O'Brien Family Funeral Home

05/20/2026

Joyce R. Morin

With great sorrow and much love, the family of Joyce Rita (Ashline) (Iserman) Morin, 84, of Chicopee, MA, announces that on December 16, 2025, she was called to her Eternal Rest.

Born February 2, 1941, in Springfield, MA, Joyce was the daughter of Frank A. Ashline and Evelyn A. (Campbell) Riskall. She grew up in the South End of Springfield, spent time in New Hampshire, and later moved to Enfield, CT, where she graduated from Enfield High School in 1958. Joyce later married and remained in Enfield until 1976, when she moved back to Springfield; here she remained until she married and relocated to South Hadley, MA. For the past twenty-five years, she resided in Chicopee.

Joyce was employed for many years at Travelers Insurance Company, working her way up the in ranks; at the time of her retirement, she served as a supervisor. She was devoted to her family and cherished time spent together, especially during poker games. Joyce loved to gamble and also enjoyed scratch tickets and trips to the casino, pursuits she approached with both enthusiasm and good humor.

She found quieter enjoyment in reading and traveling, particularly trips to the beach. (And casinos, of course!) Other hobbies she found pleasure in over the years include golf, bowling, and square dancing. Although Joyce had only ever owned cats, she loved all animals; any who knew her well may well-remember that elephants were her favorite.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Louis R. Morin, by her sister, Evelyn P. Cote, and by her first husband, Richard L. Iserman.

Joyce is survived by her daughter, Lynn Iserman of Chicopee; her nephews Dr. Gary Cote and husband David Darnell of Mansfield Center, CT, and Brian Cote and wife Michele of West Brookfield, VT; her niece Lori (Cote) (DeVenero) Jarvis and husband Jerry of Suffield, CT; and her great-niece Melissa DeVenero of Myrtle Beach, SC. She also leaves her step-family through Louis Morin, cousins, and friends who will miss her dearly.

Special thanks, for opening their hearts to my mother with their caring ways, go to Betsey, Debbie, and Dori at Bear Mountain Heatlh and Rehabilitation in West Springfield.

Services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to any organization related to the care and protection of animals.

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05/20/2026

Noreen Klekotka

Noreen “Nicki” Klekotka passed away Monday, May 11, 2026 surrounded by her family. Born on September 23, 1958, she was 67 years old. She leaves her loving husband David Klekotka, daughter Casey Washington, son-in-law Steve, and granddaughters Kensley and Kendall Washington, who brought her so much joy. Nicki, a lifelong resident of South Hadley MA, leaves behind brother Jack Sullivan, and sisters Lynn Sullivan, Caryn Wilder, Diane Broussard, Ronnie Sullivan, Terry Kosiba, Cindy Sullivan, Andi Sullivan, and too many nieces and nephews to list. Nicki was predeceased by her sister, Jennifer Gagne in 2018. As a dedicated nurse, she lived her life caring for the sick and elderly with compassion and kindness. She was a great cook and gardener, and will be missed by many. Please join us for services at O’Brien Family Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 from 9-11am.

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05/05/2026

Karen Adams

Karen Ann Adams, age 71, of South Hadley, MA, passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 3, 2026 at Cooley Dickinson Hospital.

Born on April 9, 1955 in Holyoke, MA, Karen was the beloved daughter of Pearl Ann (Fife) and William Rogers. Karen was an athlete who participated in field hockey, basketball, and skiing. She graduated from South Hadley High School in 1973 and went on to complete further education at Westfield State University. She married her lifetime love, Robert, in 1981 and welcomed their sons William and Brandon in the subsequent years.

Karen worked in customer service until the birth of her sons and then stayed home with her boys. She prided herself on being the quintessential stay-at-home mother, making snacks for her sons and their friends and hosting wiffleball tournaments in the backyard. Karen loved the beach, although she rarely ventured into the water, and looked forward to yearly vacations to Cape Cod with her family.

