September 28, 1935 ~ September 5, 2023 (age 87)
Betty J. Knop, passed away under Hospice Care at Brothers of Mercy Nursing Home September 5, 2023 at the age of 87. She was born in Tonawanda, NY on September 28, 1935 to the late Roy and Margaret (Wik) LaFleur.
Betty was a 1952 graduate of Williamsville South High School. Later that year she married her late husband Richard and together they had four children. Moving to Akron New York in 1961, Betty lived on Stage Road for the rest of her life. Betty was a woman of many talents, with an astonishing range of interests and hobbies. She was prolific at stone cutting, jewelry making, crocheting, quilting and beading. Her love for plants, botany and flowers was evident in her work as a master gardener. Her drive to learn and create was nothing short of inspiring. Betty was a proud member of the Buffalo Museum of Science, beginning in paleontology, then later joining the archaeology department, participating in many historical digs across the country. Her exceptional talent and self-taught skills led her to remodel three homes, showcasing her prowess as a woodworker and carpenter. Betty also displayed her creativity through leatherwork, oil and acrylic painting, and took it upon herself to learn upholstery and build her own furniture for their house. Betty also worked at Menne Nursery on Niagara Falls Blvd in the 1970’s and created the houseplant and florist division there. She was the first woman to hold a management position at Menne’s. Her achievements bear witness to her exceptional talent and her unyielding determination.
She is survived by her loving children, Suzann (T Zosh) Knop, Michael (Lynn) Knop, Timothy (Philip Salemi) Knop, and Lisa (Philip) Jemison; beloved grandmother of Sherrie (Javier) Licon, Allison (Chad) Fout, and Derek (Sara) Knop; cherished great grandmother of Isabella, Elena, Victoria, Cameron, and Gavin; fond sister of Joyce (George) Harlock, Daniel (Gail) LaFleur, Paul (Keo) LaFleur and Harold (Twink) Harlock. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Betty is predeceased by her husband, Richard Knop and a brother, John (Lois) LaFleur.
Friends and relatives may call on Friday, September 15, 2023 from 3 – 7 PM at Ross Funeral Home of Akron, LLC., 10 Eckerson Avenue, Akron, NY 14001 where a Memorial Service will be held on Friday, at 7:00 PM.
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