Westfield- Fran (Frances) C. McCarthy Chagnon died peacefully, surrounded by her family, on March 25, 2022 at Western Mass Hospital in Westfield, where she has lived since 2010. Fran was the daughter of Edward J. McCarthy and Carolyn A. Foley. Fran grew up in Holyoke, MA and was a graduate of Holyoke Catholic High School. Fran married Jim Chagnon and they raised two beautiful daughters, April and Amy. Fran loved her girls and being a mom. Growing up with her five siblings Fran learned the values her parents instilled; family first, acceptance and caring for others, the importance of education and her Catholic faith, an appreciation for the arts and the natural world. These values sustained Fran throughout her life especially during the many years she lived with Multiple Sclerosis. Fran did not let MS define her life. She lived her life fully to the end with dignity and grace. She was an inspiration to many who marveled at her courage and strength. She found a voice to advocate for others and she kept her sense of humor. She wrote poetry which reflected her love of family and her feelings about the disease that changed her life. In 2022 a longtime dream was realized with the publication of her book of poems, “What a Long, Strange Road It’s Been”, which she delighted in sharing with friends and family. Fran was much loved by the staff at Western Mass Hospital and she loved them. Everyone at the facility knew Fran and appreciated her feisty spirit, her sly sense of humor and the way she made them feel recognized and cared about. They were truly her second family. In addition to her daughters April Chagnon (Jeff Pumiglia) and Amy Underwood (Ray), Fran leaves her siblings, Mary McCarthy (Hank Appleton), Edward McCarthy (Wilma), Eileen Rakouskas, her twin Carol McCarthy (David Eure) and Joe McCarthy (Kelly ), Alan Rakouskas, and nephews Kurt and Russ Rakouskas, grandchildren Brandon, Justin, Ciera, Jessica, Elijah, Damien & Emilee and many great-grandchildren. There are also many more beloved nieces, nephews and dear friends who will miss her. Family and friends are invited to gather directly at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church 127 Holyoke Rd., Westfield, at 10:00am on Friday, April 1, 2022 for her Liturgy of Christian Burial, with Rites of Committal to follow at St. Jerome Cemetery in Holyoke. Visiting hours will be held Thursday, March 31, 2022 from 4-7pm at the Corridan Funeral Home, 333 Springfield St. Chicopee. All those in attendance are asked to please wear a mask. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Therapeutic Equestrian Center 537 Northampton St. Holyoke, MA 01040 or to donate electronically https://tecriders.org/. Fran loved horses and has enjoyed the benefits of a therapeutic horseback riding program. To leave your condolences or share a memory with the family, please visit www.CorridanFuneral.com
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