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Frances Ann Popko (81) of Holyoke, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, May 26, 2023 at Mary’s Meadow at Providence Place after a valiant struggle with Covid and its aftermath. Born in Holyoke on March 28,1942, she is the daughter of the late Peter and Phyllis (Kisiel) Popko. She is a graduate of Holyoke High School, Class of 1960.
She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Emanuel College, Boston, having studied organ with Dr. Rudolph Pepin; a Master in Education - Special Education degree from Westfield State College; a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in School Administration and an Ed.D. in Educational Psychology – Learning Disabilities, both from American International College.
Fran had an extensive career of 36 years in teaching and administration in special education in the West Springfield Public School System beginning as a special education teacher, then Supervisor of Secondary Special Services, Supervisor of Special Education, and finally, Administrator of Special Services. She was among the early pioneers who developed comprehensive Special Services within a public school system.
Her love for music permeated her life and she maintained her Massachusetts Certification as a teacher of music. She was the organist at Holy Family Church from 1957 – 60 and then for the Sisters of St. Joseph Mont Marie from 1968 until 2020. In addition, she frequently played the organ for the Sisters of Providence for special events as well for others for weddings, funerals, and church services in various locations. She was a member of the American Guild of Organists, Springfield Chapter.
A self-giving and generous person, Fran cared for her parents in their later years and has served as the matriarch of the family since their passing in 2008. She took intense interest in the growth and education of her seven nieces and nephews and four grandnieces and grandnephews helping them in multiple ways. With her three sisters, she engaged her passion for golf, travel, and vacations together and enjoyed peaceful moments and family gatherings at the summer cottage at Highland Lake in Goshen, MA. She was an avid Red Sox and Patriots supporter.
In 1985, Fran was among the first to become an active member and leader in the Sisters of Providence Associate Program. Later in 1994 with her friend, Associate Gail Furman, they established and led the New England Region Associates (NERA) where she conducted annual events for 25 years for Associates of congregations of women religious from across New England.
A woman of quiet strength, Fran was organized and focused yet a welcoming, compassionate and supportive presence within her family, with her colleagues, Associates and with all others she shared her many gifts.
She is survived by her three sisters and her brother: Sr. Kathleen M. Popko, SP of Westfield; Constance L. Canata of South Hadley; Nancy C. Canata of Feeding Hills; Peter A. Popko, Jr. and his wife Edna Marie, of The Villages, FL; her nieces and nephews, Karen Canata Boydson and her husband Robert of Holyoke; Joseph Canata and his wife Amy of West Springfield; Anthony Canata and his partner Collette Polmatier of Northampton; Andrew Canata and his wife Melissa of Lanesborough; Matthew Canata of Agawam; Steven Popko of Warwick, RI; Marie Popko, of Nashville, TN; and her grandnephews and grandnieces Tyler, Mason, Lauren, and Audrey.
The funeral will be held on Friday, June 2, 2023 at 9:00 am from the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, Holyoke followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:00 am held at the Providence Place Chapel, 5 Gamelin Street, Holyoke. Burial will follow at the Mater Dolorosa Cemetery in South Hadley. Calling hours will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, June 1, 2023 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Macular Degeneration Research at the BrightFocus Foundation, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, Clarksburg, MD 20871, 1-800 437 2423, info@brightfocus.org.
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