Barbara F. Kozel

Barbara Flora Kozel died peacefully on August 2 at her Danvers home, surrounded by her loving family. Born February 18, 1938, in Allston, MA to Robert and Flora McGrath, she grew up with her siblings amidst a large extended family.
Barbara graduated from Brighton High School in 1956 and went on to be a lifelong learner and lover of Literature, Music, Art, and all things British. She could recite entire stanzas of poetry, imitate any bird call, had an encyclopedic knowledge of antiques, and could point out any country on a globe.
Barbara's love of travel started in 1960 with a Trans-Atlantic voyage to travel throughout Europe with her cousin. It was on a trip to Michigan in 1961 when Barbara met the love of her life, Bruno Kozel. They lived in South Haven, Michigan for 36 wonderful years, enjoying the best times with the very best of friends, lifelong friends with whom Barbara stayed in touch.
Moving "back home" to her beloved East Coast in 2000, Barbara and Bruno settled in Pocasset, MA in a house Barbara helped design. They relocated again in 2008 to Gloucester, MA to another house that Barbara designed, to be closer to family and grandchildren. Barbara dearly loved the home she and Bruno created in Gloucester, where they formed treasured friendships with neighbors and within their community.
Barbara's favorite place to be was in the kitchen, surrounded by family and friends, cooking one of her famous Polish meals, passing on her favorite recipes. She created a space where people wanted to gather, where people felt at home, and felt special. Her family jokingly called her the original Martha Stewart. It seemed there was nothing Barbara could not accomplish. Her hands were always busy, always creating something. She was an award-winning artist in the mediums of painting, basket weaving, knitting, wool rug hooking, and ceramics. Barbara also loved foraging for mushrooms and gardening; getting her hands in the dirt was her happy place.
Coming from a humble background herself, Barbara spent her life looking out for those less fortunate, making sure everyone had a seat at the table. Her charitable work was quiet, behind the scenes, just a part of who she was. Her Catholic faith was an important part of her life, and she gave years of service to the Church.
We know Barbara will be dearly missed by those fortunate enough to have known her. A life so fully lived leaves a big space. Let's fill it with memories of Barbara, of the laughter and good times spent together.
Barbara is survived by her son Robert Kozel, her daughters, Laura Calchera (Shane Calchera), Lisa LeVasseur (Scott LeVasseur), Pam Beane, grandchildren Kevin Kozel, Jessica Kozel, Aurora Champine (Colby Champine), Fisher LeVasseur, great grandchildren Francesca Kozada, Yuliya Champine, Rooke Champine, siblings Nancy Martin, Michael McGrath, and many treasured family members and friends. She was predeceased by her sister, Susan Fortune.
We are grateful for your love and support during this difficult time. A private ceremony will be held for the family in accordance with Barbara's wishes. As an alternative to flowers, memorial donations may be made to PBS and to Care Dimensions.