She is survived by her husband, Robert Adams; sons William (Karissa) and Brandon (Amanda); her grandchildren, Brynn, Nolan, and Lillian; and her brother Robert Rogers. She was predeceased by her parents and her granddaughter, Nora.

Visiting hours will be held at O’Brien Funeral Home in South Hadley on May 13, 2026 from 9-10:30am. The funeral mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Church in South Hadley at 11:00am and burial will immediately follow in Notre Dame Cemetery, South Hadley.

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05/03/2026

Barbara F. Randall

Barbara “Bonnie” Helen Farman Randall, 79, of Holyoke, formerly of South Hadley, passed away suddenly at home on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, daughter, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a beautiful friend to so many. She will be missed beyond measure.

Born in Holyoke, Massachusetts, on May 20, 1946, Bonnie was the daughter of Robert Burton Farman and Helen Margaret (Magill) Farman. She was raised in South Hadley and graduated from South Hadley High School. She went on to attend Henry W. Bishop Memorial Nursing School in Pittsfield and Holyoke Community College, later earning her Master’s degree in Education from the University of Massachusetts.

Bonnie began her professional career in the Trust Department at Shawmut Bank before joining the law firm of Lyon, Curley, Scully, and Fitzpatrick. It was there that she met the love of her life, Raymond R. Randall. Together they built a life centered on love, family, and community.

After earning her Master’s degree, she worked for the Holyoke Public Schools, where she served in a variety of roles, most recently as a system-wide adjustment counselor. She also coordinated programs such as the Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast, the Celebration of Holyoke Public Schools, Holyoke Rising Stars, and the Holyoke Special Olympics, leaving a lasting impact on countless students and families. She was also very proud of her role as a columnist for the Transcript Telegram.

Guided by her belief that “there is always time to help others,” Bonnie dedicated herself to service throughout her life. She was a tireless advocate for her community, serving on the Board of Directors for the Holyoke Merry Go Round, Providence Ministries for the Needy, Holyoke Rotary Club, the Council for Human Understanding, the Junior League of Holyoke, the South Hadley Town Library, Area Mental Health Board, Daughters of the Nile Ahlem Temple, the Holyoke Children’s Museum, and the South Hadley Old Firehouse Museum.

She was also a South Hadley Town Meeting member and volunteered with numerous organizations, including the Holyoke YMCA, Holyoke Hospital Aid Association, United Way, Order of the Eastern Star, and the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls. She received numerous awards as a result of her community service, including the Agnes Broderick Justice and Peace Award from the Providence Ministries for the Needy. Bonnie was a true force for good in the world.

Bonnie was an avid reader who loved crossword puzzles and had a passion for genealogy, tracing her family’s roots back to the Mayflower and beyond. She especially treasured her summers on the Connecticut shoreline in Old Saybrook. She was a faithful member of South Hadley Falls Congregational Church and later the United Methodist Church.

Family was the center of Bonnie’s world. When asked what she was most proud of, her answer was always the same – her four children. She was strong, resilient, deeply compassionate, and a profound inspiration to them.

Bonnie was predeceased by her beloved husband, Raymond R. Randall; her son, Paul Robert Randall; her sister, Margaret “Peggy” Woods; her parents, Robert and Helen Farman; Leonard Neumann and Geroge Howe.

She is survived by her loving children, Tania Randall Rorke and her husband, Tom, Leonard “Butch” Randall and his wife, Tricia, and John Randall and his wife, Chrissy.

She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Grace and Abbie Rorke, Emily, Ray, and Seven “KK” Randall, Casey Destromp and her husband, Lyndon, and Sydney Giordano and her husband, Christopher; and her adored great-grandchildren, Shae, Parker, and Finn Destromp. She is further survived by her brother, Robert Farman; Jim Berger; her brother-in-law, Gill Woods; her nephews, EG Woods and his wife, Layne, and Aaron Woods and his wife, Amy; and many dear friends and colleagues whose lives she touched deeply.

