Patricia Katherine Knopf, age 81, passed away Sunday, January 15, 2017 at Mercy Hospital in Muskegon, Michigan.
Patricia “Pat” was born March 25, 1935 in Plattsburgh, New York, to Herbert Leon Castine and Mary Cleopha Lafontaine. She graduated from Pershing High School in Detroit, and attended Michigan State University, where she met her husband, Norman. While attending Michigan State, she majored in French and Art History. She was also very active in the French Club and continued to enjoy and take classes in tap dancing. On April 8, 1961, Pat and Norman married, and lived briefly in Illinois and Missouri before settling in Chagrin Falls, Ohio where they raised their family. Afterwards, Pat and Norm lived in Princeton Jct., New Jersey before retiring to the Muskegon area.
Pat was a life-long Democrat and avid Detroit Tigers fan. She enjoyed politics, reading, painting, and gardening, and was especially proud of her roses and beefsteak tomatoes. Patricia was the loving wife of Norman David Knopf of Norton Shores, Michigan; beloved mother of Christopher (Audrey Fenske) of North Oaks, Minnesota, Glenn (Maura Strausberg) of Princeton, New Jersey, Gregory, and Lynn, both of Whitehall, Michigan; dear grandmother to John, Beth, and Claire Knopf; and cherished sister of Florence (Robert) Cordts; a sister-in-law to Terry McHenry; and an aunt to many nieces and nephews. The family also wishes to extend their gratitude to Pat’s aides from Comfort Keepers and caregivers: Sharon, Lindsey, Safya, Angela, and Adriana. She was preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law, Marie (Jerry) Lilla, and sister, Eleanor McHenry.
A CELEBRATION OF PAT’S LIFE was held Saturday, January 21, 2017 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Muskegon, MI 49444 (231) 798-1100.
Burial took place in Norton Cemetery. Contributions may be made in Pat’s name to Pound Buddies Animal Shelter and Adoption Center of Muskegon or the Harbor Humane Society of West Olive, where Pat adopted her cherished cat, Toby.
Share memories with the family at their On-line Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com
