Barbara Bechel

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:21 Barbara Bechel was a beloved grandmother, mother and wife during her 80 years of life. She passed away quickly and peacefully in the final hours of February 12, 2023. Barbara’s life is the story of a quiet hero, saving people with love and compassion. Born in Cleveland, Ohio to Agnes Banaszak and John Noga, her parents divorced when she was only 2 years old. Barbara grew up in a kind and loving household with her mother, Agnes, grandmother, Barbara, grandfather, Stanislaus, and for a time with her aunt, uncle and cousins, Marie, George, George Jr. and Ronald Colbow. The amazing people who raised her instilled in her a strong work ethic and kind compassion for every living being. Growing up, Barbara worked at a local hospital to pay her own tuition to Lourdes Academy. Barbara would give any extra money she earned to her mother to enjoy a coffee or the occasional Moscow Mule with her friends. After graduating high school, Barbara met the love of her life, John Bechel through a mutual family friend. She was immediately drawn to his charming personality and sense of humor, and often said his resemblance to Elvis was pretty darn compelling. John was attracted to Barbara’s beauty, kindness, sparkling blue eyes and love for family. They married when she was 20, and soon had two daughters. They believed in the importance of education, strong Catholic faith and taking care of family. They welcomed mother Agnes and grandmother Barbara into their home. Barbara tragically lost her mother when her children were very young, and it was then when she began fulfilling the role of family Matriarch. John’s work moved the family to Michigan, and Barbara worked as a paraprofessional in the Van Buren School System while her girls were growing up. She focused on helping children who needed special attention, and was a champion and often a voice for at-risk children. She retired from teaching when her grandson was born, and dedicated the rest of her life to taking care of family, especially her grandson Nathaniel, the light of her life. She attended every baseball game, and became known as Grama Barb, always bringing cookies and treats for the boys. She moved to Ohio to be closer to her grandson, and was instrumental in his upbringing. When Nate started competing in weightlifting competitions, Grama Barb was at every one, cheering him on. Barbara suffered a stroke in 2020 and moved in with her daughter Debra, husband Lawrence and grandson Nate. The days were filled with love and laughter, and the family was honored to care for the woman who had dedicated her life to taking care of them. Barbara’s other daughter Diane would visit frequently, to help care for her, and her beautiful blue eyes lit up whenever Diane was in town. Barbara had a gentle nature, and radiated love and kindness every day of her life. The bond she shared with her daughters will never end, and her love for her grandson is everlasting. Barbara was an accomplished cook and spectacular baker. The dessert trays and gingerbread houses she brought to family gatherings and generously donated to community events were legendary. She also loved nature and gardening and found inspiration in their serenity. She loved being by the water and found peace in the calmness and stillness it brought to her soul. Barbara enjoyed watercolor painting and took delight in receiving hundreds of beautiful watercolor postcards from children across the nation through the “Let’s Make Art” program, a community organization dedicated to youth art education. Survivors include her daughters, Diane (David) Marriott, Debra (Lawrence) Esker, and grandson Nathaniel Esker, and many dear cousins and family members. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, John Bechel and her parents, Agnes and John Noga. The family will receive friends from 2-6 p.m. Sunday, February 26, 2023 at the Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060. Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial mass to honor Barbara’s life at 10 a.m. Monday, February 27, 2023 at St. Mary Catholic Church, 242 North State St., Painesville, OH 44077. Please meet at the church. A luncheon will follow the Mass. A private family interment will be held in Holy Cross Cemetery, Brookpark, at a later date. Donations can be made in Barbara’s honor to the John F. Bechel Scholarship Fund at St. Nicholas Catholic Church 1169 Alverda Road, Nicktown, PA 15762. Special heartfelt thanks to the friends and family who sent cards and letters and took the time to call and visit Barbara, especially during the last years of her life. Please offer condolences at www.brunners.com.

Barbara Bechel

September 26, 1942 - February 12, 2023