Brewster, MA – Marilyn Koch Francis, of Brewster, Massachusetts, passed away on May 5th, 2026, in Holyoke, Massachusetts. She was born on July 30, 1939, in Springfield, Massachusetts, to Grant and Mary Koch.
Marilyn spent her childhood summers on Cape Cod, where her father worked as a summer camp director. Her family relocated there full-time in the early 1950s. She graduated from Orleans High School in 1957, attended Springfield College for two years, and went on to graduate from Boston University’s Sargent School of Health in 1961.
That same summer, Marilyn married her lifelong love, Richard Francis, on Cape Cod. Marilyn moved to Easthampton, Massachusetts, where she began her long and meaningful career as a Physical Therapist. She worked with the Northampton Visiting Nurse Association for nearly 40 years. During that time, she also became a deeply valued member of the Williston Northampton School community. Her four decades there were central to her life, where she formed lasting friendships and created a strong, supportive environment for her family.
In 1964, Marilyn and Richard purchased a home in Brewster, where they spent summers and vacations for many years before making it their permanent residence upon retirement in 2000. In retirement, they embraced travel, exploring the world together and with so many close friends, often by cruise. Marilyn also gave back to her community by volunteering as an ombudsman for the elderly at several Cape Cod facilities.
Marilyn cherished staying connected with friends. She was able to reconnect with many of her friends from Orleans High School Class of 1957. She was also very close with her friends from Camp Wono. They would get together in the summer and reminisce for hours of their childhood in Brewster. Most of all, she cherished the amazing families at Williston. The many families that raised their children at the school meant so much to her.
Her happiest moments were often the simplest. Her favorite was just sitting “On the porch” at her Brewster home, admiring her gardens, and watching the birds and wildlife. Cape Cod held a special place in her heart. In recent years, she often asked her sons to take her for drives by the bay, visiting beloved spots such as Linnell Landing, Saints Landing, and Mants Landing-places where she once taught swimming to local children during her college years. She loved the Cape deeply, and it loved her in return.
Marilyn was predeceased by her husband, Richard Francis. She is survived by her sons, Jeff and Todd; her daughter-in-law, Mary; her five grandchildren-Brooks, Chase, Grant, Sam, and Kiera; and her five great-grandchildren-Anthony, Cody, Caden, Lucas, and Aurora.
Calling hours will be held at Mitchell Funeral Home, 15 Park St. Easthampton, MA on Friday May 15th, 2026 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM. There will then be a gathering at The Delaney House, 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke MA from 6:00-9:00 PM.
Donations may be made to the Grant W Koch Scholarship Fund at:
http://www.grantwkochfund org/index.php?page=donate.
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