She was born in Seattle to Ernie and Mildred Burger. She was also raised here in Seattle and graduated from Cleveland High School. Joanne met and married the love of her life, Phillip Varney on July 30, 1955 and they were married for 58 years. During their years together, she enjoyed sailing, entertaining at her family cabin, flower arranging and quilting.
Joanne was a member of North End Flower Club and former member of Norse Home Retirement Center.
She was blessed with three sons; Cameron (Lynn), Reed (Cheri) and Grant (Terri) five grandchildren; Courtney Grant, P. Bryce, Tobey, Rachel and Jack Varney. She was also known as “great Nana” to her two great grandchildren, Spencer and Julia.
A memorial service for Joanne will be held beginning at 2:00 pm on March 1, 2014 at Acacia Funeral Home, Seattle, WA.
