Karen Filer Knapp, 77, of Bridgeport went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, July 3rd, 2014 after an extended battle with chronic kidney and heart disease.
Karen was born on July 27, 1936 to Dwight and Marguerite Filer in Twisp, WA. She married Paul Knapp on August 1, 1954 and they were married for 26 years.
Karen touched many lives through her positive attitude and her joyful disposition. She taught school and piano for many years. Her students held a special place in her heart. She loved to travel and had great affection for her family.
Karen is survived by her children; Tina Knapp of Moses Lake, Becky Elde (Randy) of Clear Lake, Kelly Knapp (Charlayne) of Brewster and Joel Knapp (Sheree) of Toppenish; 13 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Sheryl Knapp and her brother Gale Filer.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2014 at 11:00 AM at the Brewster Assembly of God, 600 West Indian Ave, Brewster, WA, followed by a potluck fellowship at the American Legion, 102 3rd Street in Brewster.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Brewster Assembly of God Church or a charity of your choice
Karen, U were such a wonderful sister-in-law for almost 46 years. I loved U so much. Years of lots of memories.
Sweet Karen! How I cherish the memories of piano lessons with you. You were always so kind and patient. You always gave me such a feeling of accomplishment when I could play a piece in an acceptable manner. I still have the first book I studied with you and most of the songs have your hand-written star along with the nickname John-O that you picked for me. I remember making you tea in the church basement after my lesson. Very strong with lots of sugar! The last time I was in Brewster was the fall of 2012. I walked into the church on Sunday and you came over and asked me to play a special song. I groaned inwardly while trying to maintain a smile. I played one of the hymns that I play often enough to be comfortable. It wasn’t spectacular but everyone seemed to appreciate it. As soon as I sat down you stood up and declared, “I just have to say that I started teaching John when he was 8 years old and I am so proud.” What a treasure you are Karen. Your words meant the world to me. The embarrassment of stumbling through the song evaporated and I felt 30 feet tall. That was always your gift. You always made people feel better with your kind words. I say again, you are a treasure and you will be missed.
Love & Prayers to all of Karen’s family. I will always remember her beautiful smile and the joy that she exampled to all of us. I loved to listen to Karen play the piano …… she played with a love and passion for music.
I met my dear friend Tina when Karen and my Mom, both visiting from the States, befriended each other at the Navy base in Sigonella, Sicily! What a joy Karen was, telling wonderful stories and sharing love of family. We remained friends throughout the years and I feel blessed to have known her. My prayers and love to the family. Love Maureen
I especially remember Karen when I was a child:
We all lived on the reservation – Karen and her family were our cousins and were always very kind to my twin sister and I. I remember when we were about 10 years old, and it was after my Mother had died, Karen brought us a very large bag of “things”. Things we needed – I loved it – it was like Christmas. Her kindness will not be forgotten.
I had the pleasure of working with Karen at Bridgeport Elementary School. She was always upbeat and had a smile on her face. As her obituary says, she was a joyful person. She shared that joy with students and staff. I shall not forget her.
We were so shocked to learn of Karen’s death in the Wenatchee World. Kelly, we had just seen you at the Toppenish Rodeo and you didn’t mention a word of your Mom’s death. So sorry to know that you were grieving and we weren’t aware. Losing a mother is a great sadness. Please accept our deepest sympathy in the loss of yours.
Your mother was a very strong, dynamic and special person and it is hard to let her go Tina, Kelly, Becky and Joel our world needs more people like her. We have such special memories of your family when we lived in Brewster. We are so grateful that our lives crossed in this life. We had the pleasure of a wonderful visit with your Mom at the Toppenish Rodeo a couple of years ago. She loved her family so and was always so proud of her children and grandchildren. Her love of the Lord was always so apparent. We will always remember her love of the Lord and her beautiful piano playing and for raising children and grandchildren that we love.
Please know that we will be thinking and praying for you in the coming months. We send our love, Jack and Sharon McMillan
Hello beloved family:
We know she is in a better place, one she has certainly earned. My love and best wishes go to all of you who loved Karen as I did. I have some wonderful memories of times we spent together, especially out on the ranch and gathered around the piano singing up everything we knew.
I love you all.
Cousin Toni
She will be sorely missed. We have many good memories together. Twelve years of school and a good relationship all our adult years. She never forgot my birthday. there was always a card and letter,
Her Faith and courage was always upfront. We all loved her but we know she is in a much better place.
She was soo Prowd of her family I feel I know each of you. Love & Prayers, Billie Somerville
I am so sorry for the loss of a very dear friend. Will miss her so much! My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family. I always enjoyed so much the times that Karen and I could get together for a visit. And, lots of memories of going to school all of our school years together.