Online Obituaries

Frances M. Benjamin, 83, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and teacher, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 22, 2020. She was born in Queens, NY to Mary and Joseph Boback. She graduated from Forest Hills High School in Queens, NY, and American International College in Springfield, MA where she met the love of her life, the late Henry A. Benjamin. They celebrated 62 years of marriage.

After the birth of their 2 daughters, she began her teaching career in Chicopee and taught for 23 years. Frances was a woman of great faith. She was active at the former St. Patrick’s Church in Chicopee where she taught CCD, and was a lector and Eucharistic Minister. She currently was a member of Mary, Mother of Hope Parish in Springfield, MA.

Most of all, Frances loved her family and her church. She leaves her devoted daughters, Mary Frances Weaver (Paul) of Feeding Hills and Jeanne Marie Rotatori (Jim) of East Greenwich, RI. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Benjamin James and Margaret Jeanne Rotatori, and many nieces and nephews. Frances is also survived by her sister, Dorothy Pabst of St. Augustine, FL. Besides her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her sisters Mary Ann Smith and Lillie Fox.

Frances also loved to travel with her husband Henry to Hawaii and Ogunquit, ME. She especially enjoyed the family vacations over the years to Cape Cod. Frances delighted in gardening and was particularly fond of roses. She was an amazing cook, and lovingly prepared everyone’s favorites.

A private liturgy of Christian burial was held on Thursday, March 26, 2020 at Mary, Mother of Hope Church. Funeral arrangements were with the Cierpial Memorial Funeral Homes in Chicopee. Donations may be made in her memory to Mary, Mother of Hope Church, 840 Page Blvd. in Springfield, MA 01104.