WILTON – Luralee Allen Knapp, 70, of Stuart, Florida passed away on January 22, 2023, with her family by her side, following a battle with stage IV pancreatic cancer.
Luralee was born in Farmington, Maine to Elwood and Blanche Allen of Phillips, Maine on July 7, 1952. She attended Phillips Elementary School and Phillips High School before graduating from Mt Abram High School in 1970. She went on to the University of Maine at Orono and Boston University, receiving a Bachelors of Art in early childhood education in 1974.
At Mt. Abram High School, Luralee met the love of her life, Maurice Knapp. Maurice and Luralee were married in 1973 and eventually settled in Farmington, Maine. Luralee taught at the Strong Elementary School. After retiring from teaching, Luralee raised her and Maurice’s two children, supported Maurice’s optometric practice and volunteered extensively in her community for the Children’s Task Force and at Mallet School and Cascade Brook School.
Luralee loved spending her summers on Squirrel Island, Maine. She was actively involved in the Squirrel Island community, volunteering for several committees, including the Ladies’ Improvement Association, Chapel Committee and the Long-Range Planning Committee (twice). Luralee very much enjoyed getting to know the next generation of Squirrels through her time at the Squirrel Island Tea Shop.
Luralee and Maurice retired to Stuart, Florida in 2007. Luralee loved to travel and in their retirement, Luralee and Maurice traveled extensively.
Luralee was predeceased by her parents Elwood and Blanche (Vaughan) Allen and her brother Verne Allen. She is survived by her beloved husband Maurice Knapp, her cherished Portuguese Water Dog, Willie, her son and daughter-in-law Ben and Francesca Knapp, of Maine, her daughter Sarah Knapp, of London, England, her brother and sister-in-law Vaughan and Nancy Allen of Tennessee and several nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to everyone who has supported Luralee and her family during Luralee’s battle with cancer. We are very grateful for all the support and for everyone that brought food, stopped by, called and sent cards or text messages. We feel extremely fortunate to have such great friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either to the Squirrel Island Preservation Foundation
Nina Garrison, Treasurer
3 Clacton Way
South Portland, ME 04106
or to MaineGeneral Health to benefit the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care in memory of Luralee Knapp. Please send your gift to:
MaineGeneral Health
Office of Philanthropy
PO Box 828
Waterville, Maine 04903-0828
Please include Luralee’s name on your check to have it directed appropriately, or gift online at https://give.mainegeneral.org/
At Luralee’s request there will be no services at this time; the family intends to hold a celebration of life at a later time. Memories may be shared in her Book of Memories at www.wilesrc.com. Cremation care has been provided by the Wiles Remembrance Center of Farmington.
Maurice— so sorry for your loss. I had many great years with luralee growing up. Hugs to you and the kids
I am sorry to read of Luralees passing. I loved her parents and enjoyed caring for them at Pinewood Terrace. Luralee visited often. I enjoyed talking with her. Rest in peace and be with your parents and brother.
So sorry for your loss.
Mike and I send our condolences to you Maurice and your family.
My sincere condolences to all of her family. She was a sweet, kind lady! I worked with her at Strong Elementary School until she retired from teaching.
So very sorry to see this. Thinking of the family at this time.
Maurice, Bruce and I are so very very sorry for your loss, you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers
My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends.
She was such a great teacher. She made a huge impact in my life and I will be forever grateful for her. Loved her 🧡🌟Kirsten Lambert Smith
So very sorry to hear of Luralee’s passing. My deepest sympathies to you, Maurice, and the rest of the family.
Maurice and Family, Our deepest sympathy. We are thinking of you. Mike and Louise
So sorry to all her family. She was too young…
Another “Dodge Roader” gone.
Sorry to hear of death of Luralee who was born and raised in Phillips. She was the only person for whom I ever babysat, while I lived next to Luralee and her parents on Dodge Road, Phillips. She was a fabulous person and will be missed. RIP Luralee.
Maurice and family so sorry for your loss. Luralee was such a special person. Please take care and know that she is still with you. Your memories will always be with you.
Ben and Francesca, so very sorry for your loss.