Elizabeth "Betty" Knapp

Elizabeth "Betty" Knapp, 87, of Redding, died peacefully on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, while surrounded by her family. Betty was the loving wife of the late Richard "Bob" Knapp.

Betty was born in the Bronx, NY on February 1, 1937; daughter of the late Edward and Ida (Woll) Haen. She spent her early years in Brooklyn, NY. During the summers Betty and her family would retreat to their family home in Saugerties, NY, a place still referred to as “The Farm.”  Betty often said it was her “favorite place in the whole world” with many of her best childhood memories made there.  The Farm continues to be a very special place for her children and grandchildren. 

In 1947 Betty moved with her parents to Ridgefield, CT.  It was here that she met and married Bob Knapp in 1954. Betty and Bob built a home in Redding where they raised eight children. The couple, along with Bob’s brother Joe, began Knapp Tree which they ran together until Bob retired and the business was taken over by the sons.  

Betty was a homemaker, fantastic baker, excellent cook and hostess. Her home was always brightly decorated for every holiday.  Christmas at the Knapp’s was an over-the-top affair as it was Betty’s favorite holiday. On birthdays everyone would receive a home-made cake of their choice.  Betty made the family home welcoming to all who entered. Even with 10 seated around the dining room table, she always had room for one more.  No one ever left hungry. The most important part of Betty’s life was her family.

Betty had an avid love of music, books and reading which she instilled in her children. She had a talent for crocheting and made blankets for all of her family and friends.

Betty was a member of the First Church of Christ Congregational since 1962.  She supported the church’s food pantry, Meals on Wheels, and the Redding Fire Department.

The family wishes to thank everyone at RVNA Health and Hospice who cared for Betty and supported the family.

Betty is survived by her children: Elizabeth Knapp Perry and her husband, Bruce Perry; Brenda MacMillan and her husband Douglas; Andrew Knapp and his wife, Diane; Richard Knapp and his partner, Michael Jansen; Edward Knapp and his wife, Lydia; Linda Conte; and Marc Knapp and his wife, Linda Wright. Betty is also survived by her grandchildren: Claire, Jack, and Sam MacMillan, Andrew Knapp, Laura Knapp and her husband, Stevie Dunbar, Nicholas Knapp and his fiancée Rebecca Baker, Gina Bouvier and her husband, Matt, and Nicole Williams and her husband, Matt. Additionally, Betty is survived by her great grandson, Cole Williams. 

In addition to her parents, and her husband, Bob, Betty was predeceased by her son, Thomas Knapp and her son in law, Joseph Conte Sr. 

A Memorial Service in Celebration of Betty's Life will take place on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the First Church of Christ, Congregational; 25 Cross Highway, Redding. Interment will take place privately; there will be no calling hours. In honor of Betty, please wear a dash of red to the memorial service.

Memorial contributions may be made to RVNA Health and Hospice - 55 Governor Street; Ridgefield, CT 06877, http://www.rvnahealth.org or the Redding Ridge Fire and EMS Company #1 - PO Box 185; Redding Ridge, CT 06876, https://reddingfire1.org/.

Kane Funeral Home, Ridgefield is in care of arrangements. 

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