Dorothy Frances (Kwiecien) Kagan age 82, died on August 27, 2025 at Baystate Medical Center. She was born February 5, 1943 in Holyoke MA, daughter of the late Alfred F. and Dorothy M. (Hanecak) Kwiecien.
She spent her childhood on Ruskin Street in Chicopee Falls, with warm memories of spending time with her Babci, Marianna "Maria" (Dudek) Kwieicien – in her kitchen, garden, and among the fruit trees. She attended Chicopee Public Schools and was a 1960 graduate of Chicopee High School. She was a fashion and marketing model and was crowned “Miss Chicopee” in 1960.In 1964, she married Richard J. Kagan in St. Stanislaus Church.
She raised four children as a loving mother and “teacher” who composed preschool lessons in reading and writing, and science projects, inside and outside of her home on Pondview Drive. She was a freelance writer for the Chicopee Herald and had a regular column known as “The Polish Kitchen” where she shared recipes with readers. She became an active member of the Society of Polish American Culture of Western Mass and was elected President of the organization. Dorothy traveled to Poland in the Summer of 1981 and made contact with relatives in the Southeastern part of the country, as well as witnessed the marches and protests that marked the emergence of the Solidarnosc movement. With four children, she persevered and earned her B.A. in English from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 1982. In 1984, as a member of a group of journalists, she gained a private audience with Pope John Paul II in the Vatican -presenting the Pontiff a gift.
In her later life, Dorothy embraced her role as “Babci” for her ten grandchildren. Starting with Tyler, Troy, Harley, Zane, Cameron, Nataliya, Aleksandra, Oksana, Travis, and Calvin. She loved her grandchildren unconditionally and that love would be manifested in the assured arrival of birthday cards and at holiday gatherings that were filled with more than enough food, Left-Right-Center games, and most of all –love. Her appearance on the dance floor at Harley's wedding on August 9, was a memory that will live on with the family - forever.
She was predeceased by her husband Richard J. Kagan who passed away in 2020. Dorothy was also predeceased by her younger brother, Mark A. Kwieicien in 2011. She is survived by three sons Richard J. Kagan II and his wife Yeva of Chicopee, Todd A. Kagan and his significant other, Kelli of Granby; and Harlan J. Kagan and his wife Marylou of Chicopee. Also, one daughter, Heidi B. Kane and her husband Tim of Wilbraham.
Dorothy will be laid to rest with her husband, Richard at St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Chicopee. All services will be private at the convenience of the family. Donations in memory of Dorothy can be made to the Polish Center of Discovery and Learning in Chicopee. The Grise Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.GrisefFH.com