LONGMEADOW- Florence I. (McIntyre) Benware peacefully left this world on Thursday January 15, 2015 with her family by her side. Born in Portland, Maine, she was educated there and graduated in 1937 from Gorham Teachers College. She spent much of her childhood enjoying summers at Old Orchard Beach, Maine. She began her 30 year teaching career in Freeport, ME and later taught in Vermont and Springfield, MA. For 25 years of her career, she taught third grade at Howard Street School in Springfield, MA. She resided in Longmeadow for 50 years. Florence was predeceased by her beloved husband, of 62 years, Carroll in 2000, and by her beloved daughter Carolyn in 2012. She leaves her remaining three children: a son John and his wife Joanne of Southampton; two daughters: Kathleen Crowley and her husband Robert of Westfield, and Nancy Carbin of Clarksville, TN. She also leaves nine beloved grandchildren: Jimmy, Susan, Michael, John, Jeanne, Terri, Brian, Christopher, and Tommy. She leaves 14 great-grandchildren. Florence especially enjoyed “having children run through the house” at family gatherings. She believed “every child has potential.” She lived her life in a graceful, peaceful manner. The family would like to extend a very special thanks to the residents and staff of Ruth’s House in Longmeadow, and to Spectrum Visiting Nurse and Hospice. Also, thank you to her “helpers”, Kathy, Pat and Judy. She loved you all. A funeral service will be held for Florence on Tuesday January 20, 2015 at 5:30pm in the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton St. Holyoke, MA. Calling hours will be held prior to the service from 4:00 to 5:30pm. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Florence to Ruth’s House at Jewish Geriatric Services, 780 Converse St., Longmeadow, MA 01106 or to Spectrum VNA & Hospice, 770 Converse St., Longmeadow, MA 01106.
