Karen Ann Popkowski-Petrila

HOLYOKE

Karen Ann Popkowski-Petrila daughter of Alphonse Popkowski and Anne Hickson-Popkowski of Holyoke, MA, died on February 25, 2021 in the presence of her beloved family. Karen was born, June 9, 1948, in Holyoke, MA where she was also educated, and lived out most of her life. Karen leaves her daughter Heidi Annemarie Mendes, and two sons, Anthony, and Michael Moskal from Holyoke. Karen also leaves her beloved, and devoted sister Christine Smith, her brother-in-law Ernest Smith of South Hadley, and her brother Frank Popkowski, and sister-in law, Denise Popkowski of Miller Falls. Karen also leaves behind three grandchildren, Patrick Murray, Michael, and Brian Mendes, and her great-grandchild Oliver Finn Mendes of Westfield.  Karen has many nieces, and nephews, and extended family.

Karen loved, and adored her family. Karen made sure everyone she cared about was provided for. Everyone in the family thought of her as the Matriarch, or the Queen of the family.

Karen was involved with the community and especially with exceptional adults. She would help them find employment, and advocated for their rights both in the home, and out in the community.

Karen worked with exceptional adults for over fifty years, and in her last twenty years worked for Nonotuck Resources Associates as a caregiver for two exceptional adults. These two adults, Shaun, and Ingelise, were like her own blood, and she loved them dearly to the end.

Karen was a strong animal activist and would often adopt dogs that were found on the streets. It got to a point where the local kids would bring any dog that did not have a home to Karen’s house.

Karen loved the ocean and would often vacation near the beach. Karen’s motto, was “the more, the merrier.”  If you could find as space, you were welcome to stay. It was always jammed pack, but it was always so much fun and filled with great memories.

Karen loved family gatherings, community functions, flea markets, music, art, antiques, playing cards, gambling, history, Hammer Horror Films, and loved to shop!

Karen just loved life and had a passion for travel. She was able to visit Ireland, Mexico, and even went on a cruise to the Bahamas.

Karen was very creative, and innovated. For example, she envisioned party lights, and lights for all the seasons, and snowman kits years before they were invented. Karen then would say, “yep! told you so!”

Karen was a devote member of the Daughters of Isabella and was a Lay Carmelite for many years. She had an unbreakable foundation of faith.

Karen leaves behind her spirit that reflects her love of life, compassion, generosity, a huge sense of humor, an uncanny ability for storytelling, our family achieves, a love, and dedication for social justice, and equality. Most of all, Karen left us better people before her departure.

Calling hours are on March 3, 2021 at Barry J Farrell Funeral Home in Holyoke, MA, from 5pm to 7pm. There will be a mass at Jericho in Holyoke, MA, on March 4, 2021 at 11:00 am. All donations can be made in memory of Karen to Jericho, P.O. Box 1039, Holyoke, MA. 01040

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