Eileen Elma Knapp

It is with sadness and as a blessing we announce the passing of a wonderful soul, Eileen Elma Knapp. She passed peacefully during the early morning of Saturday, December 16th, 2023, while in long term care at The Millrise Senior’s Village in Calgary, having had to manage with Alzheimer’s for far too long. Born March 25th, 1932, along with twin sister, Margaret to parents Floyd and Pearl Normandy, in Toronto, Ontario, Eileen grew up with siblings, Bill, Bob, Bernie and younger sister, Nancy. All of whom had predeceased her except for Nancy.

Eileen spent the majority of her youth out East, marrying young to Orville Hickey and starting her family of five boys with eldest son, Doug. That marriage ended up in divorce after she moved West to be closer to her family who had moved out to B.C. earlier. Eileen later met and married Vern Gressel – with whom she had her youngest son, Paul. Unfortunately, this marriage ended when Vern passed away in 1978, when Paul was just eight years old. Though leaving her a widowed single mother, being a strong and independent woman, she started working to make ends meet.

In 1986, she met Lloyd Knapp – who literally danced her off her feet and swooned her with his charm and adventurism. Oh yes, and the love letters! They became soulmates, and on Christmas Eve of 1988 with her family present in Terrace, she became his “Little Angel” for life and was warmly welcomed into the extended Knapp family which included his five sons and their families. Lloyd of course found his way into the hearts of her family as well.

With Lloyd still taking jobs through his plumbing union, Eileen found things she could do while he was away – trying out new recipes, doing a lot of sewing and other crafts, visiting with friends and yes, reading – whatever she could get her hands on. She so looked forward to calls from her sons and other family members to know they were alright – giving her advice and always, her never ending love.

Whenever Lloyd was home and even more so when he hung up his tools for good (yeah right), they connected with family or with their good friends as often as they could in person – visiting, playing cards or other games, listening to good music and dancing. They became an amazing team in the mushroom patches – Eileen pulling more than her weight and height. She was a great support to Lloyd in this endeavor.

They enjoyed time away – to the States, Costa Rica and Nicaragua. In Arizona, they spent many years sharing accommodations with Lloyd’s sister, Hazel and her late husband Ken Kerbes. The ladies enjoyed going thrifting when the boys were otherwise engaged. Going to the Market to hear their friends sing, was a highlight for both Eileen and Lloyd, just as it was when they were in Terrace and they could listen to David and Barbara’s group – Band Babies.

She and Lloyd were together for more than 33 years when by circumstances of their dementia conditions, they were separated in February 2022, and never to be together again as he passed seven months later on September 19th, 2022. It was very sad that they were robbed of their memories and the joy of spending time together. Who can forget them walking hand in hand along Bower Ponds, going out for drives and ending up at their favourite restaurant for supper.

She is lovingly remembered by her family: daughter-in-law, Melody Hickey (Doug Jr. and Bonnie and their sons – Harlen, Dekkon and Tylan; Harmony and her children – Oceanna, Keagan Berry); sons,  David Hickey and Barbara, John McGowan (Eric and Haley; Marina and Blake Shirrop; Sean and Samina), Patrick “Pat” Hickey, Paul and Bhemy Gressel (Shelby, Jacob, Bandon, Jat, Logan); along with Lloyd’s sons and their families, Rod (Jillian and Cam Gerbrandt), Calvin and Brenda (Levi and Hikaru; Dylan), Dennis, Stewart and Shelley, Cory along with former daughters-in-law, Patricia Jessup and Nora Janes, who have warm memories of her.

Besides Lloyd, her parents and siblings, Eileen was also predeceased by her son, Doug Hickey Sr.; grandson, Terrence Hickey; great-grandson, Tenor Hickey; and most of her Normandy and Knapp in-laws.

Eileen is surely missed and will be cherished by her sister, Nancy Fugere; her extensive and extended Normandy family along with sisters and brothers-in-law, Hazel Kerbes, Blanche Wells, Audrey and Ken Preedin, Doug and Brenda Knapp; numerous Knapp nieces, nephews and cousins; as well as dear friends near and far.

May we look to the heavens and see Eileen and Lloyd once again in each other’s arms, dancing to the music they so enjoyed. Oh my!