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Frances Lapidus, 79

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. —  Fran Lapidus, devoted wife of Ira, beloved mother of Ryan, Eric and Daniel, loving mother-in-law to Nicole, Audrey, and Alie, and doting grandmother to Sadie, Cora, Lucy, Calvin, Aria, Tommy and Charlie, passed away on September 17, 2023 at the age of 79.

Frances Beth Bukzin was born in Riverdale, Maryland on March 12, 1944 to Elliott and Beulah Bukzin. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in education from the University of Maryland, where she met Ira Steven Lapidus. They were married in Washington, DC on August 19, 1967.

While Ira was in dental school at Tufts University, Fran taught 4th, 5th and 6th grade at Burr Elementary School in Newton. When Ira joined the U.S. Air Force in 1969, Fran and Ira moved to Wurstsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda, Michigan, where they had their first son, Ryan, and lived until 1971, before moving to Williamstown where sons Eric and Daniel arrived in 1972 and 1976.

While taking care of her three boys, Fran also received her Master’s Degree in Education, with an emphasis on gifted and talented students, from North Adams State University. The residents of Williamstown overwhelmingly voted for Fran to the Williamstown Elementary School Committee, where she served for over ten years, including as Chairman. She also acted as Chairman of the Board of North Adams Regional Hospital Auxiliary Committee.

In 1987, Fran was hired as the Assistant Director of Admissions at Williams College. She brought her sense of social justice, humility and grace to the Admissions Office, ushering in generations of diverse students that had previously been absent from the student body. In her 25 years at the Admissions Office, she interviewed thousands of students, often keeping in touch with them decades after their graduation. A “second mother” to hundreds, she was a brilliant educator and her impact on the history and future of Williams College cannot be understated.

For Ira’s 70th birthday present, she spearheaded the effort to have the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s decision to have Williamstown designated as a cultural district.

Fran’s greatest job, however, was that of wife, mother and grandmother. Fran took no greater satisfaction than being with her family. Known as Gigi to her 7 grandchildren, Fran was as sparkling as the clothes she liked to wear. She treasured times together and also one-on-one time with each of her grandchildren.

Fran was a shining light in the lives of all who came into her orbit, and that orbit was enormous. She would manage adversity with positivity that continues to inspire her loved ones.

A memorial service will be held for Fran at Williams College in 2024. In lieu of flowers, the Lapidus Family is asking for donations to be made in her honor to the Pitt Hopkins Foundation (pitthopkins.org/donate).


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Recollections & Sympathy For the Family
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Dear Dr Lapidus;
Sending thoughts and prayers on Fran’s passing. I feel I knew your whole family back then.
Jeannie
from: Jeannie Poplaskion: 09-28-2023

Dear Ira and Family
We would like to express our condolences to you ! I always enjoyed talking to Fran after doing electrical work at the house
Always loved her smile!!
from: Dave & Diane Krzeminskion: 09-28-2023

Although I never met Fran in person I heard so many wonderful things from Ira while sitting in the dentist chair. My sympathy goes out to Ira and family.
from: Nancy Rumbolt-Trzcinskion: 09-26-2023

Fran did so much for our community! She was a wonderful neighbor to us, supporter of the arts and schools, and a devoted wife and mother. She will be missed by many. My sympathies to Ira and family.
from: Jeanne Marklinon: 09-25-2023

I was very saddened to hear of such a lovely woman’s passing~ my caring thoughts to Ira and her beautiful family for memories to hold in your hearts…
from: Cheryl Lefaveon: 09-25-2023

Ira, we are so sorry to hear of Fran's passing; while it's always difficult, remember the wonderful things she did for all of us...and how she made our world a better place. Rest in Peace, Fran...
from: Barb and Skeets Richardson: 09-23-2023

Ira, so sorry to hear about your wife's passing. Bob says he always enjoyed talking to her while he was up plowing your driveway. She always came out and talked to him and always a smile on her face. She was a great person to know and spend time with.
from: Bob and Judy Gazzanigaon: 09-23-2023

Dear Ira and Family: Our heartfelt sympathies at this time of loss. What a wonderful legacy of family love, diverse professional achievements, and loyal friendships Fran leaves us with. Her memory will live on in the hearts of so many.
from: Roger and Julia Boltonon: 09-23-2023

Very sad to hear of your loss. Fran was always a pleasure to work with. Very sorry.
from: robert smithon: 09-23-2023

Thursday's will not be the same anymore! Thinking of you . Sending you all strength and fond memories.
from: Lisa Mazzuon: 09-22-2023

Ira and family- I am heartbroken to hear of Fran's passing. May her memory be a forever blessing. Sending youband the family lots of love.
from: Dale Waterman on: 09-22-2023

Meryl and I are so saddened to hear of Fran’s passing. We send our deepest condolences to you and your wonderful family. Meryl & Gary
from: on: 09-22-2023

Thursday's will not be the same without you! I will be thinking of you always. My sympathy to you all.
from: Lisa Mazzuon: 09-22-2023

I am so very sorry for your loss; while I only met Fran a few times, she and I connected through our work in admissions, and she was so very kind to me when I asked her questions about her role. Sending love to Ryan, Eric and Dan and their families.
from: Rebecca Hallon: 09-22-2023

So sorry for your loss. Sending so much love to the whole family. What an incredible woman! May her memory be blessing always.
from: Michelle Gollandon: 09-22-2023

Sending our deep condolences to your family for your loss. May her memory be a Blessing.
from: Fran Blockon: 09-22-2023

IRA, I'm sorry to read this news. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
from: Paul Oleskiewicz on: 09-22-2023

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