Barbara J. (Vansteel) Benzaquin, age 86, of Norwell, passed away on April 8, 2013 after a long illness. Beloved mother of Dorna Burrows of Tucson AZ, David Benzaquin of Kingston, MA  and DonPaul of Norwell, MA. She was predeceased by her eldest son Del Benzaquin of NC.  Mother-in-law to Judy (Coady) of Norwell and Kathy (O'Connor) of Alfred, NY.  Special friend to Val Larkin of Pembroke. Cherished grandmother to Leandro and Aria Benzaquin of Norwell, Robbie Burrows of VA., Paul and Tim Burrows of Arizona.

She was born in Quincy, Illinois on August 21, 1926 to Frank and Matilda Vansteel. One of six children, she is predeceased by sisters Maggie (Minogue) and Ruth (Pietkiewicz) of Chicago. She leaves behind her brothers Frank of HI., Russell of Detroit, and Chuck of Chicago. In addition, she leaves behind seven great-grandchildren and countless nieces
and nephews.

Known to most as "Grammy," she lived most of her life in Norwell. She volunteered for the NVNA and the Cub Scouts. She was a voracious reader who loved gardening, baking, sewing and collecting dolls. She worked many years for Citgo and 22 years at the Christmas Tree Shops where she had many dear friends. For a tiny lady she had a massive heart and loved everyone dearly.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 10 am in St. Helen Church, 383 Washington St. (Rt. 53), Norwell. Visiting hours Friday, April 12, 2013 from 4-7 pm in McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Home, 30 Central St.(off Rt. 123, near State Police Barracks), Norwell Center. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Alzheimer's research.

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