Deanne "Dee" E. Knapp's Obituary
Deanne "Dee" E. Knapp, 85, of Frederick, MD, passed away peacefully at home on January 18, 2026, just one week after celebrating her 85th birthday. She was the beloved wife of David A. Knapp, with whom she shared 63 years of marriage, deep friendship, and adventure.
Born in New York City on January 12, 1941, to Leonard and Sally Evander, Dee was raised in Lockport, NY. Her trademark ambition was evident early on; she attended Purdue University, where she managed to earn three degrees and meet and marry the love of her life, David, all within a whirlwind six-year span.
Dee’s distinguished career began in research at The Ohio State University, followed by a year at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. The family eventually settled in Maryland, where Dee dedicated 30 years to the Food and Drug Administration. Even in retirement, her passion for public health continued through her work with a health advocacy group on the reference book Pills That Don't Work and various collegiate collaborations. Of course, she also made time for the "sweet" side of life, famously enjoying her shifts at the Lindt chocolate shop in Montgomery Mall.
She is survived by her husband, David; her daughter, Wendy (Robert) Steagall; and her cherished granddaughters, Erika and Kate.
To celebrate her life, a visitation will be held on Friday, February 6, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Resthaven Funeral Home (9501 Catoctin Mountain Highway, Frederick, MD). A memorial service will follow immediately at 2:00 pm
Although she loved them, in lieu of flowers, consider a gift to the Maryland Food Bank.
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