Our hearts are heavy after the passing of our Mom, grandmother great grandmother, and sister Charlotte Marie Knapek on Wednesday, October 7, 2020. She was born July 2, 1935 in Claresholm, Alberta.
Charlotte was predeceased by her husband of 25 years, Tony Knapek and partner of 15 years, Ed Collette of Texas. Over the last nine months Charlotte had been living with her son and daughter-in-law Dean and Debie, or daughter Charlene and son-in-law Terry. After several weeks in the Claresholm Hospital she returned once again to Charlene and Terry’s home. It was here she passed away peacefully in the arms of Charlene, her daughter Jamie, and son Christopher (Charlotte’s new and first great grandchild).
She will be lovingly remembered by her son Dean (Debie) Knapek, daughter Charlene (Terry) Knapek-Owen; three grandchildren David Knapek, Jamie (Dave) Owen Gleeson, Alexandra Owen (Logan); and one great-grandchild Christopher Gleeson. She is also survived by her sister Frances Massie, numerous nieces and nephews and extended family members.
Charlotte spent her entire life in the communities of Granum, Claresholm, and Fort Macleod, where she was actively involved in farm life, raising children, and a long list of community activities. Charlotte had a strong work ethic in everything she took on. Cheering from the sidelines, Charlotte enjoyed many of the grandkids school and extracurricular activities whenever possible, and birthdays were not to be missed. Charlotte’s family meant the world to her. She fostered a strong connection to the beauty of nature and enjoyed many sunsets, sunrises, mountain vistas visually or with photographs. Equally she loved the song of most birds and became somewhat of an armchair ornithologist.
We are eternally grateful that she resided with all of us over the past year and shall miss her dearly. A private family gathering will be held Saturday, November 7, 2020. A Celebration of Life for extended family and friends will take place spring 2021 in Claresholm. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes can be made to Claresholm and District Health Foundation. 1-403-682-3739 Box 2368, Claresholm Alberta, T0L 0T0, email tara.bishoff@ahs.ca