Marilyn C. “Nana K” Kopacz

Marilyn C. ‘Nana K’ Kopacz

August 13, 1929-June 16, 2024 

Holy Trinity/Corpus Christi/Law Gen Hospital

Lawrence, MA --

Marilyn Claire (Schneider) Kopacz has been reunited with her high school sweetheart, Raymond, passing peacefully on Sunday, June 16, at High Pointe House in Haverhill. Born in Lawrence, MA to Herman A. and Mary (Kelly) Schneider, she was proud of her ethnic heritage and enjoyed being a part of the American Turners Association. She was a 90-year resident of Lawrence: attended Grace Episcopal Church until her conversion in 1948; graduated Lawrence High School and became a young bride that same year; was a faithful and active parishioner of the former Holy Trinity Church/Corpus Christi Parish (now Holy Rosary Shrine) where for decades she sang in the choir, and volunteered as a Girl Scout leader as well as at the Feast of the Three Saints. 

She was close with her seven children: AnnMarie Meile of NJ; Jacqueline (Dow) Chamberlain of MA, her primary companion for 40 years; Cathe Sambataro (Johnne) of FL; Ramona Kopacz (James) of NJ; Andrew of FL; Mark (Renae) of IL; and Richard (Rhonda) of MA, with whom she and Jacquie resided the last 4 years. She is also survived by sister-in-law Roberta (Gamble) Schneider of NH. She lovingly took on the role of a second parent to Jacquie’s son, Lancelot. He and her 23 other grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren (and counting), one great- great grandson, and many nieces and nephews will miss their warm and funny Nana K/Aunt Bunny, who was described as " a hoot" by a great-granddaughter. 

Marilyn was proud of her family and actively attended sporting events, concerts, and religious ceremonies. She loved to sing, bowl, tap dance at the Senior Center, crochet, and sew, and made many mother-daughter dresses, blankets, and even a pair of lederhosen! She also cheered on her beloved Patriots (while wearing her "lucky jersey" every time) as well as the Celtics. 

Marilyn worked at Bachman’s Catering, WT Grants, her mother-in-law’s Forget-Me-Not Flower Shoppe, as co-manager with Ray at Lawrence Turn Verein/Turn Hall, as a home health aide, and starting in Lawrence General Hospital’s food service. Later in life, she earned her Physical Therapy Aide certificate; she retired as a Rehab Tech (formerly PT Aide) at age 82, after 44 years at LGH. 

In addition to her parents, Marilyn was predeceased by her beloved husband, Raymond; godson, Kerry; brothers Herman J. (Edith) and Louis Schneider; granddaughter, Andrea Meile Cushing; cherished aunt, Anna Mueller, who helped raise her after her mother passed when Marilyn was less than 10; and her father’s second wife, Anne (Lancelot) Schneider. 

Memorial tributes may be sent to Holy Rosary Shrine, c/o 34 Common St., Lawrence MA 01840; High Pointe House, mailed to Tufts Medicine Care at Home 360 Merrimack St., Bldg. #9, Suite #425. Lawrence, MA 01843 or online at https://www.tuftsmedicine.org/giving/give-care-home; or to the charity of your choice.

Funeral arrangements by Dewhirst Boles Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, Methuen. Visiting hours were held on June 26, 4-7pm. A Funeral Mass was held at Holy Rosary Shrine, 28 Union St, Lawrence, at 10am on June 27th. Burial will take place Friday, July 26, 2024 at Bellevue Cemetery, Lawrence, MA at 9:00AM.

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