Anna Varela

Easton: Anna Dayett Varela of Easton, died September 21, 2011 at the age of 95. Born on October 29, 1915 in Newark, Delaware, Mrs. Varela was the daughter of Gurney Dayett and Alice Ferguson Dayett. Anna grew up in Baltimore with a victory garden, frequently visiting her Grandfather Ferguson’s farm in Delaware with her brother, Gurney Dayett ,Jr. (who predeceased her). She graduated from Baltimore High School in 1933, and played on the men’s tennis team while she was attending Towson University, where she graduated in 1936. She taught in Baltimore public schools from 1937 to 1944. She was able to travel to invitational tennis tournaments during this period with a pass from her father, a B & O railroad engineer. In 1944 Anna married Arthur A. Varela, a scientist with the Naval Research Laboratory (deceased December 1991). They lived in Alexandria, Virginia, having two children and many bridge gatherings, until they retired to Easton, Maryland in 1977. They enjoyed sailing, tennis, golf, bridge, traveling, and seeing friends. Anna was always thrilled when meeting old friends and new, and had a true smile for each day. She is survived by two sons, Arthur A. Varela, Jr. of Easton, MD and Robert D. Varela and his wife Chris Morrison of Alexandria, VA; and four grandchildren, Andrew Varela of Locust Grove, VA, Elizabeth Varela of Boston, MA, Meredith Varela of Alexandria, VA, and John Varela of Alexandria, VA. She is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Marley and Alice Varela of Locust Grove. While in Easton Anna was active in the DAR, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, the Art Academy, Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, the League of Women Voters, the Towson University Alumni Association, the St. Andrews Society, the Poplar Island Yacht Club, Talbot Country Club Golf Team (9 hole champion), and the Talbot Country Club Bridge Group. From 1933 until 1950 Anna was a regional and nationally ranked tennis player, winning tournaments in Maryland, Delaware, D.C., Virginia, Pennsylvania, Montana, New York, and West Virginia. She was the Maryland state champion and ranked 12th nationally. Anna played on the Sears Cup Team representing Baltimore against Washington, Philadelphia, New York and Boston. Taking up golf, she was the club champion at Belle Haven Country Club and Talbot Country Club. Over the last few years, Anna enjoyed bridge, watching tennis and golf, sampling local restaurants, going to car shows, Florida vacations, and visiting with family and friends. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, October 4, 2011 at 10 a.m. at the Church of the Holy Trinity, Oxford.

Anna Varela

October 29, 1915 - September 21, 2011