Bonnie’s legacy is one of love, strength, resilience, generosity, and unwavering devotion to others. She made the world a better place simply by being in it.

Visitation and Funeral: Friends and family are invited to celebrate Bonnie's life on Friday, May 8. Calling hours will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by a service at 11:00 a.m., both at Morning Star Baptist Church (formerly South Hadley Falls Congregational Church), at 11 North Main Street, South Hadley. She will be buried next to her beloved husband immediately following the service at the Evergreen Cemetery, South Hadley.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions in Bonnie's memory be made to the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round, 221 Appleton Street, Holyoke. Please email friends@holyokemerrygoround.org or call (413) 538-9838.

For more information or to leave online condolences, please visit obrienfamilyfh.com.

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04/25/2026

Sara-Jane Lawrence

Sara-Jane (Wright) Lawrence passed away quietly in Springfield, Massachusetts, on April 17, 2026. Her son, Stephen, was with her when she died.

Sara was born on August 27, 1944, in Kitchener, Ontario to Gordon and Velma (Blackmore) Wright. Gordon’s job moved them to the U.S..

She graduated from Wheaton High School in 1962 and then attended the College of Wooster, Ohio, where she met her future husband, Peter Lawrence and many lifelong friends.

Sara and her husband moved to Columbus, Ohio, where their son, Stephen, was born and later to Lexington, Kentucky, where their daughter, Kaddee, was born.

In 1968, the family moved to Hawaii, where they lived until 1970. Sara and the children then moved to Fairhaven, Massachusetts, where they lived until the children both graduated from high school.

Sara went on to a successful early career in media sales in Washington D.C., then transitioned into educational planned giving in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. After retirement she continued to give back to her community by serving on several boards and volunteering for New England Public Media.

Sara traveled extensively, far, and wide. Most of all she enjoyed surrounding herself with loved ones. She spent as much time as possible with her extended family and friends in as many beautiful places as she could.

She was an elemental force, a moral mentor, a reliable friend, and a good human.

She is survived by her son Steve, daughter Kaddee, granddaughter Mackenzie and her large extended family and circle of friends, all of whom will miss her terribly.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to New England Public Media (nepm.org).

The O’Brien Family Funeral Home in South Hadley has been entrusted with the arrangements. For more information or to make online condolences please go to obrienfamilyfh.com.

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04/25/2026

Dorothy N. Schenker

Dorothy N. (Sullivan) Schenker, 85, of South Hadley, passed away on April 22, 2026, leaving a legacy of love for family and friends. She was born in Holyoke on September 6, 1940, the daughter of the late John & Jennie (Mclovsic) Sullivan. She graduated from Holyoke High School in 1958. She was first employed by New England Telephone & Telegraph Co. where she met the love of her life, Bill. They married on May 19, 1962.

Dorothy was caring and lived her life in full, going out with friends, traveling and spending time with her family. She had friends from around the world, even a King. She retired from the Hampshire County Probate Court.

Dorothy was predeceased by her sisters Joan (Edmund) Contois and Marie (William) Gaffney and her brother John (Joan) Sullivan. She is survived by her loving husband and best friend Bill, her son Kurt and his wife Sheila along with their children William, Alexander, and Marissa. She is also survived by her son Karl as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews. She enjoyed the many good times shared by all.

The family will receive visitors at St. Patrick’s Church on Saturday May 9, 2026 at 9:30am followed by a funeral Mass at 11am. Burial will be at the discretion of the family. Dorothy's family would like to thank the staff of the Dharma ward at the Center for Extended Care at Amherst for all that they did for Dorothy during her stay there.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation or the Alzheimer’s Association. The O’Brien Family Funeral Home in South Hadley has been entrusted with the arrangements. For more information or to make online condolences please go to obrienfamilyfh.com.

