Florence Kolak Zochowski, 94, passed away on the evening of April 3, 2021, at the Holyoke Medical Center surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of Leon John Zochowski. Like her husband, Florence lived her life with faith, love, and conviction. She was a parishioner of St. Theresa's Church in South Hadley for 60 years, married for 64 years, and was the mother of three children, Kathleen Magoon, Christine Gallagher of Jacksonville, Florida, and Matthew Zochowski. She was also the grandmother of four, Chelsea May, Dylan Magoon, and Kaylee and Mitchell Gallagher. She will also be missed by Chelsea's husband, Scott May, her son-in-law David Gallagher and many nieces and nephews, including Steven Kolak of South Hadley, and Edward Zelisko of Feeding Hills. The youngest of eight siblings, she was predeceased by her brothers, Edward, Stanley, Stefan, and Max, and her sisters, Anna Jesionowski, Olga Zelisko, and Janina Kolak. She was also predeceased by her husband, Leon and her son, Matthew. She was a resident of South Hadley for 61 years, where she raised her family and was surrounded by her loving and devoted neighbors. Florence never lost her independence and could be found reading in her chair, watching Jeopardy or the newest series on Netflix, and crocheting blankets for her family and friends. She continued to enjoy making Polish food while listening to her Saturday morning Polka shows and talking politics or playing backgammon with her neighbor, Phillip Chesky. As recently as two weeks ago, she balanced her checkbook to the penny. She also enjoyed her spirited political discussions with her son-in-law, David. She was a staunch supporter of the Democratic party, never missing an opportunity to vote in an election. A very talented bookkeeper, Florence was employed at University Products and Star Press, both in Holyoke.

Although her husband and son enjoyed their accomplishments and recognition in the community, the reason for their successes was due to Florence's quiet strength, dedication, and support of them.  Leon, Matthew, and Florence traveled widely and enjoyed family summer vacations in Maine and Cape Cod. Florence loved going to Chauncey's Lobster Pier, Bob's Clam Shack, and the Ogunquit Lobster Pound, even though she did not enjoy most seafood. She would watch every Red Sox and Patriots game on TV with her husband and son. Florence's family is grateful to the dedicated and compassionate doctors, nurses, CNAs and food service staff at the Holyoke Medical center who provided her with exemplary care. Her family would also like to extend their gratitude to Father Michael Twohig of St. Theresa's Parish and to Florence's faithful companion and caregiver, Lisa Lee, of Chicopee.

Services will be held on Saturday April 10 ^th starting with a calling hour from 9:30 to 10:30 am at the Curran-O'Brien Funeral Home, 33 Lamb St., South Hadley followed by Mass at 11:00 am in St. Theresa's Church. Burial at the Massachusetts Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in Agawam, Massachusetts will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Theresa's Church in South Hadley or to Jericho/The Bureau for Exceptional Children in Holyoke. For more information or to make online condolences please go to curranobrien.com.