Wiscasset Assessor’s Agent Sue Varney is retiring after nearly 37 years working for the town, effective Dec. 19, Town Manager Marian Anderson announced Nov. 10.

Reached Monday, Varney said it was a hard decision.

“I’ve worked almost every job in the (municipal) building, except police officer. They wouldn’t let me have a gun,” she said, joking.

“But it was time,” she said about retiring.

Varney said losing her husband Ross three years ago made her see that life is precious.

“He was 62, and I’m going to be 61. I still have my health and I don’t want to end up like so many people unfortunately do,” not retiring while they can still enjoy it and spend time with family, she said.

“First I’m going to rest, because I’m very tired,” Varney said when asked about her plans. She’ll also be flying out of state to visit her grandchildren and other family members.

And she will continue to live in Wiscasset. “Oh, gosh, yes,” she said.

In Monday’s statement, Anderson describes Varney as a valuable asset and friend who will be greatly missed.

“Under Sue’s leadership ... the town has transitioned through many changes. Her contribution and rich experience made it possible to transition smoothly between leadership changes on the select board and in the (town manager’s) office. Her innovative ways and ‘can do’ enthusiasm always kept us a step ahead,” Anderson writes. “Sue Varney has done a great job establishing positive working relationships with administrators, all employees and local communities. Her leadership, loyalty to the town of Wiscasset, and tireless energy will be missed.

“We thank Sue for 37 years of outstanding service to (the) town ... and wish her well as she prepares for retirement. We wish you all the best, Sue Varney,” Anderson’s statement concludes.

In an email response to a request for comment, former Wiscasset selectman Judy Colby said: “I congratulate Sue on her retirement, but at the same time a sadness goes over me for the loss of such a professional, hardworking and dedicated employee of the town. Sue will be missed by many. Sue is always there to help and go that extra step for the citizens of Wiscasset. So my friend, I wish you much happiness,” Colby said.

Varney had a brief layoff in 2013 when voters at the polls rejected the department budget that included her job; residents restored funding in a nearly unanimous town meeting vote.

Varney’s retirement is the latest development involving some prominent jobs in Wiscasset’s government in recent months. The town is currently searching for its next planner after Misty Parker left in early October to become an economic development specialist for the city of Lewiston; and Wiscasset Municipal Airport Manager Ervin Deck has confirmed that he plans to leave that position sometime after the first of the year.