Obituary of Catherine Knapp

Catherine Mary Knapp, 89, died Sunday, November 18, 2012 at Presbyterian Hospital. She was born on December 2, 1922 in Buffalo, NY and will be greatly missed by her 9 children, 18 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren. After graduating from Mercy Hurst College with a degree in business, Catherine quickly fell in love with Robert Knapp, who she married on August 28, 1948. As Robert and Catherine moved around the United States while working for General Electric, they began to raise a family of nine. It was rumored that she wanted 12 children but decided 9 was the perfect number. Catherine is survived by her children: Mary Knapp-Samet, Martha Mullen, Jim Knapp, Kathleen Purser, Norma Lloyd, Carol Ivey, Rosemary Barber, Nancy Khaghani, and Richard Knapp. Robert and Catherine settled in Wilmington, NC in 1971. There Robert retired and they enjoyed many hours of tennis, bridge and cycling. Catherine even became a Senior Olympics cycling gold medalist. While active, they also stayed busy playing with the grandchildren and traveling. Robert died in 1993. Catherine continued to be active, traveling with her children, golfing, playing bridge and mastering the computer. She will always be remembered by her family as a wonderful role model and a loving mother. In recent years, Catherine resided at Merrywood Retirement Center in Charlotte. All who met her were impressed by her smiling face and positive attitude. The family would like to thank the gentle and thoughtful caregivers at Merrywood for the care and attention they provided Catherine. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Noon on Monday, November 19, 2012 at St. Ann Catholic Church, 3635 Park Road, Charlotte, NC. Burial will be in the St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery in Castle Hayne, NC. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Meals On Wheels, Wilmington NC. (www.mealcall.org/meals-on-wheels/nc/wilmington.htm). Arrangements are in the care of Hankins & Whittington Funeral Service; please share condolences online at www.hankinswhittington.com.