Kathleen "Kay" Knisely

Kathleen (Kay) Mann Knisely passed away peacefully at her home on a beautiful Sunday morning in October, surrounded by her family.

She is survived by her sister, Mary Jane: her five children, Lee Ann, Barbara, James & wife Caroline, Kathleen & husband Dave and Scott and eight grandchildren.

Born in 1933 in Sayre, Pennsylvania, she was the youngest daughter of Genevieve and Robert Mann, when movies were only five cents and ice skating on the lakes after school were common in the winters.

Kathleen graduated from Sayre High school and attended Pennsylvania State College.

Kathleen met her husband, Samuel Weaver Knisely, MD at the Guthrie Clinic in Sayre.

They moved to Harrisburg where they raised their five children. She was active in the Dauphin County Medical Society Auxiliary. She enjoyed tennis, golf, bridge and reading.

She was a first fierce advocate of her children, taking them to the library and demanding summer reading list from the schools. She devoted herself to her family and encouraged leaders, not followers. She loved interacting with people and was quick witted, catching more than one person off guard. She was an unforgettable person who loved to quote Shakespeare and old songs from the 20s and 30s. She never stopped questioning and learning, and was a source of unfathomable wisdom. She is missed dearly everyday but we know she is enjoying herself and making the most of every moment.

She is predeceased by her husband, Sam.

Private services will be held for family and friends.

In lieu of flowers the family requests acts of "paying it forward" through a donation to a local organization or a small gesture of kindness to those around you.