Knapp
Mary Grace Knapp
November 13, 1931 – October 9, 2025
Mary Grace Knapp, affectionately known as “Nona,” passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 9, 2025, in Holland, Texas, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on November 13, 1931, in Boston, Massachusetts. Mary lived a life rich in faith, love, and family, leaving an indelible mark on everyone she met.
A proud graduate of a Boston high school, Mary went on to embark on a journey that would see her become the matriarch of a large and loving family. She met the love of her life, Robert William Knapp, during her high school years. Shortly after graduating, the couple married, beginning a beautiful family together. Their first child, Robert Jr., was born in 1953, and over the years their family grew to include several more children, culminating with their youngest daughter, Joyce, born in 1967. Mary treasured every moment spent with her family, savoring the joys of camping trips and social gatherings.
In addition to her family life, Mary dedicated herself to her work in the food industry, serving at the Rowland High School Cafeteria until her well-deserved retirement. Her commitment to her career was matched only by her pride in being a grandmother to 32 great-grandchildren, who brought her endless joy.
Mary’s personality shone brightly. She was known for her loving nature, strength, and an open heart that drew people to her. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life; she was raised Catholic and later embraced the teachings of non-denominational Christianity, proudly becoming a member of Calvary Chapel and The Fellowship Church in Round Rock for 20 years. Additionally, she took part in various community activities, including the Allen R. Baca Senior Center and the Red Hat Society, where her vivacious spirit continued to inspire those around her.
A lover of card games and Bingo, Mary found delight in socializing with friends, actively engaging in her writing club, sing-along clubs, and Bible fellowship at the Allen R. Baca Center.
Mary is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 38 years, Robert Knapp; her parents, Anthony and Giovanna (Fiorenza) Botteri; her son, Richard Knapp; and siblings Leonard Botteri, Anthony Botteri, and Eleanore Botteri.
She is survived by her four sons, Robert Knapp Jr., Paul (Hazel) Knapp, Carl (Anita) Knapp, and John Knapp; two daughters, Donna Delaney and Joyce (Jim) Strain; one brother, Joseph (Kathy) Botteri; one sister, Annette (Robert) Houle; seventeen grandchildren; and an impressive thirty-two great-grandchildren, all who are a testament to her loving legacy.
Mary Grace Knapp was a remarkable woman whose memory will be cherished by her family and friends. She will be remembered not only for her devotion to her loved ones but also for the warmth and love she shared with everyone she encountered throughout her life. She made 32 crocheted blankets to show her love for all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It was her prayer that they cherish these blankets and find comfort in the years to come. It was her heart’s mission to share John 14: “To grow to accept our Savior as their own,” so one day you all will meet again in heaven.
A memorial service for Mary will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 10:30 AM at The Fellowship Church in Round Rock, with Don Dye officiating, located at 3379 Gattis School Rd.
An additional service, with Mary’s grandson Kirk Delaney officiating, will take place at 9:30 AM on Friday, November 14, 2025, at The Lighthouse Church, located at 222 Spring St, West Roxbury, MA 02132. Inurnment to follow at 1 PM in the Mt. Benedict Cemetery, 409 Corey St, Roxbury, Massachusetts.
In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation to the Shriners Children’s Hospital, 2900 Rocky Point Dr, Tampa, FL 33607.
A special thank you to her two best friends that she loved as family, Shelly and Loree.
Arrangements are under the direction of Sabrina Young at Young’s Daughters Funeral Home and Bereavement Center in Temple, Texas.