Carol Lee Knight
Carol Lee Knight passed away on January 9th, 2022 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Carol was born in Niagara Falls, NY to Ines and Wert Knapp. She moved to New Milford in 1964 with her husband, Rodney Knight. Carol was employed by New Milford Parks and Recreation, earning an Associate’s Degree in Recreation in the 1980s. Later in her career, she worked for Connecticut’s Department of Children and Families.
Carol raised four children in New Milford and instilled in them a love of physical activity and adventure. Decked out in leg warmers, a leotard and contagious enthusiasm, she taught aerobics in New Milford in the 70s and 80s. In her fifties, she started riding a motorcycle. She loved to kayak and bicycle. Some of her fondest memories were of whitewater rafting trips out west.
She was also immensely creative and talented. Carol knitted elaborate sweaters that could pass for authentic Irish knit. She drew portraits and crafted needlepoint. She was an artist with the sewing machine, as she made more than one bride’s vision a reality - designing and creating wedding dresses from a mere description. She made elaborate costumes, regaling her grandchildren as a lifesized Care Bear or a giant Easter Bunny. For years, she dressed as Mrs. Claus and distributed gifts at Christmastime. She was a master chef, whipping up gourmet dinners of chicken cordon bleu and boeuf bourguignon for her family.
Carol leaves her children, Neil Knight, Rod Knight, Scott Knight and Kylee Knight. She also leaves nine grandchildren: Gabe, Patrick and Olivia Knight, Connor, Cooper and Chloe Knight, Nate Beatty and Julia and Devon Gancher, as well as eight great-grandchildren. Additionally, she leaves a sister, Shirley Cassatt. She was predeceased by her husband, her grandson, Jared Beatty and a brother, Robert Knapp.
Her family will miss Carol’s smile, which could light up a room. In her memory, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday March 13, 2022 from 12:00 - 2:00 pm at Lillis Funeral Home, 58 Bridge Street, New Milford, CT. Burial in New Milford’s Center Cemetery will be private.