Obituary of Anna May Knittel

Anna May Knittel (nee Rice), age 84 of Plymouth Meeting, PA died October 26 at The Keystone Hospice House. Anna May was born on September 8, 1933 in Philadelphia, PA. Anna May is the daughter of the late Patrick and Nellie (Nee) Rice. She attended St. Columba's Catholic School where her love of learning was formed. At the age of 12, Anna May moved with her family to Gloucester, NJ where she finished grade school at St. Mary's. There she met her lifelong friends. Anna May graduated from Gloucester Catholic High School in 1951 where she excelled academically. Shortly thereafter Anna May took a job working for the U.S. Military in Tokyo, Japan. She spent the next few years working and traveling around the world. She lived in Oahu, Hawaii for several years where she learned to hula dance, which she would perform on occasion after a couple whiskey sours. She took Chinese cooking lessons and her Chinese dinners were famous. After returning to the Philadelphia area, Anna May continued her education at St. Joseph's University. She learned to ski enthusiastically and traveled through the United States and abroad. However, she particularly enjoyed vacationing in Spring Lake, NJ with her girlfriends. In 1972, Anna May married Edward Knittel and moved to Plymouth Meeting where they raised four children. Anna May and Ed shared a love of Irish music and dancing. Their home was the center of family life and they hosted countless holidays and parties. All were welcomed with open arms and strangers were treated like family. At the age of 72, Anna May retired from the U.S. Attorney's office. During her retirement, she took an active role in caring for her extended family, friends and grandchildren. She worked hard to maintain her many close friendships. She was an avid reader and enjoyed traveling with her sister, Helen. Anna May was loved by many for her selfless compassion and kindness. She laughed easily and was the life of every party. Anna May had a quick wit and loved to debate. She was an active member of St. Philip Neri Parish in Lafayette Hill, PA until the end of her life. Anna May is survived by four children: Mary Beth (Pat) Delaney, Katrina (Richard) Alkinburg, Nellie (William) Anstock, and Eamon (Susanne) Knittel and fourteen grandchildren: Kaitlyn, Patrick, Daniel, Matthew, James, Molly, Kevin, Jake, Delcan, Thomas, Patrick, Caitlin, Eamon, and Brendan. She is also survived by two sisters, Helen Tarsi of Conshohocken, PA and Kathleen Brown of Oceanside, CA and many nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian burial will be held 11:00 am on Monday, October 30 at Saint Philip Neri Church, 437 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill, PA. 19444 Burial will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Calling hours will be Monday, October 30 from 9:30-11AM at Saint Philip Neri Church, 437 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill, PA.. Memorial donations may be made to the above church school or Mother Teresa Regional School-405 Allendale Rd. King of Prussia, Pa.19406