Frances Elsie Noyes

Frances Elsie (Sokol) Noyes passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1931, she was the daughter of Elsie (Steele) Sokol and Francis Sokol. Frances spent her early childhood in Enfield, Connecticut, attending a one-room schoolhouse for first grade before her family returned to Springfield, where she attended Armory School, Van Sickle Junior High, and Technical High School. She carried deep New England roots; Sokol Road in Somers, Connecticut, was named for her paternal grandfather, and Steele Road in Enfield for her maternal great-grandfather, both founders of local farming communities. She cherished weekends spent playing with cousins on those family farms, memories she held dear throughout her life.

Frances and her husband raised their family in East Springfield for twenty-two years before moving to Westfield, Massachusetts, where she lived for more than four decades. In her later years, she resided in assisted living in West Springfield and then at Agawam Rehab and Nursing. Faith and music were central to her life. She was an active member of Liberty Methodist Church in Springfield, where she sang in the choir and taught Sunday school. Later, she performed with Sweet Adelines International, traveling the country and abroad with championship choruses, including performances at Carnegie Hall in New York City, the Superdome in New Orleans, and the Royal Albert Hall in London. An avid reader who often finished a book a day, she also loved to cook and bake, always keeping a sweet treat on hand for family and guests.

A woman of many talents, Frances worked as a dental hygienist in Springfield, served as a Boston tour guide for Peter Pan Tours along the Freedom Trail, and later worked in the craft and fabric department at Ames Department Store in Westfield. A gifted seamstress, knitter, and crocheter, she created beautiful handmade pieces and designed creative store displays. She was married for fifty-five years to her beloved husband, Ernest E. Noyes, Jr., a decorated war hero honored by President Truman. Ernest predeceased her in 2007. She was also predeceased by her son Alan Noyes in 2005 and her grandson Lukas Noyes in 2019.

Frances is survived by her son David Noyes and his wife Jan, her daughter Holly (Noyes) Walts and her husband Joseph, and her daughter-in-law Naomi Noyes, widow of Alan. She will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren Heather (Walts) Carreiro, Jennifer Walts and her husband Alex Houpert, Joseph Walts II and his wife Alyssa, Arielle (Noyes) Majka and her husband Frank, Alexis Noyes and her partner Geoff Arthur, and the late Lukas Noyes. She also leaves seven great-grandchildren: Gabriel, Arianne, Joseph III, Lindsey, Ferris, Parker, and Paisley. She will be remembered for her kindness, humor, and steadfast love of family. Her warmth, strength, and joyful spirit will live on in all who knew and loved her.