Obituary of Phyllis L Knopp

Phyllis L. (Goodwin) Knopp, passed away on July 8, 2024 at the age of 89.  She was born and raised in Malden, MA, after her parents,  Lester Lloyd Goodwin and Josephine Regina Penney, immigrated from Nova Scotia.  After graduating from Malden High School, Phyllis attended Malden Hospital Nursing School of Nursing and received her RN.

It was during her time at Malden Hospital that Phyllis made fun of an orderly’s name (Henry Knopp) to her colleagues. That “funny” named orderly would soon become the love of her life.  Henry and Phyllis married on March 16, 1956.

After she married Henry (Hank) and accompanied him on his tour of duty abroad. Phyllis began a lengthy career as an operating room nurse at Winchester Hospital in Winchester MA.  She was always early to work to ensure everything was ready and the coffee was made. She was regarded as knowledgeable, organized, and meticulous.  It was at Winchester Hospital where she developed many life-long friends.

After retiring from Winchester Hospital, Phyllis took a part-time position at Woburn Eye Associates Clinic in Woburn MA.  She was adored by her colleagues and described by her manager as “a wonderful role model and life mentor.”  At the age of 79, Phyllis finally retired.  She took great pride in her nursing career and its longevity.

In 1964, Hank and Phyllis moved into their forever home at 18 Spring Valley Road in Burlington, MA to raise their growing family.  Decorating and maintaining that home was of great pride and joy to Phyllis. In addition, order and cleanliness were essential and she was known for running her house like it was an operating room.

Phyllis was a prolific reader and lover of history.  She also enjoyed many hobbies including cake decorating, knitting Afghans, needle point, drawing and painting.

Once Phyllis and Hank became empty nesters, they embarked on many worldwide travels with their dear friends. Memorable trips spanned the entire US including Alaska, Bermuda, Hawaii, Greece, Italy, and Russia. Phyllis would meticulously document each trip in an album with a daily journal and photos.

Phyllis loved and owned numerous animals during her lifetime, but none provided her with more joy and comfort than her last dog, “Gracie”. 

During her lengthy marriage, her love and devotion to Hank was unwavering. It was rare to see one without the other.  

Phyllis was the beloved wife of the late Hank Knopp.  She is survived by her children Lori Dodwell, Linda Knopp, Gary and Linda Knopp and Kristen and Gary Piscatelli.  She was the loving ‘Nana’ to ten grandchildren: Alex, Jacqueline, and Avery Dodwell; Rachel, Kelly, Cory, and Cameron Knopp; Steven, Christopher, and Tori Piscatelli.  She was a great grandmother to Briar Osborne and Remi Piscatelli. She was predeceased by her beloved sister Jean Kulch and brother Havelock “Bud” Goodwin.

Visiting hour will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington on Saturday, July 13 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. followed by a funeral service at the funeral home at 11:30 a.m.  Services will conclude with a burial at Chestnut Hill Cemetery in Burlington. In lieu of flowers, donations in Phyllis’s name may be made to your favorite animal charity.