Audrey Lewis Knowles

1917 - 2023

Audrey Lewis Knowles, 105, died peacefully at home on February 27, 2023. She was born on September 5, 1917 to J. Garfield and Elizabeth (Adams) Lewis in Tower City, PA and often spoke of her happy childhood there. She graduated from Tower City High School and worked for PPL in Allentown, PA and the Civil Defense Commission in Washington, DC. before becoming a homemaker and volunteer. She was a loving and supportive mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, and was dearly loved in return. She was known as Sarge to her grandchildren and many friends, a nickname that reflected her ability to give orders with a great sense of humor. Audrey was always ready for a good time. As a member of the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital Women's Board, she served as Chair of the Old Market Fair. For many years she was the Chair of the Penny Wise Thrift Shop in Ardmore, PA, where she made lifelong friends. The donations room is named The Audrey Knowles Room in her honor. She made many friends through the Penn Valley Women's Club, where she enjoyed the bowling group, always maintaining a high average score. She was a dedicated gardener and especially loved azaleas, red geraniums and growing tomatoes. Audrey was an outstanding cook and hostess. She gave memorable parties for New Years Eve and the Fourth of July, preparing all the food herself, even churning homemade ice cream. Her family enjoyed wonderful holiday meals at her home, including hundreds of cookies at Christmas. She was predeceased by her eldest daughter Patricia Knowles Wood of Rockville, MD, her beloved aunt Florence L. Watkins of Tower City, two brothers and four sisters. She is survived by daughter Pamela K. Clark of Gladwyne, PA; son Harry J. Knowles, M.D. of Fallbrook, CA; grandchildren, John K. Clark, Scott S. Clark, Karen E. Wood, M.D. (Dominic Palagruto), Julie K. Wood (Russell Suchana), Leslie Wood Mummert (David); son-in-law Robert K. Wood (June); and great grandchildren Jack and Cameron Palagruto and Riley and Audrey Mummert. Her family sends special thanks and gratitude to her caregivers from Waverly Care who so gently tended to her in her final years. Services are private. Memorial gifts may be made to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Office of Institutional Advancement, 125 S. 9th St, Suite 600, Philadelphia, PA 19107, and directed to benefit the Penny Wise Thrift Shop.