08/06/2026
With deep sadness, we share that PMFS' beloved longtime teacher Varley Paul passed away peacefully last evening in the presence of her immediate family.
From 1986 to 2026, an extraordinary 40 years, Varley served Plymouth Meeting Friends School with deep devotion. She taught sixth grade until 2020 and continued to serve the community after that in a variety of ways—as librarian, director of special projects, BtB director, and fifth grade teacher. Her creative spirit, quiet wisdom, and steadfast commitment to her students, families, and colleagues have left an indelible mark on countless lives and on the very fabric of our school. Known for her gentle presence and deep gratitude, Varley believed deeply that the purpose of a PMFS education was not simply to prepare students academically, but to graduate thoughtful, compassionate leaders.
Varley wrote recently that Plymouth is “one of the most authentic teaching institutions I've seen anywhere. It has the opportunity to fulfill much, if not all, of the Quaker vision. It cherishes the child as a person. It is small enough to teach to the future; to send global citizens and leaders into the world." These words also describe Varley’s work as an educator.
Beyond the classroom, Varley was a global citizen in her own right, studying and traveling widely. Varley was an accomplished poet, writer, and artist. Through her poetry and prose, Varley illuminated the wonder found in everyday moments.
To see the full tribute to Varley and read her some of her writing, follow this link: https://www.pmfs1780.org/page/news-detail?pk=952358
We invite you to share your memories of Varley on this shared Memory Wall so that our community can celebrate her lasting impact together. Stories, anecdotes, words of gratitude, poems, photos and videos are all welcome. Follow this link: https://padlet.com/PlymouthMeetingFriends/varley_paul_remembrances
Please join us in holding Varley's spirit, Jerry, Isabel, and Gordon, and their entire family in the Light.
