Elizabeth Anne “Betty” (Oparowski) Kane, 85, passed away peacefully at Holyoke Medical Center on Wednesday, December 31st, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Elizabeth was born in Chicopee, Massachusetts on July 9th, 1940, to the late Genevieve (Baron) Oparowski and Wadislaw A. Oparowski. She was predeceased by her husband, Paul J. Kane; her sister, Eugenia Isaksen; and her brother, Walter Oparowski, all in 2001.

She is survived by her children Christopher; Michael (Julia); Paul (Kara); William; Matthew (Rhonda); Patrick (Brenna); and Maura (Scott). She was a proud grandmother to Aubrianne (Jonathan), Nora, Alexander, Braden, Emma, Grace, EJ, Elizabeth, and Abby. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Ellen Oparowski, brother-in-law Bob Isaksen, and many nieces, nephews, close family members and friends. Betty adored her cat, Holly, and loved her dog, Oscar.

Betty was a graduate of Holy Name High School in Chicopee and Westfield State Teacher’s College. After starting her family in the Highlands of Holyoke, she began a teaching career at Blessed Sacrament School that would span more than 40 years. Blessed Sacrament was more than just a place she worked, it was a community she deeply loved and gave so much of herself to throughout her lifetime. Over the years, Betty taught language arts, religion, home economics, and art. She taught generations of Holyoke families, including members of her own, and left a lasting impression not only on her students, but on their families and her fellow teachers. Her creativity and teaching spanned beyond Blessed Sacrament. She was an active part of her neighborhood, her living communities, as well as her brief business venture as owner & operator of The Crafting Place.

In her later years, Betty lived at Providence Place and East Longmeadow Memory Care Center, where she continued doing what she always had, building connections and caring for those around her. She made many friends and spent her time leading knitting activities for residents and staff, offering comfort, conversation, and a sense of belonging wherever she was. She spent the last years of her life at her family home on Fairfield Ave. Betty will be remembered for her dedication to her family, her commitment to education, and the quiet strength and warmth she brought to everyone who knew her. Her love and legacy will live on through her children, her grandchildren, and the many lives she touched. The Kane family would like to give special thanks to everyone who cared for her at Holyoke Medical Center and Holyoke VNA Hospice Life Care.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday January 12 at 10:00am in Blessed Sacrament Church, 1945 Northampton Street, Holyoke followed by burial in Saint Jerome Cemetery. Calling hours are Sunday January 11 from 2:00 to 5:00pm in the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, Holyoke.

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to the American Stroke Association or Holyoke Medical Center. Contributions to the American Stroke Association can be mailed to American Stroke Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX, 75284-0692. Contributions to Holyoke Medical Center can be made at Holyokehealth.com/Give-Now/Donate or mail checks, payable to Valley Health Systems, Inc, to Valley Health Systems, Development Department, 20 Hospital Drive, Holyoke, MA 01040.