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04/22/2026

Richard A. Narkiewicz

Richard A. Narkiewicz, 84, died Thursday, April 16th, in Bay State Medical Center in Springfield, MA surrounded by his family after a brief, but heroic battle with myeloid sarcoma. He endured several major surgeries and chemotherapy treatments at multiple hospitals, facing them bravely and with a strong will to fight. He was born February 3, 1942, in Central Falls, RI, son of the late Aloysius and Anna Narkiewicz. He grew up in North Attleboro, MA on a 100-acre farm and graduated from North Attleboro High School in 1959. Richard served proudly in the US Army for four years, from 1964 to 1968, receiving an honorary discharge. His time in the Army took him to Germany and other parts of Europe that he remembered fondly. He met the love of his life, Lucille Savard, in 1966 on a blind date set up by their mothers, who were coworkers and friends. They would marry three years later in 1969. They built a home on a parcel split off from the family farm and raised their family there, on Lindsey Street in North Attleboro. Richard was an amazing musician and accomplished accordion player, instilling a lifelong love of music in both of his sons. He was also a talented mechanic, working to repair the muscle cars of the era before changing professions a few years later to become the Stockroom Manager for 34 years at Valley Resources, a natural gas utility company in Cumberland, RI. He retired in 2002 to then relocate to western MA to be closer to his family who had already migrated there, settling in South Hadley. Richard and Lucille loved spending time during the summer at their condo at Loon Mountain in the White Mountains of Lincoln, NH, with their two sons, Ken and Doug, as well as other family and friends. Richard and his family also loved traveling to Florida for Disney vacations, another of their favorite destinations, ever since they first honeymooned there. Richard enjoyed gardening, fishing, boating, camping and the outdoors. He could fix nearly anything and was great with all things mechanical, especially cars and small engine repair. He also never met a chicken parm dinner that he didn’t like, and loved watching YouTube while enjoying a great, heaping bowl of cheese puffs and an orange soda. He leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Lucille, as well as his sons Douglas and Kenneth, along with Kenneth’s wife Lisa (DeMoura) and their son, his only grandson, Ethan. Being Ethan’s Dziadziu (Polish for Grandpa) was his greatest joy. A Celebration of Life memorial service will be announced at a future date. For more information or to make condolences online please go to obrienfamilyfh.com.

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04/15/2026

Gerald "Jerry" Minton

Gerald “Jerry” Minton, 90, of South Hadley, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at his home in Loomis Village on April 14, 2026.

Born in April 1935 in South Lyon, Michigan, Jerry was the eldest child of Ernest Minton and Catherine Alma Minton (née Rankin). His early life was marked by both hardship and resilience; after losing both of his parents in a plane crash at the age of 14, he went on to build a life defined by determination, a lovely dry wit and enduring devotion to family.

Jerry graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy in 1956 where he frequently sailed aboard the historic training vessel Eagle, once helping to furl the mainsail during a hurricane. Following his service, he went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University in 1958 and his MBA from the University of Michigan in 1965.

Jerry started his career working on radar installations in both the United Kingdom and Alaska. He then spent the majority of his professional time with Exxon, working in New Jersey, New York and Houston. His work took him around the world, including managing the installation of early large-scale computer and data systems across the company’s European headquarters. For four years during this time, he and his family lived in Belgium, an experience that deepened his lifelong love of travel. Jerry accepted an early retirement package and embraced a long and active life after employment.

Though naturally reserved and often a man of few words, Jerry was deeply devoted to those he loved. He was a steady presence, building a comfortable life from modest beginnings and ensuring that all three of his children were able to attend college.

Throughout his life, Jerry was an avid traveler, exploring destinations across the globe—from China and Russia to Bhutan and India, from Costa Rica to Tokyo, and all throughout Europe. He meticulously documented his journeys with photographs and journals, and even in his later years could recount his travels in remarkable detail.

In retirement, Jerry remained intellectually engaged. After moving to the Loomis Communities in 2009, he became active on their financial committee. He also ran investment groups, served on the board of the Northampton Montessori School, and developed a love for strategy board games, regularly joining his son Joe’s weekly game nights. He enjoyed advising his children in their professional careers and always supported them taking on their array of interesting endeavors, which were well outside of his more mainstream corporate career.

