My condolences to the Varsam family through these difficult times. Mrs. Varsam loved everyone as she was always a happy soul which could have lit up even the darkest of rooms when she walked through the door, but especially loved children and had a great passion and commitment to her beloved Queensview Nursery staff and Students such as myself. Mrs. Varsam was a role model, great with advice to all ages, a motivator, a true and genuine individual as well as to everyone who went to Queensview, an at school mom which I and others I grew up with after Queensview always viewed her as. My greatest memory of Mrs Varsam no matter the day or year was her smile. Her smile could make every sadness in the world wash away and Looking back, a day without Mrs. Varsam was like a day without sunshine. Thank you Mrs. Varsam for being the best that a kid could ask for, and may your memory and soul live on eternally. We all love and miss you!

My sincere condolences to the Varsam family. Helen was so dedicated, she truly loved the children. I have two sons who attended QV Nursery School in the 80s. My granddaughter also attended in 2012 and 2013. We have fond memories and wonderful treasures from their time there.

I went to Queensview Nursery school in the early 80's and have so many fond memories there. I had so many friends that I grew up with and it really was a wonderful place. My older brother went there too. Then in 2001 I volunteered there as a teachers assistant. It was so nice to be back as an adult and to work with Mrs. Varsam. I'm very sad to hear of her passing. I have a daughter of my own now who is almost 16 months old, and I've thought a lot lately about the Queensview school and how I will be sending her to nursery school one day and how I hope to find as good of a school that feels like a family the way Queensview Nursery School felt for me. RIP Mrs. Varsam. You will be greatly missed.

Sincerest condolences to the family ... my husband and I had two children who attended Queensview Nursery School in the late 1970's-early 1980's and remember Helen fondly as well as her daughter Stephanie.  Both were my children's teachers and I was an active parent on the board.   May she RIP and prayers sent.

I am so very sorry to  hear of Your wonderful Helen’s passing.  What an amazing woman! I spent many hours helping her in the office at Queensview.  She knew I was there to not only put my hours in but also be as close to my baby during the day as I could.  I had the separation anxiety instead of my son... She helped me solve problems with my older sons school and shared experiences of her own motherhood which was priceless. We cried and laughed so hard in that office! I felt able to share some of the most private experiences in my life almost immediately with her. I looked forward to our time together. Our conversations would change my life as a young mother a woman a human.  She was an open book and so full of knowledge.  The future, through all of our children, was so important to her.  She insisted on organization , truth and most importantly high morals! She was always there for a hug but would be the first one to tell you to get up wash your face and move on! She understood pain and  great loss but had an amazing way of turning it into strength and hope going forward. The last time I saw her was at a funeral for a 12 year old boy that we both new well. He was my neighbor and when he was little, one of her students.  We were obviously both devastated as was the hundreds of people who showed up for the funeral. I felt so exceptionally lucky that it was me she stood next to. She hugged me forever held my hand throughout the entire funeral. She was my total strength that day. She  was fair and strong. She was a superhero and had the badass car to match!   Most important to her was her family. She beamed when talking about you all and NOTHING meant more to her! I loved her very much and will always carry her in my heart. Rest peacefully my dear friend, your time here with us was so very full and important. You lived a heck of a life!  Many lives for one life! I am grateful to have known you and will always  think of you as a gift in mine and my families lives❤️ 

We feel so blessed to have been a part of the last class to be interviewed by Mrs. Varsam and have her loving presence in the school space. She was truly the heart of the school and a community builder in every sense of the word - how many people can say they created a community institution that was so special students returned to be teachers and retirees came out of retirement to participate? Her presence will be greatly missed but her spirit will live on in the hearts of her students and their families while her legacy is honored by those who continue the work she dedicated her life to. 

(continued)
She taught me dignity and class.

She tried her mightiest for eight years to teach me how to play the piano.

She loved to travel. She loved Montauk. She loved Captiva. She loved St. Martin. She loved Manhattan.

She taught me how to love without reservation.

These lessons learned from Mom, and many more that I have not mentioned, will stay with Dad, Stephanie, Joanne, me, and everyone else she has touched, for the rest of our lives. We were blessed to have her, and we know that one day we will see her again.


My Mom was a teacher. I looked up synonyms for teacher, and the one that really stood out to me as it related to Mom was “Shepherd”. One of the descriptions for shepherd that I felt was most appropriate for Mom is derived from passages in the Bible. “Shepherd signifies one who tends a flock, a person who gives mental and spiritual nourishment and supports those under her care. Love is a fundamental prerequisite to the exercise of the shepherding function. The duties are to be discharged with great diligence and in humble recognition of the gifts and appointment of the Holy Spirit.” 

