Barbara Leary Scannell, 89, of South Weymouth died after a long illness in her home on December 4, 2016 surrounded by her loving family. Barbara was the wife of the late David H. Scannell, dear mother of the late Paul D. Scannell and David C. Scannell. Beloved mother of John (Jay) Scannell of Weymouth, Peter Scannell of Weymouth, Christopher Scannell of Marblehead, Elisabeth Scannell Stieb and her husband Jeffrey of Weymouth, Jeffrey Scannell and his wife Janell of Weymouth, and Timothy Scannell and his wife Christa of San Antonio, TX. Adoring grandmother of Joseph, Matthew and Andrew Stieb, Jake Scannell, Paul Scannell, Fiona, Shane and Jack Scannell, and Matthew, Thomas and James Scannell. Many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends also survive her.
Barbara was the owner of Barbara's Dress Shop in Columbian Square for 48 years. Her artistic ability could be seen in the decorative window displays that added charm to Columbian Square and in the signs she meticulously hand painted. Throughout her life she remained committed to town politics as a town meeting member and selectman, then as an active citizen where she sought to preserve and enrich the Weymouth that she experienced as child. Barbara was first elected female Selectman from 1978 to 1984 and she served as vice-chairman for four years. She served as past president and director of the South Weymouth Business and Professional Association. She began the tradition of the South Weymouth Halloween window painting competition for middle school and high school students, which remains an annual event.
After the tragic death of her oldest son, Paul, in a heli-ski accident in April 1994, Barbara began the Paul's Memorial Golf Tournament that, for nine years, raised funds for spinal cord and traumatic brain injured individuals. In June of 1996 tragedy struck again when her son David was gravely injured by a drunk driver and remained comatose for 19 years. She took on the challenge of expertly caring for David at home for five years when she was in her early 70's. With her experience as a caregiver she became a mentor to other caregivers on how to navigate the medical system to meet the needs of the patient. From the heart of her kitchen, late at night, Barbara counseled and dispensed sage advice with warmth and humor to family and friends and those in need. A life selflessly, generously lived.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invite for visiting hours for Barbara on Thursday, December 8 from 4-8 PM in the C. C. Shepherd Funeral Home located at 134 Pleasant St. (Columbian Sq.) S. Weymouth. Relatives and friends will gather in the funeral home at 9:45 AM on Friday for a Celebration of Life prior to the Funeral Mass which will be held at 11 AM at St. Francis Xavier Church, 234 Pleasant St. S. Weymouth.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Francis Xavier School, 234 Pleasant St. Weymouth, MA 02190 in memory of Barbara L. Scannell.
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