Mary Grace Knapp (Botteri)

Mary Grace (Botteri) 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 a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

A proud graduate of a Boston High School, Mary went on to embark on a journey that would lead her to become the matriarch of a large and loving family. She married her high school sweetheart, Robert Knapp, and grew a beautiful family together. Their first child was born in 1953, and over the next 14 years, their family continued to grow. Mary treasured every moment spent with her family, savoring the joys of camping trips, social gatherings and special occasions.

Beyond her love for family, Mary poured her energy into a long career in the food industry, proudly working multiple jobs over the years, from serving fans at Angel's Stadium to caring for students at Rowland High School, until her well-earned retirement. Her devotion to her career was rivaled only by the deep pride she took in being a grandmother and "Nona," finding boundless joy in her family and in sharing her beautiful gift for song.

Mary's personality shone brightly. She was known for her loving nature, strength, and an open heart that drew people to her. Faith guided her throughout her life. Though raised Catholic, she later embraced non-denominational Christianity and cherished her 20 years of worship and community at Calvary Chapel and the Fellowship Church in Round Rock. Her commitment to community was unwavering. Through her active involvement with the Allen R. Baca Senior Center and the Red Hat Society, she shared her joy for life and inspired countless friendships along the way. She will forever be remembered for her love of card games, Yahtzee, Bingo, and her sharing of stories through written and spoken word. Mary felt so proud of her contributions to the Baca Writing Club's publications.

Mary is preceded in death by her former husband of 38 years, Robert Knapp Sr., her parents, Anthony and Giovanna (Fiorenza) Botteri, her son, Richard Knapp, her siblings, Leonard Botteri, Anthony Botteri, and Eleanore Botteri, sister in-law Irene (Tosi) Botteri, and her daughter-in-law, April (Bowman) Knapp.

She leaves behind her cherished children, Robert Jr., Donna Delaney, Paul (Hazel), Carl (Anita), John, and Joyce (Jim) Strain—along with her siblings, Annette (Robert) Houle and Joseph (Kathy) Botteri, and sister in-law Helen (Gray) Botteri. Her large and loving family of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family will forever be a reflection of her warmth and devotion. She is also survived by her two closest friends, Shelley Peeples and Loree Neiman, who were like family to her.

Mary Grace Knapp was deeply loved and will be dearly missed. Her devotion to her family and the kindness she shared with everyone she met will forever be remembered. She poured her love into every stitch, creating countless crocheted blankets so her loved ones could always be wrapped in her warmth. Her greatest wish was to share the promise of John 14, inspiring others to open their hearts to faith so that one day, they could all be together again in heaven.

A memorial service for Mary will be held at 9:30 AM on Friday, November 14th, 2025 at the Lighthouse Church located at 222 Spring St in West Roxbury MA 02132. A private inurnment for family will follow at 12 PM at Mt. Benedict Cemetery, 409 Corey St, Boston, Massachusetts.

In lieu of flowers please make a memorial donation to the Shriners Children's Hospital at 2900 Rocky point Dr, Tampa, Fl 33607.

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