Varian Hentz Cassat died peacefully on July 21, surrounded by family at her residence in Weston. She was 89 years old.

Varian was born on Nov. 21, 1925 in Little Ferry, N.J., to Christian and Frieda Hentz. Varian grew up in Hasbrouck Heights, N.J., and then attended Ohio University, where she majored in journalism and served as editor of the school paper, the Ohio University Post. During her senior year, Varian met and fell in love with David Cassat. They were married in Hasbrouck Heights in 1947.

The couple moved to Stuyvesant Town, New York city, in 1949, and resided there for 10 years, where Varian became very involved with the Episcopal Church. After moving to Yorktown, N.Y., and then England, Varian, David, and their three children settled in Katonah, N.Y. Over the next 25 years, Varian held several newspaper staff positions, and continued to be deeply involved in church activities. She was especially proud of her work as the chairperson on the National Task Force for Women, whose efforts promoted the ordination of women in the Episcopal Church.

In 1992, Varian and David retired to their home on Chappaquiddick, where Varian elected to stay following David’s death in 1993. Varian loved the island, and was very involved in the community for 15 years. She volunteered with many organizations, wrote the Chappy news column for the Vineyard Gazette, and enjoyed an active social life. In 2007, health issues forced her to leave Chappy for Vineyard Haven, and in 2013, Varian moved to Weston to be closer to family.

In Weston, Varian continued to build personal relationships, and the family is extremely grateful for the supportive and caring community that surrounded her during her two years there.

Varian is survived by her daughter, Mary Cassat Grant, son-in-law Duncan Grant, and their children Paul and James Grant; her son David Cassat, and her son Peter Cassat, daughter in law Libby Wood Cassat, and their children Emma, Paige, Kit, and Danny Cassat.