Mrs. Doris A. Minardi

Mrs. Doris Ann (Knechtel) Minardi, 87, of 65 Orchard St. Adams, died early Sunday morning, January 31, 2016, at Williamstown Commons. She was born in Adams on December 19, 1928, the daughter of the late William and Alice (Giroux) Knechtel. She attended Adams schools, graduating from the former Adams High School. She then earned her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from the former North Adams State Teacher's College (now MCLA). Mrs. Minardi began her teaching career as an elementary school teacher in Dalton, then Lanesboro. She then spent 23 years as a teacher in the Adams – Cheshire Regional School District in several of their former neighborhood schools. While still teaching, she also owned and operated the former Modern Bridal Shop in Adams for many years. Following her retirement, she worked part-time as the manager of the former North Adams Cinema Center on Curran Highway , and also had worked part-time at the former Lechter's store at the Berkshire Mall, and at the Orchards Inn in Williamstown. She was a communicant of St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Cheshire, where she sang in the Choir; and was a member of the Adams Turners. She enjoyed bowling, volleyball, crocheting and animals, especially cats. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, William R. Minardi, whom she married on July 28, 1951; 6 daughters, Dina Poplaski and her husband, Jim, of Cheshire; Maria Lahey and her husband, Mike, of Adams; Lisa Tetlow and her husband, Bob, of Cheshire; Carla Stewart and her husband, John, of St. Charles, Illinois; Nora Minardi of Adams; and Gayna Cross and her husband, Marshall, of Salem, NY; as well as 13 Grandchildren and 7 Great Grandchildren. A Liturgy of Christian Burial celebrating Doris' life will be held on Friday, February 5th, at 12 Noon in St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Cheshire, celebrated by Rev. Matthew Guidi. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Burial will follow in Maple Street Cemetery, Adams. There are no calling hours. The PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, 13 Hoosac St. Adams, is in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to the Eleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter, 63 Downing Parkway, Pittsfield, MA 01201. To leave a message of condolence, please go online to www.paciorekfuneral.com

Mrs. Doris A. Minardi

December 19, 1928 - January 31, 2016