MARY MARGARET VARN

1929-2021

Mary Margaret Varn, known to all as Peggy, passed away at age 91, on January 18, 2021. She was born December 15, 1929, in Birmingham, Alabama, but lived all her adult life in Houston, Texas. She was a professional artist, a fashion illustrator, who created, before today’s universal use of photography, elegant advertisement sketches for department stores and furriers in Houston and beyond, including Palais Royal, Foley’s, and Battlestein’s.

Peggy adored animals and always had dogs and especially cats as pets. Her dog Rocky and her last cats, Suzie and Bennie, were a constant source of joy to her. Sometimes she took in strays and helped to find them new homes. She was always available as a sitter when friends or neighbors went out of town, and routinely donated to animal welfare organizations. Peggy had a very large circle of friends and she could always be counted on if help was needed.

Peggy is survived by two of her brother’s sons, Michael and Thomas. She will rest with her brother Charles James, and his wife Gloria in Phoenix, Arizona.

There will not be a local service, but anyone who would like can send, in lieu of flowers, a contribution to The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or to The Houston Humane Society.