Jerry found great joy in his grandchildren, including college planning assistance with Jessica and Vanessa, chess matches with Nico (never giving an inch), sharing his love of watches & cars with Orion, being amazed by Jonah’s running acumen and being impressed with Luca’s dive into real estate.

Jerry was predeceased by his first wife, Genevieve (“Genny”) Minton (née Miller) and his second wife, Cynthia (“CC”) Minton (née Walker). He experienced world travel with these two loves-of-his-life and felt incredibly lucky to find CC after his high school sweetheart Genny died at 64 from health complications. When each had their health struggles, Jerry stood steadfast by their sides.

He is survived by his daughter, Pandra Williams, her husband Michael, and their daughters Jessica and Vanessa; his son Leon Marucchi, his wife Christine, and their sons Nico, Jonah, and Luca; and his son Joe Minton, his wife Kelly, and their son Orion. He is also survived by his sister, Rosemary Miller (“Sis”) and predeceased by his youngest sister, Karen Geffert (née Minton). Jerry is further survived by the additional family he was so happy to gain later in life in Cynthia’s daughters, Jennifer Anne Stark and Andrea Marie Stark, along with their husbands, Michael R. Schnoering and Christopher J. Tickner.

Jerry is loved and greatly appreciated by a very extended family of his nieces and nephews, many of whom have reached out to tell stories of Jerry’s generosity and kindness. Jerry will be remembered for his quiet strength, his love of learning & travel and for the support he provided to others. He was an avid reader who found contentment in the simple pleasure of sitting in his easy chair, always with a book close at hand. He will be remembered as well for the steady, thoughtful, practical way he moved through the world and the lasting impact he had on those fortunate to know him.

Consider raising a toast to Jerry when you travel on your next new adventure.

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04/15/2026

We’re excited to host the South Hadley/Granby Chamber “Spring Fling” this Saturday!

📅 Saturday, April 18
⏰ 11 AM – 1 PM
📍 O’Brien Family Funeral Home parking lot

Bring the kids and stop by for a fun, free community event—local vendors, games, and plenty of goodies to go around.

Rain or shine—we’ll be here. Hope to see you!

04/13/2026

David M. Fernandes

David M. Fernandes, 71, of Ludlow, passed away on April 7, 2026, under the care of Baystate Hospice.

Born on July 4,1954 in Providence, Rhode Island, he was the son of the late Manuel Fernandes and Florence (DeRosa) Fernandes.

David worked as a Letter Carrier for the United States Postal Service, dedicating 37 years of service to the Holyoke Post Office.

He is survived by his former wife, Rosalind Forti of Ludlow; his two sisters, Kathy Black of South Hadley and Lori Cardinal and her husband Rich of South Hadley; his nieces and nephews, Amy DelMonte, Mark DelMonte (Destiny), Brett Cardinal (Julie), and Amanda Cardinal; his great-niece, Ella Cardinal; his great-nephew, Atlas DelMonte; as well as his brother-in-law, Anthony Forti and sister-in-law, Mary Forti.

David was a proud Coast Guard veteran and a man who valued hard work and independence. He built his home in Ludlow alongside his father, a project that reflected both his skill and determination. He also operated a vacation rental home business in upstate New York.

A man of faith, David sang in the choir at St. Patrick’s Church in South Hadley and was a former member of Cursillo. He enjoyed his many trips to Portugal, visiting Madeira and also the Azores, which he especially loved and was home to his maternal grandparents. He had a deep love for animals, especially his Australian Shepherds, and in his retirement, he found joy in driving his dune buggy with his loyal companion, Dexter, by his side.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the O’Brien Family Funeral Home, 33 Lamb Street, South Hadley, followed by a funeral home service at 12:30 p.m. Burial will take place at 2:00 p.m. at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Agawam.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ludlow Veterans’ Assistance Fund, Ludlow Veterans’ Services, 487 Holyoke Street, Ludlow, MA 01056; or to Dakin Humane Society, PO Box 6307, Springfield, MA 01101.

