Obituary of Kathleen Ann Francis

Northampton-Kathleen A. Francis passed away peacefully on January 13, 2024 at Baystate Medical Center surrounded by her loving family. She was born to Francis Edward Gavin and Lillian Beatrice (Tellier) on October 5, 1942. She graduated from Holy Rosary High School in 1960. Kathy was a wonderful mother and always there when her family needed her. She enjoyed travel, fashion, painting, and playing bingo with friends. She retired from Cooley Dickinson Hospital in 2020 where she was employed as an administrative assistant. Kathy was predeceased by her husband, Darwin Francis, in 2011. She is survived by her two daughters, Christine O'Donnell and her husband Charles of South Hadley, and Cynthia Jopson and her husband Russell also of South Hadley. Kathy's grandchildren, Kelli O'Donnell and her husband Bryce Bencivengo, Ryan Jopson and his wife Alicia, Heather Lewis and her husband Nicholas, as well as Emma Jopson also survive her. Two great grandchildren, Noah Jopson and Calvin Lewis along with her sisters, Maureen Whelihan, her late husband Ralph, and Dorothy Wright, and her husband John, will also cherish her memory. Kathy's greatest love was her family. Her joy and zest for life was inspiring to all. She will be greatly missed, but her bright smile and spirit will always remain in the hearts of her family and those that loved her. A memorial Mass will be held Friday at 10 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Belchertown with a burial to follow in South Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.