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Dorothy D. Knopfel

  • On April 5, 2023
  • 10 Comments
Dorothy D. Knopfel, age 68, of Scott Township, passed away unexpectedly on April 2, 2023.  Born on October 15, 1954, she was the daughter of the late Malcolm and Dorothy “Bea” Dunker.
Beloved wife of Vernon Knopfel for almost 40 years; loving mother of Will (Simi) Knopfel, Emily (Scott) Gibbons, and Sara Knopfel; adored grandma “ma” of Luke and Leena Knopfel and Jackson and Finley Gibbons; dear sister of Ruth Dunker, Malcolm (Debbie) Dunker, Debbie (Scott) Taylor, and Dave (Elaine) Dunker; also survived by many nieces, nephews, and grand nephews.
Following a long and rewarding career caring for others as a nurse, Dorothy retired to devote even more time caring for and spoiling her grandchildren.  She was a hands-on grandmother whom you could always find crawling in the fort, rolling down the hill, or climbing the jungle gym along with the kids.  Dorothy loved spending time with friends and family more than anything.  She was always looking for a reason to bring people together and let her infectious, carefree spirit shine.  You could count on her to have an outfit and gifts themed for every holiday to celebrate with those she loved. Dorothy was a spiritual person who spent her quieter times with a good book and her puzzles.
A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2023 from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 12 pm at Pittsburgh Cremation & Funeral Care, 3287 Washington Rd., McMurray, PA 15317.  Burial will follow at Jefferson Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, The World Wildlife Foundation, or The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

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10 Comments

Philip Malesky
I knew Dorothy as a nurse for more than 20 years. First indirectly at Mercy Hospital and then at Family Hospice in Mount Lebanon. Hospice is where Dorothy found her true colon. Her patients were always kept comfortable and looked their best. And it was a pleasure working with her, and everyone she ever worked with will never forget her!
Philip Malesky
I knew Dorothy for more than 20 years as a nurse. I worked indirectly with her at.Mercy and then directly at Family hospice in Mount Lebanon. Dorothy found her true calling in hospice nursing. Her patients were always kept comfortable and looking their best. Everyone who ever worked with her will miss her greatly, and never forget her.
Cherie Fitzpatrick
I worked with Dorothy at Family Hospice. She was such a wonderful nurse and a compassionate, caring person. Dorothy was the nurse taking care of my father the evening he passed at Family Hospice and I was so grateful that Dorothy was with my dad as he took his last breath. She was wonderful with my whole family and I will never forget her kindness. Rest in peace Dorothy. Prayers for your family.
Lucy Harris
So sorry for your loss. I will miss my cousin, since we are only a day apart. I won't be able to make it for the service. Lucy Ann
Dale Conway
Vernon and family, I was so saddened to hear of the loss of Dorothy. I know she will be misseed by many, as she was loved in life. Unfortunaely, I will be unable to get to Pgh this weekend due to my organist responsibilities and it being Easter, but know my thoughts and prayers will be with you. Love Dale
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