Lois E. (Leatherberry) Knapp

Lois E. Knapp (nee Leatherberry) of West Warwick passed away peacefully at the age of 86, on Monday December 18th.   She had been convalescing at the Genesis Rehabilitation Center in Coventry for the past three weeks after having fallen ill.  

Lois was born on December 28th 1930 in La Farge Wisconsin, to parents Clifford and Letha Leatherberry. She was a loving wife, mother, aunt, sister, grandmother and great grandmother.   Over many years, she never missed any one of her grandchildren’s band concerts, plays, musicals or games.   Growing up in rural Wisconsin, she was very close to her two older sisters and younger brother.   Throughout her lifetime, Lois enjoyed baking, gardening, camping and jigsaw puzzles.   She was particularly fond of animals and had many pets during her life. 

Lois was an operating room technician for many years, initially in Illinois and after moving to RI in 1982, at St. Josephs and Fatima Hospitals, until her retirement in June of 2003.  Lois and Bill were the proud owners of Mink Brook Campground in Lisbon, NH from 1985-1995, where they made many new friends.

Lois leaves behind her husband of 68 years, William Knapp.  Lois was the beloved mother of Jan Richman and her husband Barry of East Greenwich. She is also survived by her grandson Dr. Ryan Richman and his wife Dr. Kathryn Parker of Delmar, NY, Erin Girouard and her husband Clayton of Royalston, MA and Kate Richman of Medford, MA. She also dearly loved her 4 great-grandchildren James, Lucy and Thomas Richman and Clara Girouard.  Surviving sisters are Evelyn Miller of Janesville, WI, Darlene Byers of Beloit, WI and sister-in-law Caroline Leatherberry of Knobilsville, IN. She was preceded in death by her brother Bernie Leatherberry.   Lois was a very supportive and loving Aunt to many nieces and nephews throughout the country. 

Lois will be laid to rest near her childhood home in Viola, WI.  A memorial service is being planned for the spring in Wisconsin.   

The family would like to thank the staff at the Genesis Rehabilitation Center for their outstanding and compassionate care of Lois during her last weeks. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Providence Animal Rescue League, please visit www.parl.org to donate.  

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