Colette O. Knapp

On December 4th 2021, the world lost a much-loved mother and champion of children and pets everywhere when Colette Olga Knapp, formerly of Weare, NH passed away at the age of 90. Born in 1931 in La Rochelle, France, she moved to Vermont as a young woman where she raised her three oldest children and then married her second husband, Robert Eugene Knapp. Bob and Colette moved to Epsom, NH where she became a homemaker as the family grew to include four more daughters.

For 50 years Colette’s family lived in Weare, NH where she enjoyed visiting with friends, cooking, gardening, sharing perennials, knitting, sewing, quilting, embroidering, and walking. She devoted her life to raising her seven children and was active in their academic and sporting events as well as becoming very influential in the lives of many other young people from the community. She was involved in the Federated Church in Weare, Brownies, coaching high school cheerleading, chaperoning school events, starting the first public kindergarten in Weare, and finding countless other ways to make a positive impact.

Colette volunteered and later worked at the Weare School District and then became a special education paraprofessional at Mountain View Middle School in Goffstown, NH. She also volunteered with the swim program and later worked at Chase Park during the summers for many years. Bob and Colette moved to Havenwood Heritage Heights in Concord, NH in 2017. Colette’s family would like to express their gratitude to the entire staff of Havenwood for the level of support and compassion she received while in their care.

Colette was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Knapp, brother Roland, daughter Lorraine Simpson, and granddaughter, Becky Fifield. She is survived by her children, Robert Taylor, Suzanne Taylor, Christine Knapp, Tracy Misiaszek, Marilyn Knapp, and Jennifer Lanciault. Colette was adored by her grandchildren and great grandchildren whom she spoiled with cookies and her famous hand-knitted slippers. She is fondly remembered by her family in France: sister-in-law, Louisette; niece, Carole; and nephew, Pascal. Countless friends, neighbors, and children from many settings recall her gift of loving kindness. Colette kept the promise she made to herself as a young girl while witnessing the effects of WWII and fascism on ordinary people by spending her life being kind, helpful, and feeding others.

Services will be held at a later date this spring. Colette dearly loved helping children. In lieu of flowers if you would like to donate to a local children’s charity of your choice please do so in her memory. Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium is assisting the family with arrangements. To view an online memorial, leave a message of condolence, or for more information please go to www.phaneuf.net.