It is with great sadness that I write to tell you that Zoe Varian passed away on Sunday 25th April. It was her wish to be in her own bedroom and surrounded by her family and for her it was a peaceful end with Nick at her side after a short but courageous fight. After her diagnosis and treatment we were all hopeful she would beat it, she had some good months through the summer and was able to enjoy special times with her family and close friends. She remained so positive throughout.
Zoe will be so missed by the Sandgate Community, she had such a bright, and vibrant personality, she was always so welcoming and a kind and generous person.
She had been a Parish Councillor in the past, was pioneer behind the Sandgate Farmers Market, and a stallholder, we will all remember her beautiful displays of flowers and plants displayed in vintage china. She was Chairman of the Sandgate Heritage Trust, until very recently, working tirelessly to maintain this important Heritage Building.
Zoe was a member of the Sandgate Society for many years, always very active and filled the hall to capacity when she gave the ‘Greenwall Lecture’ in 2019. As a very keen historian and member of the Folkestone History Research Group, her lecture was entitled ‘The History of Romney Marsh Churches’
Zoe has so many friends not only here but from all around the world, and there will be a time, in the near future, for all who knew her to remember her at a service, a Celebration of her Life. Hopefully in the summer, Nick says, “when the sun will be on the seaside here to remind us of our beautiful missing light”
Our thoughts are with Nick, Ben, Abbi & Harry and her sister Miranda and her husband Wayne.
At peace now. Remembering you Zoe.
Melanie Chalk: Friend, Neighbour and fellow Trustee of the Sandgate Heritage Trust