Celina Knippling

Celina Knippling

RAPID CITY - Celina "the Great" Knippling, 52, died peacefully surrounded by her family in Oakland, Maine on March 16, 2023. She bravely fought cancer for many years and died peacefully, surrounded by family watching a show (Twins Peaks) with her nephews, her sister in the room, and mom in the kitchen, one last gathering that she quietly slipped out of, in true Celina form.

Yanked into the world by the forceps of an impatient doctor, Celina was born on the plains of South Dakota November 1970 to Howard and Claire Knippling. She was the definition of an exceptional child who was known to say, "I 'mart, Mommy." and could read Little House books before kindergarten. Celina was known for her genius-level wit coupled with her unquenchable thirst for truth and justice, usually served with a sprinkling of her sardonic humor. She wanted to be a historian and was a voracious reader of all topics but settled on becoming an auditor in order to bring white collared criminals to justice and pay the bills. She earned many accolades as a Senior Auditor in Sacramento, CA, including the State Auditor's Excellence Award (much like Jamie Lee Curtis's character in the movie Everything Everywhere All at Once). In 2013 she moved to Baltimore, MD, eventually becoming the Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) at Optimity Advisors. She relocated to Maine in March 2022 to be closer to family while receiving palliative care. She loved her cats (Kit Kat, Snickers, Basheera, and Harriet), traveling (especially to Rome), visiting friends, fossil hunting for megalodon teeth (which she never found), pranking her nephews and niece, growing things, baking bread, listening to musical theater, coloring and painting her chotskies. Celina also followed current events closely. Some people think social justice warrior is a scary concept, but Celina wore that badge proudly (her online Reddit presence will be felt and missed thoroughly). She loved fiercely and formed a small group of friends also known as her "chosen family" who were very dear to her.

She was preceded by her loving cats, Kit Kat, Snickers, and Basheria, nieces Xea Clare and Juniper, father Howard, brother in law John Meyer and too many other relatives to list. She leaves behind her beloved but very quirky cat Hairyette, innumerable grieving friends and family including her mother Claire (Lafontaine Knippling) Ryan, step father Kelly Ryan, sisters Laurie (and brother in law Shane) Nelsen, Kitara Meyer, Jen (and brother in law Craig) Allen, brother Mike Knippling, nephews Phoenix Sanchez, Eli, Luke and Noah Nelsen, Lex Knippling and niece Vani Byerly. A celebration of life will be held virtually and in Maine on July 2. In lieu of gifts or flowers, please donate to her favorite charity, the Fistula Foundation.