Martha Knapp

KNAPP - Martha, fought a courageous 4 year battle against breast cancer which overcame her Sunday, October 20, 2002, at home. Her determination and independent spirit enabled her to remain a devoted mother to her son, Ian, and her daughter, Elizabeth, and a loving wife in the face of her illness. Martha's many interests included painting, horses, and interior decorating. Her boundless energy often left her family steps behind. She was born in Springfield and earned a B.S. in veterinary sciences at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Martha was the business manager of the Springfield Indians Hockey Club during her father's George W. Leary, tenure as owner. She retained that position after the franchise was sold to Peter Cooney. Most recently, Martha was the business manager for the Cooney Management Co., a division of that organization. She is survived by her husband, Matthew, and her children, Ian L. Dailey and Elizabeth H. Knapp. She is predeceased by her parents, George W. Leary and Constance S. Leary. She is also survived by her brother, Steven W. Leary of Northampton; her sisters: Ann L. Rines of Concord, NH, Tesesa L. Ellison of East Longmeadow, and Catherine L. McDonough of West Barnstable; her sister and brothers-in-law; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial Mass will be celebrated Wednesday at 10:30 A.M. at St. Mary's Church in Longmeadow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney Street, Boston, MA 02115. Local arrangements entrusted to the Samson Family Chapels of Springfield.