Nancy R. Knappenberger, 67, of Lititz, passed away peacefully at home on February 10th following a brief illness. Nancy was the wife of the late Michael Knappenberger. Born in Hazelton, PA, she was the daughter of Felix and Mary Mekolichick. She graduated from Kutztown University with a degree in Education. Prior to moving to Lititz, Nancy taught school in the Allentown Area. After moving to Lititz Nancy classroom aide and long-term substitute positions. Nancy found her true calling, however, when she began her career in social work with Lancaster County Children and Youth Services. After several years, she left CYS to assist in the development and become the supervisor of COBYS Family Reunification Unit. Not only was she a caring, compassionate, and dedicated caseworker, the staff at COBYS would tell you that she was an attentive, patient, hardworking leader who fostered a team environment. Many former clients spoke highly of her, approaching her in public or contacting her long after their cases were closed, to tell her what a profound difference she had made in their lives.
Nancy was the type of person to make friends in the line at the grocery store. She was friendly, out-going, and kind hearted, quick with a genuine smile and a hearty laugh. She loved to work in her yard, and on any given day you could find her out in her gardens, often until after the sun had set. She kept her bird feeders full, and enjoyed watching the variety of visitors from her kitchen window. She enjoyed going to yard sales and bazaars with her daughter, Fay. Both having a keen eye for antiques and other collectables. Her house was decorated with an eclectic variety of items from antique sewing machines that belonged to her mother, to collections of unique salt and pepper shakers, clocks, and paintings. Nancy enjoyed finding old pieces of furniture and restoring them to their former glory. She was an artist. Her artistic eye was evident not just in her paintings ad drawings, but from the way she decorated her home to how she laid out her gardens. Nancy surrounded herself with beauty, and brought beauty to the world around her. She was loved by many, and will be missed greatly.
Nancy is survived by two daughters, Fay of Lancaster, and Michele of Lititz, and grandson, Joseph whom she loved high as the sky, deep as the ocean, and with all her heart. In addition she is survived by a sister, Mary Bast of South Carolina, and a brother, Joseph Mekolichick of Lititz, PA, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Mekolichick, of Colorado.
A Life Celebration will be held for Nancy on Saturday March 4th, at the General Sutter Inn, 14 East Main St., Lititz, PA 17543. Please arrive at 11:30 am for light fare and beverages. There will be speakers as well as time for anyone who wishes to share their memories of Nancy, followed by desserts.