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… ❤️

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

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. 💔

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

Leah Armstrong co23

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. 🕯️💛💛💛💛

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.