Shrewsbury – Hazel (MacLean) DiBenedetto, 91, of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 14, 2022, at the Shrewsbury Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Vincent DiBenedetto of Shrewsbury, and her three children; MarthaAnn Owens of Marlboro, Nicholas DiBenedetto of Shrewsbury, and Richard DiBenedetto of San Diego, CA; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She leaves one brother, Fred MacLean of New Hampshire, and is predeceased by six brothers and sisters.
Hazel was born in Auburn, the daughter of the late Spurgeon MacLean and Rebecca (Howard) MacLean, of Prince Edward Island, Canada. Hazel lived in Shrewsbury for 64 years after marrying the Love of her Life (The Best Catch From a Blind Date), Vinnie, in 1954. Together they raised three children with never-ending love and affection, which she continued throughout the growth and development of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Her passion for her family was evident in all she did and all she gave of herself.
Hazel was adored by the faculty and student body of Shrewsbury High School as “their favorite lunch lady.”
Having retired as the Culinary Services Manager, spending 23 years feeding the staff and students, Hazel’s love of cooking and feeding others brought her eternal joy.
Being in the kitchen and cooking delicious meals for all to enjoy was, by far, Hazel’s Happy Place. She could whip up a fantastic meal in no time, making everyone’s mouths water and appetites be satiated. She was a great student of previous generations, carrying on the traditions of both families and ensuring that she passed those traditions and recipes on to the following generations. Hazel will always be remembered and adored when one of her kids or grandkids makes one of those old family recipes.
Hazel also loved to travel to see her family and friends. She spent many a summer vacation visiting her Mom and Dad at the family home and farm on Prince Edward Island. Hazel loved the Brae and seeing old friends and family in Coleman. She later spent her summer vacations and weekends at her summer residence in Bass River; she loved going to the Cape. Hazel also liked to travel with Vinnie, especially fond of their annual reunion with his Korean War US Navy shipmates and enjoying several cruises on more luxurious accommodations.
Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend visiting hours at the Chiampa Funeral Home, 5 Church Road, On the Common, Shrewsbury, on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, from 4-7 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, June 23, 2022, at 11:00 AM at St. Anne’s Church, 130 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetary, Shrewsbury.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in her honor may be made to the “Save Duart Castle in memory of Hazel DiBenedetto née MacLean” GoFundMe page at https://gofund.me/4e35765chere.
