Deborah Lee Knapp

It is with great sadness that I share that Debbie Knapp of Huntsville, Ontario, passed away Monday March 11th, 2024 at the Huntsville hospice with me (Karalee Heppner) by her side.   Over the weeks preceding her departure she was surrounded by family and friends. Her brief fight with cancer ultimately took her away.

Debs journey began when she married Bruce and welcomed Ben and Dan into her heart.  Her and Bruce created Samantha, the lovely apple of her eye.  Her goal of having a big family did not end there.  Her next chapter brought her to me, where she opened her heart once more to welcome Kurtis and Gavin, once again as her own.  Grand kids Madisyn (Kee), Dom, Owen and Cooper filled her heart even more.

Her career as a custodian nourished her enjoyment of being around children.  Even after she retired, and we would be on a trip somewhere, you could guarantee whatever she was doing, a collection of children always gravitated to her.  I recall a time on a beach where she is sitting in the sand, near the water, searching for shark teeth.  Three little ones gathered around, listening intently, while she showed each of them all the treasures she had found.

Deb leaves behind myself (Karalee Heppner), 5 children; Ben (Lyndsay) Clarke, Dan (Candice) Clarke, Samantha Clarke, Kurtis Middlebrook and Gavin Middlebrook.  She leaves four grandchildren, Dom, Madisyn (Kee), Owen and Cooper.  She is survived by her mother Giselle, honorary mum Dorothy, sisters Dianna and Lisa, and Brother Greg.

Special mention to Norma and Dr O’Hallaron, the teams of homecare helpers, and staff at the hospice, whom all provided exceptional care as she prepared for her trip to Summerland.  Words cannot possibly do justice to how amazing you all are.

Deb did not want a funeral, so I will honor that, but a celebration of life is being considered for this summer.  Information can be found with Muskoka burial and cremation services. (https://www.muskokacremation.ca).

If you wish, donations can be directed to Huntsville hospice (https://www.hospicehuntsville.com), closing the gap homecare (https://www.closingthegap.ca/locations/muskoka-huntsville), or the Canadian cancer society (https://cancer.ca/en), and would be greatly appreciated.

Our last two years were spent here in Huntsville where Deb found her ultimate peace, living in nature and fishing in her kayak on the river. 

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