Mrs. Vars of Ashland, died Thursday morning, Dec. 30, 2010 at the Metrowest Medical Center in Natick. She was born on October 4, 1926 in Boston. She graduated from Essex Aggie Nursing School and worked as a nurse in the Boston area for over 50 years. She retired from the Fernald State School in Waltham in 1991. She was preceded in death by her parents Walter and Agnes Nordin Haddock as well as her beloved husband Malcolm Vars, Sr. and her daughter, Karen Vars. She is survived by her daughter, Donna Vars of Derry, NH, her sons, Malcolm Vars of Peabody, MA, Kevin Vars and his wife, Stephanie of Marlborough, MA; three grandchildren, Jillian Vars, Kara and Gwendolyn Vars; sister Helen Donahue and brothers Thomas and James Haddock. She will also be fondly remembered by her close friend and companion, Howard Rouse. Marie's family was her life and she loved singing and performing with her friends at the senior centers in Framingham and Holliston. She will be remembered as a wonderful woman who loved to laugh and make others laugh. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011 at 10:00 AM in the Chapel of the Matarese Funeral Home, 325 Main St. in Ashland. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Town of Holliston Senior Center or the Callahan Senior Center in Framingham. There are no calling hours.