Linda M. "Cookie" Knapp

Linda M. "Cookie" Knapp 5/1/1943 - 3/2/2013 Was called home after a long battle with a variety of illnesses. Born Linda Miller in Philadelphia to her wonderful parents, Alfred and Adelene Miller. She grew up in Bala Cynwyd, PA, where she became one of the top lacrosse players in the country. She finished first in her 1960 class at Harriton (PA)High School, then graduated magna cum laude from Bryn Mawr College class of '64. She later received a Masters degree from the Philadelphia College of Art. After a career as an interior decorator in Palm Beach, FL and New York City, she came to Tucson in the 1970's for health reasons. She became a studio teacher in the motion picture industry, working on such films as "Tom Horn", "Desert Bloom", "Young Guns II" and many others. Cookie also worked as a private tutor from her home, becoming a tireless advocate and mentor for young people with dyslexia and ADHD. Though she suffered a stroke in 1994, she continued to live with a big heart in the spirit of joy. In her later life she lived in Santa Fe, a place she loved greatly, before returning to Tucson for her final years. She enjoyed collecting Asian and Native American art, classic films and had a great love for animals. Cookie always shared her home with a clutter of cats and had a deep spiritual life and a passion for God. She is survived by her devoted husband, Chris Joehnk; her brother, Melvin "Buzz" Miller of Gladwyne, PA and her beautiful cats. Many of the caregivers who shared in her struggle became like family as well. A Memorial service will be held at her home, 455 N. Granada Ave, on Sunday, March 24, 2013 at noon. Cookie lived a life of Love; people grew in her presence. May her name be written in the Book of Life. Amen.