We sit crying mournfully for ourselves. She though is finally at peace. Pain free, ready to walk the beaches she loved and bask in the sunlight she so adored. We are the selfish ones, wanting her back with us to talk with, confide in and share our hopes and dreams. The world lost the most beautiful daughter, sister, mother, friend, grammie and great grandmother that we have ever seen when Barbara Schweiger Benson passed from this earth on January 2, 2018. It was an awesome way for her to begin a new year but a heartbreaking way for those of us left behind.Barbara was born to George and Mary F. Schweiger on January 30, 1944 in Flushing, New York. When she was 5 the family left the cold north, and moved to Winter Haven, Florida. They soon found greener pastures in the Jacksonville area where Barbara continued her schooling at Old Arlington Elementary, Lake Lucina Elementary and Terry Parker High School. She was a member of the first class to complete all 6 years of Junior/Senior high school at Parker, graduating in 1962.
She had ambitions to become a hair dresser but was side tracked by motherhood. Besides motherhood, Barbara held various jobs over the years but her last job as an Accounts Payable Team Leader at Baptist Health Services was her most fulfilling. Her other activities included being an officer on the board of the St Joseph Catholic Church Widows Club, being an organizer and contributor to several of the class reunions for Class of 62 (Terry Parker) and generally “being there” for any and all if needed.
She is preceded in death by her father George John Schweiger and her Uncle Tom Giambalvo.
She was a devoted daughter to Mary Schweiger and sister to Richard Schweiger. She was the most compassionate, loving and attentive mother to Patti (Mark), Julie (Ernie), Greg (Monika) and Sheryl. She was involved and took her “job” as grammie to many grand and great grandchildren seriously. She was present when many of these little blessings were born.
She was an awesome friend to Betty Cheary, Avis MacDonald and Bobbi Newbern (as well as Bill Newbern by adjunct) and many others. “She will be missed” is an understatement of huge proportions.
Blessings and huge thank you to Dr. Ashraf and staff at Cancer Specialist of Northeast Florida. Thank you for loving our mom while she battled so fiercely. There are not enough kind words of appreciation for the loving staff at Community Hospice Hadlow Center in Jacksonville, Florida. Instant peace came over us when we entered the doors.
Her celebration of life will be held at Naugle Funeral home located at 1203 Hendricks Ave. in Jacksonville, Florida on January 27, 2018 at 10:00 AM.
While our hearts are saddened beyond belief, we rejoice she is no longer in pain.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to Community Hospice / Hadlow Center 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32257 or a charity of your choice.
“What is lovely never dies, but passes into another loveliness, stardust, or seafoam, flower or winged air.” Thomas Bailey Aldrich
Barbara Ann Benson, age 73, passed awy on January 2, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. Arrangements under the direction of Naugle Schnauss Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 808 Margaret Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32204 904-683-9288
