Our beloved Jennie Knapp reached for the hand of God and followed him home Dec. 16, 2024. Born June 26, 1932, Jennie lived her last five years in Pagosa Springs, Colo., enjoying beautiful views of the San Juan mountain range and Lake Pagosa. Until the end, she was an avid bridge player, participating three days a week through games organized by the Senior Center. Jennie was of Italian heritage and would lapse into that language without warning. At times, when her Italian did come out, you knew you were in trouble. Her favorite command, “Mangia,” was our cue to sit down at the dinner table. Her recipes for lasagna, manicotti, spaghetti with homemade meatballs, pizzelles and Russian tea cookies will live on in the kitchens of her loving grandchildren and daughter in law.
Jennie was one of six children and grew up in New Jersey. Her father, Salvatore, was a baker and wine maker. Her mother, Josephina, was the neighborhood whiskey distiller and worked as a seamstress in the local silk factory. Jennie moved to Los Alamos, N.M., in 1955 and worked as a medical assistant for Dr. Roger Gartz and then as a computer operator for Los Alamos National Laboratory. She retired in 1998 and was active with Trinity on the Hill Episcopalian church and the Los Alamos Medical center gift shop for many years.
Jennie is survived by her sons David (Kim) and Gary; and grandchildren Giovanna (Ryan), David Jr. and Jenais. She is predeceased by her son Russell. A celebration of life will be held Jan. 3, 2025, at the Pagosa Springs PLPOA Clubhouse from noon to 1 p.m. All are welcome to attend. A private service will be held in Los Alamos, N.M., on Jan. 10, 2025, at 11 a.m. in the chapel at Trinity on the Hill in Los Alamos, N.M., with a public reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, Jennie requested donations be made in her name to St. Jude Children’s Research Center at www.stjude.org/donate.
