Sidney Woman, Longtime Maine Resident Carolyn Inez Austin Varnerin, Dies at 87
SIDNEY, Maine – Carolyn Inez Austin Varnerin, 87, of Sidney, Maine, passed away peacefully at Maine General Medical Center on November 18, 2025, surrounded by family. Born March 29, 1938, in Pittsfield, Maine, to Carold Isreal austin and Dorothy Drew Austin, Carolyn lived a full life dedicated to family, work, and her many passions.
Carolyn was a 1956 graduate of Erskine Academy. Throughout her career, she demonstrated a versatile spirit, working at the Maine State Police Barracks, Stevens Girl School, and Togus Hospital as a cook. She later found success in insurance sales with Prudential, earning numerous awards for her performance. In her seventies, she cherished her time working at her granddaughter’s childcare center, affectionately known as “Daycare Grammy” by the children.
Her greatest joys were her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Carolyn was an avid reader and bird watcher, and a skilled cook, notably renowned for her pies. She even turned her passion for baking into a small business, supplying Wicked Good Restaurant in Augusta, Maine. She also enjoyed time spent outdoors, camping, riding snowmobiles, and motorcycles with her husband and family.
On March 18, 1977, Carolyn married Jeffrey D.Varnerin, and together they enjoyed 48 years of marriage.
She is survived by her husband, jeffrey D. Varnerin; her five children, Deborah and Ricki Pomerleau of Belgrade, Carol and Donald bean of Augusta, Jered Carr of Chicago, Ill., Catherine and Karl Dostie of Gardiner, and michael Varnerin of Augusta; and former daughter-in-law, Tanya Lennon of Albion.
Carolyn’s legacy lives on thru her seven grandchildren - Megan Carr Martin,Chelsee Bean,Darren Bean,Courtney Pomerleau,Whitley Dostie,Jacob Lennon,and Bradley Lennon – and also six great-grandchildren: abigail Bucknam,Austin Bucknam,Jayden Hutchins,Morgan Lawrence,Zoey Bean,and Fiona Martin.She held a special place in her heart for Ryan Bucknam and Cecile Studley.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her infant son, David Carr, her parents, Carold and Dorothy Austin, and her siblings Bernard Austin, Barclay Austin, Douglas Austin, twin sisters Jean and Jane Austin, Meredith Latlip, and Virginia Burgess.
She is also survived by her sisters, Gail Skelton of Richmond and Nancy Austin of Sarasota, Fla.
A private celebration of life will be held by the family at a later date.
