Worcester family mourns siblings who passed away 5 days apart

• Posted by Obituaries October 4, 2025 - Filed in News - #Worcester  #Robin Nopopnen  #Mark Noponen  #OConnor Brothers Funeral Home  - 6,153 views

  
  Robin and Mark Noponen (O'Connor Brothers Funeral Home)

  WORCESTER — A Worcester family is mourning the deaths of two siblings who passed away five days apart. Robin F. Noponen, 65, died Thursday, Sept. 25, at St. Vincent Hospital, and her brother, Mark J. Noponen, 69, died Tuesday, Sept. 30, at the same hospital, their family said in their obituaries.

  Born in Pittsfield, Robin was raised with a strong sense of family and community. She attended Columbus Park School, graduated from the David Hale Fanning Girls Trade School and studied early childhood education at Quinsigamond Community College.

  She worked as a medical unit secretary at Fairlawn Hospital before moving into retail with Ames/Zayre and later Big Y. She cherished time with her nephews and enjoyed games, word puzzles, roller skating and concerts. Friends and relatives remembered her gentle spirit and loyalty.

  Mark was born in Agawam and attended Columbus Park School, St. John’s High School and South High School before studying electrical theory, wiring and troubleshooting at Quinsigamond Community College.

  A senior machinist, he was skilled in precision CNC machining and process analysis across several industries. He was a shortwave radio operator and vintage radio collector who repaired small electronics. A member of the Auburn Sportsman Club, he was an avid marksman and collected antique firearms. Loved ones recalled his gentle nature and years spent caring for his mother and sister.

  Together, they leave their brother, Matthew Noponen; sisters, Anne Noponen Singer and Barbara Noponen; and nephews, Zachary, Thomas and Nicholas Noponen, all of Worcester. They were predeceased by their parents, Francis W. and Irene F. (McNulty) Noponen.

  Calling hours for both will be held 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, October 4th at O’Connor Brothers Funeral Home, 592 Park Ave., Worcester. Funeral services will follow at 11 in the funeral home, with burial at St. John’s Cemetery, 260 Cambridge St., Worcester.

  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the organizations named in their obituaries: Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215, and American Renal Associates (ARA), 771 Southbridge St., Suite 1, Auburn, MA 01501.

  Robin Noponen obituary

  Mark Noponen obituary