Sally E. Knapp

MONTPELIER/ CHESHIRE, Conn. – Dr. Sally Elizabeth Knapp, 91, of 149 Main St., died gently on May 8, 2010, at the Woodridge Nursing Home in Berlin, where she had lived since November 2008. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on July 31, 1918, Sally was a very intelligent, adventurous, and independent girl who apparently gave her parents a run for their money.

Sally received her bachelor of arts in English from Adelphi University in 1940, her masters of arts in hospital administration from Columbia University in 1952, and her doctoral degree in adult education from Columbia University Teachers College in 1970. She worked as an educator and administrator at numerous hospitals and universities around the country until her retirement in 1975.

In her early 20s, Sal developed a passion for flying, and became a licensed commercial pilot and civilian flight instructor in 1941. She trained pilots early in World War II, and later taught instrument flying to pilots at Pan Am Airways.

Sal met her companion Elizabeth Harmon while at Columbia in the early 50s.

For 25 years until Elizabeth's death they studied, traveled, worked, and kept a happy and welcoming home, raising many litters of daschunds together. They settled in Cheshire, Conn., in 1973, where Sal was a beloved and active member of her community until moving to The Gary Home in Montpelier in 2008, to be near her niece.

In the 1980s Sally served on the advisory board of the Humane Society of the United States, attending HSUS meetings and conventions with her niece in tow. She was a generous supporter of her local animal shelters wherever she lived. While residing at Woodridge, Sal donated all her weekly bingo and poker winnings to the Central Vermont Animal Shelter.

A voracious reader, Sally was also an author and editor. She published four biographical books for young adult readers, and collaborated on many professional education, nursing research, and medical administration texts.

She was generous. She adored her niece, and the feeling was mutual. She loved chocolate. She was an optimist. She rarely complained. She had a genuine interest in other people and their lives. She made friends easily, and stayed in touch. All who knew her learned a little about the art of being a good person in this life.

Sally is survived by her niece Wendy Knapp and husband John Bollard of Middlesex, and many dear friends of all ages around the country. She was predeceased by her companion Elizabeth Harmon, her brother Dr. John A. Knapp, and lots of daschunds.

Wendy would like to thank the volunteers and staff of Woodridge, the Spruce Common Unit, and Dr. Marilyn Hart for their friendship, loving care of Sally, and interest in her life.

There will be no public services, following Sally's wishes.

Donations in Sal's memory can be made to the Central Vermont Humane Society, P.O. Box 687, Montpelier, VT 05641, or to the Cheshire Public Library in Cheshire, CT 06410.

For those wishing to convey online condolences to the family, visit www.Barber-Lanier.com.