Virginia Ann “Geno” Knockwood
KNOCKWOOD, Virginia Ann “Geno” – Age 80, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at the Colchester East Hants Health Centre. Reunited with her loving husband, Stephen “John” Knockwood (former Chief of Indian Brook and District Chief of Nova Scotia).
Survived by her children,
Ida, Shonna (Barry) Stephen (Rhonda), Ronald (Jennifer), Lynn, Heather, Ian, Coliste, Stuart (Angie), Lesley, Glen (Amy), and Ella.
Also survived by 18 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, one on the way; sons by heart, Darrell Johnson and Gaetan Goguen.
She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She was a daughter of the late Keptin Stephen Paul, Spiritual Mi’kmaq Prayer Leader of the People (known today as the Grand Council) and the late Sarah Paul (Brooks). Predeceased by, Mary, Catherine, Rita, Patsy, Geraldine, Ronald, Lawrence, Patrick, Edward, John Turner.
Geno was very involved and dedicated to her church, St. Kateri, Indian Brook and served as President of the Ladies of St. Ann’s for 38 years.
Geno and John were foster parents to many children over the years. Geno had numerous godchildren. Her home was always open to family and friends; she always said, “There is room for one more.”
Geno was a former Band Councillor, employed by the residential school and Abenaki Motel as a cook, and worked as a community health worker, retiring at the age of 74.
She was a lifelong volunteer. One of her proudest accomplishments was when she and her life long friend, Doris Maloney took three years of fundraising and built the church rectory for the priest of Indian Brook.
Geno was a very avid softball and hockey fan, but her favourite of all time was the Montreal Canadians.
Visitation will be held Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Feb. 25, 26, and 27 from 2 to 9 p.m. each day in Ettinger Funeral Home 2812 Highway 2, Shubenacadie. Funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 27, 2017 in St. Kateri Church, Indian Brook, Hants Co., Father Joseph Thomas officiating. Interment to follow in St. Kateri Cemetery.
Condolences, words of comfort and memories of Geno may be shared with the family at www.ettingerfuneralhome.com.