Joan B. (Bachand) Kopka

Joan B. Kopka, 89, a longtime resident of Haydenville, passed away in Naples, Florida on January 6th. She passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family.
She was born to the late Walter and Charlotte (Lentner) Bachand on March 20, 1933. She grew up in Haydenville and graduated from Williamsburg High School. Joan is survived by three of her brothers Richard Bachand(Celia) of Marietta NY, Bernie Bachand (Nancy) of Haydenville, MA, Ronnie Bachand (Brenda) of Florence, MA and sister-in-law Pat Bachand of Northampton, MA. Preceding her in death were brothers David Bachand, Gary Bachand and Jimmy Bachand.
Joan married Walter Kopka on October 17, 1953. They were married for 48 years before his death in 2002. Shortly after they were married, they bought the Riverview Club, an old gas station. They transformed it over the years from a tiny bar to a restaurant to eventually a popular bar with local bands. She was always known for putting on the most memorable parties. After selling the Riverview, she worked at Chart-Pak in Leeds and waitressed at Page’s Loft in the Hilton until her retirement. She often worked 2 jobs while still enjoying life to the fullest.
Joan was also a sports fan. She played basketball in high school and loved to follow UMASS basketball. Her favorite team was the Red Sox. She hardly ever missed watching a game. She loved going to see them play in person. She went to numerous games in Boston at Fenway some spring training games at Fenway South in Ft. Myers, Florida and even some games in Chicago, all shared with family. She was able to meet one of her favorite players, Big Papi at a meet and greet in Naples. She gave him a big hug and he gave her a signed baseball.
Joan was an avid knitter. She took a lot of pride in creating something for her children and grandchildren, which even included their pets!
Her greatest love was her family. She had 5 biological children, Sandy Benza (Dr. Gery) of Naples, FL, Lori Godbee (Bobby) of Easley, SC, Sharon Kopka of Naples, FL, Judy Champion (Wes) of Naples, FL and Walter Kopka (Michelle) of Naples, FL. Also included in her family were 4 Foster children that she raised, Kevin Boden (Cheri) of Easthampton, MA, Choung Dinh of Northamton, MA, Phong Doan (Huygen) of Agawam, MA and Phu Doan (Phuong) of East Hartford. Although her family was large and geographically spread out, Joan always provided support, gave unconditional love and made time for everyone. She even got very good at FaceTime!
She was blessed with 14 grandchildren. Kristen Benza (Carlos), Anthony Benza (Chelsea), Sarah Benza, Robert Champion, James Champion, Anna Champion, Elizabeth Champion, Logan Kopka, Mackenzie Kopka, Alexandra Boden, Joshua Boden, Jacob Doan, Jerimiah Doan, and James Doan. An extra special blessing came last September with the birth of her first great grandchild, Aydan James Benza. It gave her so much pleasure to watch him smile.
She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Through memories, the ones we love live in our hearts forever. She has given us so many fond memories from her dancing to Frank Sinatra on New Year’s Eve to her love of Chardonnay! Thanks for the memories Mom, you will be forever missed.
A heartfelt thank you to Avow hospice for making her last days pain free and peaceful.
Visiting hours are on Friday Jan 13th at Ahearn Funeral Home 783 Bridge Road from 4-7 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be offered on Saturday Jan 14th at 10:00 at Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church in Haydenville, MA. Burial will follow at St. Mary of the Assumption Cemetery, Leeds, MA.
Memorial donations in Joan’s memory can be made to St. Jude’s Hospital or Our Lady of the Hills Church.