This description personifies Mom to me. She tended to her husband, family, friends, co-workers, and students with all of the love and wisdom she could muster for every day of her life, and here are just some of the things she taught me.

She taught me statistics: One loving, caring, husband and best friend for 75 years. She is his punkie, she is his baby, and she is his angel.  Three children and their spouses. Eleven grandchildren. Four great-grandchildren. Hundreds of friends. And thousands of lives positively impacted over 55 years of teaching and shepherding at her life’s passion, Queensview Nursery School and Kindergarten.

She taught me that even though she was “allergic” to dogs and cats, anything in a cage was good to go. And in a bit of irony, she came to love Xena and Biggie, and perhaps even to tolerate Stardust.

She taught me how to cook, how to dance, how to sing, and very importantly, how to shop.

She taught me love of God and country.

She taught me how to forgive, while still holding people accountable for their actions.

She taught me how to strive for the best life has to offer, and to be thankful and grateful for all of the blessings that have been bestowed upon us.

She taught me to be generous, how to give and share, expecting nothing in return.

She taught me to hold fast to honor, principles, and to always keep my word. 

(continued)

Our deepest sympathies to the family on the passing of our dear Aunt Helen.

Our memories of Helen's smile, humor, kindness and wisdom will live in our hearts forever.

We cherish the memories of the past, and the most recent visit last year from Aunt Helen and Uncle Fotios with my wife and I, and my mom, their dear Cousin Heleni,  
A reunion with both amazing Helens, now reunited with loved ones forever in glory. 

May the mercy and blessings of God be our comfort as we 
cherish the memories and celebrate the life of our dear Theia Heleni.

On behalf of our family, we send our thoughts and prayers to all.

We love you.
Nicky and Vivian Jones and family.

Our condolences to Helen’s family. May she rest in peace. 

Sincerely, 

Stella Mantekas and Georgia Mantekas

I am so honored to have worked for Helen as a teacher  from 1983 to 1987. I learned so many things from her. She was not only a mentor she was a wonderful wonderful person and made My experience there one that I will never forget. She always sat and had lunch with us, Sharing stories with us and many many laughs. I learned many songs from her, one that sticks in my mind is make a circle friend of mine! She and her husband even attended my wedding in 1987 . The other thing I will always remember about Helen was whenever  her husband called  she Always answered, “hi hon”! I was fortunate enough to speak to her on the phone not too long ago and it was as if I had just spoken to her yesterday........ Helen I will always have fond memories of you. You will truly be missed and I send my sincerest condolences to Stephanie and her siblings and her “hon”......
All my love & sympathy, 
Linda Menashe


    I am fortunate that both of my daughters attended Queensview Nursery School. It is such a special place and Mrs. Varsam put her whole life into the school, families, and children. I myself was lucky enough to be mentored by Mrs. Varsam as a teacher at the school.
     In the few years I had with Mrs. Varsam, I learned so much about being a mom and a teacher. She was full of life. She always had things to do, learn, and see. She cherished her family. 
   I still had so much I wanted to learn from her. ❤️ I will miss her but will never forget her. Praying for her husband, children, and family. 

💔 I have worked for and with Mrs. V since 1988 and known her since 1982. When I lost my own mother, she mothered me. Her heart was always full. The impact she and the school had on my children and later my grandson is immeasurable. 
May her memory be for a blessing 🙏

Our heartfelt  condolences to all of Mrs. Varsam's  family and staff.  She was a wonderful person.  My family will always cherish the memories and the time Leanne spent at the Queensview Nursery School.  She will be missed very much.  

Love and prayers,
The Ortega Family 
Leo, Debra & Leanne

My sincerest condolences.🙏 Helen was a wonderful and caring woman who loved her Queensview Nursery school children  as if they were her own.  

We were very sorry to hear of Mrs. Varsam’s passing. Our daughters attended QVNS and we all fondly remember their years there; I would still walk by some days and hope to see Mrs. Varsam. It was clear how much she cared about the kids and school; she had a presence about her and no one, even the adults, wanted to disappoint her. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mrs. Saris and all of the family.  

OBITUARY

Helen Varsam

September 29, 1935 – October 31, 2020

Frederick Funeral Home

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