Canton Obituary: Barbara Esperanza, 77

Barbara Ann (Andrzejewski) Esperanza, 77, passed away July 24, 2017.

Born Nov. 5, 1939 to the loving parents Genevieve and John Andrzejewski, she graduated from Canton High School as a 2 year standing member of the National Honor Society. After High School, Barbara pursued a career in banking with the Simsbury Bank.

In August of 1962, a recently discharged USAF Airman, Alfred Esperanza, entered her line and her life again after High School. The two entered a courtship that lasted almost 2 years. After which, Alfred found himself in the middle of Elizabeth Park Rose Garden, on one knee, proposing to Barbara on June 16, 1964. A year later the two were wed in Sacred Heart Church on May 29, 1965.

Alfred's job brought both of them to Massachusetts where they moved into their brand new home in Tewksbury in 1967. Barbara and Al started their family in 1968. Barbara focused on being a loving and attentive mother to her 3 children as a full time Mom until 1976. That was the year she started a career as a tax examiner for the Internal Revenue Service, which spanned nearly three decades.

Just before her retirement, Barbara was blessed with the first of two grandchildren, Joshua and Hannah, which were the center of her world until the day she passed. Barbara had suffered with many physical issues including cardiac for the better part of two years, which resulted in her quick and unexpected passing. She left us peacefully, surrounded by her family. You will be dearly missed "Babs", "Mom", "Grams". We love you.

Barbara is survived by, her loving husband of 52 years, Alfred Esperanza, her son, Brian Esperanza, daughter, Brenda and son in law Tim McEachern, son, Brent and daughter in law Tracy Esperanza, grandchildren, Joshua and Hannah (Buttercup) Esperanza, her sister, Joann Andrzejewski, brother, Richard and sister in law Shirley Andrzejewski, niece, Kathleen Andrzejewski, nephew, Donald Andrzejewski, aunt, Toni Beckwith and many cousins and friends.

Mass is being held Saturday, July 29 at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 158 Broad Street, New Britain, immediately following a small service at the Sacred Heart Cemetery at 662 Burritt St., New Britain. Per Barbara's request, there are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to:www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/get-involved/donate-to-ccfa/honors-and-memorial.html.