Frances Kay Karpinski
March 20, 1933 ~ June 11, 2005
Frances Kay Karpinski, 72, of Weirton, died Saturday, June 11, 2005 after a terrible battle with cancer at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA.
She was born March 20, 1933 in Weirton, a daughter of the late John and Gladys (Gromek) Klakos.
In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Alexander Karpinski in 1997.
Frances was a graduate of Weir High School. After having children she graduated from the College of Steubenville, now Franciscan University, with a Bachelors degree in Education. She also went on to obtain her Masters degree plus 30 hours in Education at West Virginia University.
Frances educated many children in several schools throughout Hancock County, including St. Joseph Grade School, Weirton Heights Elementary, and Broadview Elementary, where she spent much of her time. She was chosen to be the first Gifted Teacher in Hancock County, teaching many children with an IQ of over 130. Not only was she proud of her own children, but also all of the children that she taught throughout her career.
Frances was a member of the Hancock County Teachers Association, P.N.A., and Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church.
She is survived by her longtime companion, James Mayhew at home and his daughter Tonya of Oregon; son, Daniel J. Karpinski of Weirton and his daughter, Dani Jo of Pittsburgh, PA; son, Todd R. Karpinski and his wife Debbie and their son, Michael and his son Travis, and their daughter, Brittanie and her daughter Amyiah, all of Pennsville, NJ; daughter, Lori Jenkins and her husband Earle, and their children, Ashley and Chad, all of Miami, FL; one sister, Delores Smith of Weirton; and two brothers, Robert and John Walter Klakos of Weirton.
Visitation will be 7-9 PM Sunday and 2-4 and 7-9 PM Monday at Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton, where a Vigil Service will be held at 8:30 PM Monday. Funeral Liturgy with Mass will be celebrated 10 AM Tuesday at Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Weirton, with Fr. Kent Durig presiding.
Burial will follow at St. Paul Cemetery, Weirton.
The family requests that if anyone is unable to attend the visitations or funeral for Frances, please say a prayer for someone they love in Frances’ memory.
Share tributes and memories with her family at www.grecohertnick.com.
Funeral Home:
Greco Hertnick Funeral Home
3219 Main Street
Weirton, WV
US 26062
Dear Karpinski Family, Your mom was a great lady and a wonderful teacher of gifted students. She left me her legacy at Liberty School when she retired and I still to this day am using some of her materials. Haven’t even changed the set-up of her home because it works! May happy memories of your mom be with you always and may God watch upon your family in this time of sorrow. Blessings, Melanie Donofe
Mrs. Karpinski taught me in the 5th grade at St. Joseph School. I didn’t see her again until a few years ago when my husband and I were exhibiting our educational games at a WV Gifted Conference. She was so thrilled to see me and to see what I had been up to. And she said that she still kept a copy of a composition I had written because she thought it was so good. I can only say that it was good because she was a great teacher and that I am doing what I do today partially because of her. God Bless you, Mrs. Karpinski.
Mrs. Karpinski taught me in the fifth grade at Broadview Elementary in 1975. She was the such dynamic teacher, I have such fond memories of her and all the wonderful art projects that she had us make. A few of which I still have. My sincerest condolences to her family.
My deepest condolences to Danny, Todd and Lori, as well as Ms. Delores Smith. Aunt Francis was always kind to me and I always appreciated the books that she gave me when I was a little girl. Love and prayers, Mary (Paris)Kiernan
To Dan: I was sory to hear about your mom. Joe Wojcik