Lasting Memories
Anne Varnedoe Tomczak
Jan. 13, 1932-March 6, 2018
Albany, California
Anne Tomczak, (nee Helen Anne Varnedoe) passed away peacefully at the age of 86 in Albany, California, surrounded by loving family.
Anne was born on January 13, 1932 in Ventura, California to Harry and Helen Varnedoe. She grew up on a quiet orange ranch in Ojai. Anne was quite bright and excelled in her studies, eventually receiving two scholarships to U.C. Berkeley where she studied English, Speech and Drama. A lover of expression through words, an avid reader and fan of theater and drama, Anne graduated Magna Cum Laude. After graduation, she taught English and became a tutor for an American family in France, where she met her future husband Ed. Their whirlwind romance included travels to Italy, Germany, Belgium, Sweden and Spain. Anne was a lover of travel, art, wine and culture throughout her life. She and Ed eventually settled in Palo Alto, where they raised two beautiful daughters, Amy and Tracy. For 35 years, Anne was a passionate and committed teacher in the Palo Alto Unified School district. She taught English and Creative Writing at Jordan, Cubberley, Terman and Gunn high schools. Anne loved to express herself through watercolor painting, playing piano and organ, dancing and listening to all types of music. She was an avid moviegoer, loved dramas, mysteries and political thrillers and never missed the Academy Awards. She was a lifelong democrat and very passionate about politics and social justice. Astrology, philosophy and the mysteries of life beyond planet earth were also her interests. Anne, loving mother, is survived by her two devoted daughters Aimee (Amy) Tomczak, and Tracy Noack, and son-in-law David Noack. Anne is survived by her sister, Alice Pounds; and preceded in death by her brother Harry Varnedoe Jr. (1996); She is preceded in death by her former husband Edmund Tomczak (2008). She was a loving aunt to Cynthia Glasser (Ken), Jon Varnedoe (Juliet), Jill Varnedoe Gordon (Vince) and Lisa Brummer (Rick), and preceded in death by her beloved niece Allison Pounds (1986). Her warmth, intelligence, caring nature and beautiful smile were gifts to all who knew her and loved her. Even into her later years she always made friends and was beloved wherever she lived. She will be sorely missed by her loving family and friends.
Feb. 28, 2019
I had Anne - Miss Varnadoe to us -- for 8th grade US History at Terman Junior High (as it was then), 1962-63. I loved her and always enjoyed being in her class. How lucky we were to have a teacher like her. Mary Jo Porter -- 2019
June 9, 2018
Remembrance of Anne Varnedoe Tomczak (1932-2018) In the school year 1954-55, I was a student in Miss Varnedoe’s eighth-grade English class at Jordan Junior High School, in Palo Alto. I was 12, going on 13. She was ageless, like all my teachers. Now that I know the year she was born, I realize Miss Varnedoe was only 22 when she became one of my most influential teachers. I remember the atmosphere of rigorous learning in her classroom. She taught us with purpose and fairness. Reading, writing, and grammar were important skills. I remember vividly the hard work of writing essays for Miss Varnedoe. The task seemed impossible. What did I have to say? How could I write it? Among the popular songs in 1954 was Joan Weber’s plea, (sing) “Oh, let me go, let me go, let me go, lover/ Let me be, set me free from your spell….” Struggling with my essays, I stomped through my family’s house singing my version: (sing) “Let me go, let me go, let me go, Varnedoe!” Then I sat down and wrote some more. I did not become a songwriter, or singer, but as a result of Miss Varnedoe’s excellent instruction and encouragement, I became an English major in college, and then a teacher, writer, editor, and trainer of teachers. I am grateful that she was my teacher. Barbara G. Schonborn June 9, 2018