, so calm, and had the beautiful ability to see the very best in every person and in the work we did together. She always found something kind and encouraging to say.

What a privilege it was to work side by side with you, Varley. Thank you for everything you gave us. I adore you, and I will miss you always… ❤️

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Celebrating my birthday and dear Ansel’s birthday together was just another wonderful excuse to gather, share music, laughter, and heartfelt conversations. So incredibly grateful for every moment, every hug, and every smile, especially with our beloved Varley. You are deeply missed. ❤️

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Varley as Aunt March in Little Women, 2026