Diane Jean Varriale

SARATOGA/ARGYLE — Diane Jean Varriale passed into a more perfect world on September 14, 2026, at home with all who loved her. Born May 7, 1938, in Orange City, New Jersey, to the late Mary and Kurt Huening. 

In 1956, she graduated from Draper High School and, in August, married her high school sweetheart, Hank. After whisking her off to Mountain Home, Idaho, she began her lifelong career as a military housewife.

After raising her four children, her talents prevailed in folk art painting, stained glass, and, into her 80s, mosaics. Her time spent at SCIA in Schenectady, then many years at the Regional Food Bank through the Saratoga Senior Center was volunteer time she never missed.

Many, many motorhome adventures spent with Hank, up and down the Eastern Shore, were always enjoyable to hear. From military campground to campground, many friends were made from across the United States with memorable good times.

Tuesday cards with Dave, Carol, Nancy and Phyllis was a highlight of the week, but a disappointment when 50 cents was lost.

An eighty-year summer resident of Summit Lake in Argyle, the lake community has lost a true friend. She loved the lake from when she was a young girl, learning to hunt and fish from her dad. The clean waters, beauty, and tranquility are things she taught about and has blessed us all with. She loved to fish with her daughter Nancy, go garage saling with Maggie and Annie, enjoy seafood fests, boat parades, and the image of fireworks as they reflected off the lake.  She was blessed not only to watch her grandchildren, but also her great-grandchildren enjoy the tree swing, play in the sand, and swim in the warm waters. Thank you, Mom, for all you’ve done for us.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Henry P. Varriale, in 2009.

Survivors include her children: Cindy and Rob Longdaue, Nancy Sautter (Wes), Kenneth Varriale, and DeDe and Bill Stewart. 

Grandchildren: Wilson (Danielle) and Douglas Longdaue, Jessica Furey (Dan), Nicholas and Bethany (CeCe) Varriale, and Jayme Fink; great-grandchildren: Graham Grassi, Rue and Cybil Longdaue; she is also survived by several nieces and nephews, daughter-in-law Holly Varriale, and her very best dog friend, Kirby.

We would like to thank Betty Patrick for her care and kindness in helping our mom over the past year.

Finally, we would like to thank Hospice of Saratoga for their support the past several weeks. 

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 28, 2026, at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY 12871

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York or Hospice of Saratoga County.

For online condolences visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.