Joanne Coach

Joanne (Frodema) Coach, 82, passed away at her home in West Springfield, surrounded by her family, on Sunday, May 12, 2024. Born July 31, 1941, daughter of the late James and Genevieve (Gliwski) Frodema, she was raised and educated in Chicopee in her early years. She attended St. Stanislaus School, and graduated from Holy Name of Jesus High School, Class of 1958. Joanne continued her education at Westfield State College (WSC), earning her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in 1962, and her Masters in Education in 1984. She loved to sing and dance, and appeared as Nellie Forbush in the production of “South Pacific” at WSC, while a student there. She also performed in a girl group known as the “Tarantulas”. Joanne spent a total of forty-five years as an educator in the Chicopee Public Schools. She taught second grade at Michael A. Kirby School and later at Gen. John J. Stefanik School, ending her career as Vice-Principal of Stefanik School. Joanne was a gifted teacher and made her lessons interesting and challenging her entire teaching career. She was nominated by two former students to ‘Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers’, two different years, and received the award twice. Joanne was an avid tennis player for years at Wilbraham and Ludlow tennis clubs. She greatly enjoyed gardening, and her backyard showed it. Joanne loved cats, looked forward to game nights with friends and family, enjoyed watching the “soaps” on TV, and spent hours solving crossword puzzles. Joanne is survived by her beloved husband of nearly fifty-nine years, John L. Coach. She also leaves her brother-in-law, Bob Coach and wife Nora of Westfield, and sister-in-law, Linda Barnet and husband Bill of Westfield; several caring nieces and nephews, and many treasured friends. She was predeceased by her sister-in-law, Gerry Markett and husband Ronald. Funeral services for Joanne will be held Monday, May 20th, from Kozikowski Funeral Home, 565 Front St., Chicopee, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:30AM in Sacred Heart Church, 395 Chestnut St., Springfield. Committal service and burial will follow in St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Chicopee. Calling hours are Sunday from 2-4PM and Monday morning from 9-9:45AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or the charity of one’s choice. kozikowskifuneralhome.com

Joanne Coach

July 31, 1941 - May 12, 2024

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Joanne Coach

July 31, 1941 - May 12, 2024

What We Do

Who We Are

Grief & Healing

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Plan Ahead

Contact Us

Obituaries

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