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).