Beth C. (Szostkiewicz) Craven

SOUTH HADLEY Beth C. Szostkiewicz Craven, 52, passed away unexpectedly on March 9th, 2020. A Holyoke native, Beth was a graduate of Holyoke High, Providence College and Norwich University. Beth was known for her athletic talents, especially as a soccer player. Throughout high school she was an All-State player, traveled to Europe and is still tied for most career assists at Providence College. Although she considered herself a lifelong learner, Beth dedicated her life to teaching others. Beth was a passionate educator who spent much of her career as a science teacher. Despite her more recent positions in administration, Beth’s heart was always with her students in the classroom. When she wasn’t working in schools, Beth could be found coaching soccer teams alongside her late father Charlie Szostkiewicz. Together they touched the hearts of every player they coached and instilled their love and knowledge of the sport they shared. Beth loved all things Star Wars and Disney. She loved to be creative whether that be drawing, making movies or planning the next best Shark Tank business. But above everything else, she loved her family and always put them first. She leaves behind her best friend and husband of 26 years, Michael, and her four children Allyson, Brianna, Stephanie and Nolan. Predeceased by her father Charlie Szostkiewicz, she will be greatly missed by her mother Gail Szostkiewicz, siblings Sharon Szostkiewicz, Mark Szostkiewicz, Matt Szostkiewicz, Andrea Shapiro, and their families, not to mention her friends and many students she’s taught and coached. We love you Mom! We ask that you join us in celebrating Beth’s famous Aloha Friday, wearing Hawaiian shirts and bright colors. Relatives and friends are asked to meet for a Mass of Christian Burial for Beth on Saturday, March 14th at 12 Noon in Saint Patrick’s Church, 30 Main Street, South Hadley. Burial will be private. Calling hours will be held on Friday, March 13th from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, Holyoke. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Make-A-Wish Foundation, Attn. Gift Processing, 1702 East Highland Ave., Suite 400, Phoenix, AZ 85016.

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