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04/13/2026

Monica M. Lindberg

Monica (Fournier) Lindberg passed away on March 27, 2026 under the devoted care of Harmony House and Baystate Home Health (Hospice), with loved ones present.

Born on January 3, 1936 in North Troy Vermont, Monica was proud of her French-Canadian heritage and her early formative years on East Hill farm, attending a one room schoolhouse. Together with her parents, Gerard and Juliette (LaChance) Fournier, and her sister Lucille, the family eventually moved south, settling in the Aldenville section of Chicopee.

Monica attended St Joan of Arc grammar school in Chicopee among a tight knit group of peers who kept in touch afterwards over the miles via correspondence and across decades through reunions. She was a proud graduate of Cathedral High School and was grateful for the foundation her education provided her, and for the enduring friendships formed there.

Attention to detail and diligence were hallmarks of Monica’s meaningful work experiences. She brought her work ethic to Stonybroook AFB, the Advertising Corporation of America, roles in the Plains School PTA, and work as a paraprofessional for South Hadley Public Schools. Her professionalism, institutional knowledge, and steady presence were evident during her long tenure as Public Affairs Specialist at Westover Air Reserve Base. Monica cherished the friends she made at Westover, stayed in touch with them over the years, and loved the many outings she had with those incredible people. Post “retirement”, Monica brought her thoroughness to her position as a South Hadley election worker and many years at the BIG E where she deftly staffed the information booth.

Monica thrived on her friendships and on being a good neighbor throughout the phases of her life. She cherished her days venturing to Birdland in NYC on the train with girlfriends and being part of the thriving Karen Drive/Leaping Wells Reservoir neighborhood where she lived with her family for decades. In her final neighborhood on West Summit Street she continued to establish strong bonds, and the family is grateful for the community there.

Language, communication, and music were vital components of Monica’s life. She was a formidable conversationalist and fond of crossword puzzles. Her love of music spanned genres and she attended numerous jazz concerts in venues great and small. Her grandsons’ band performances brought great joy to her and had top billing in her heart. She was a regular walker in her Canal Park neighborhood and cherished her decades of walks along Ogunquit Beach.

Monica is survived by her children, Karen Grycel and her husband Ed of Wilbraham and Karl Lindberg and his wife Nicole (Remy) of Granby. She was deeply devoted to and is lovingly remembered by her grandsons Jacob (Ally) Grycel of Littleton, Ethan (Lee) Grycel of Wilbraham, Dalton Remy and his wife Jessica of Fresno, California and Neil Lindberg of Granby. She also leaves her dear great-granddaughter, Charlotte Remy of Fresno, California, and many cousins, nieces, nephews and family friends with whom she had steadfast relationships.

Monica was predeceased by her sister Lucille Choquette of Holyoke and brother-in-law Norman Choquette, and her nephews, Bruce and Mark Choquette of Chicopee.

Monica and her family are grateful for the years of care and critical interventions provided by staff at the Damour Cancer Center and Infusion Services, particularly Dr. Prarthna Bardwaj and NP Candace Bignell. The humanity and expertise of Baystate’s Home Health Hospice workers (Laura DiPaola , Mary Ann Catanzaro ) and resource nurses were integral to Monica’s well-being in her last months. The welcoming embrace of the Harmony House hospice home in Chicopee, led by Tania Spear provided crucial final comfort. Our family would also like to extend heartfelt appreciation for Baystate CNP Theresa Lind for her wit and wisdom in truly caring about and for Monica.

Arrangements were entrusted to O’Brien Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services of South Hadley. Informal visiting hours will be held on Saturday, April 25 from 2-4pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Monica to Baystate Home Health Services (Baystate Health Foundation) and Harmony House of Western Massachusetts.

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