Rita T. Knapp's Obituary
With profound sadness, the family of Rita T. Knapp announces her passing at home in Moorestown, New Jersey, on December 21, 2025, after a brief illness. Born on June 25, 1942, in Trenton, she was the cherished daughter of Matthew J. Davern and Ruth Davern, both predeceased.
She was the sister of Maureen Gallagher, Dennis Davern, the late Paul Davern, and Matthew Davern, who made the ultimate sacrifice when he was killed in action on Mother's Day in 1966 while serving in Vietnam — a loss that shaped her strength and deepened her empathy for the sacrifices of others.
Rita was the wife of the late John H. Knapp and the devoted mother of Amy Knapp-Richey (Christopher) of Moorestown, NJ, Richard Knapp (Tammy) of Browns Mills, NJ, Robert Knapp (Deborah) of Southampton, NJ, and John H. Knapp, Jr. (Ann) of Brockway, PA. She was the proud grandmother to several grandchildren. She will also be sorely missed by her two dear friends Janice Gruber of Mt. Laurel, NJ and Lorenzo Lora of Browns Mills, NJ.
Rita's calling was nursing especially critical care-where her sharp mind, compassion, and steady confidence touched countless patients and families across many decades.
Though her demanding career often kept her away from home, she worked tirelessly to provide stability, security, and every necessity her children needed. Her work ethic was her love language, expressed through sacrifice, long hours, and a deep desire to ensure her family never went without. Her dedication to the nursing profession was inspiring, and she was profoundly proud that two of her grandchildren chose to follow in her footsteps and that her influence will continue for generations through the caregivers she inspired and the lives she touched.
As her health declined, Rita was surrounded by love, care, and presence of her immediate family-reminding all who knew her of the deep spiritual importance of tending to the people in our lives. Her passing calls each of us to reflect on the preciousness and fragility of family, forgiveness, second chances, and time itself.
Tomorrow is never promised; the small acts of reaching out—a visit, a call, a moment of grace matter more than we often realize. Rita delighted in the company of visitors, greeting loved ones with stories and her warm, infectious laugh.
The family finds comfort in the words of Scripture:
"Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves." —Romans
12:10
This verse reflects the heart of what truly sustains us-showing up for each other, especially when it requires intention, compassion, and strength.
Rita's interment will be private, and the family kindly requests privacy during this time of grief and transition.
May her memory be a blessing, and may her legacy of care, resilience, and devotion endure in the hearts of those she loved and in the generations she helped shape.
What’s your fondest memory of Rita?
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