Hilda Knapp

Hilda Knapp, 97, of Daleville, Virginia, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2026. She was born on May 2, 1929, and lived a full and active life centered around her family, her career, and her love of the outdoors.

Hilda was the beloved wife of John R. Knapp, who passed away on January 19, 2026. Together, John and Hilda built a life filled with family, adventure, and cherished memories.

Hilda is survived by her sons, Richard P. Knapp and Thomas J. Knapp, and her daughter-in-law Joanne Knapp, wife of her late son, Kenneth J. Knapp. She was the proud grandmother of Daniel T. Knapp, married to Jillian Ruddock, and Alexander J. Knapp, married to Grace Segers. She was also delighted to become a great-grandmother to Caley Olive Ruddock-Knapp, daughter of Daniel and Jillian, who was born on July 26, 2025.

Hilda and John lived in Western Massachusetts from 1960 to 1993, where they raised their family. In 1993, they moved to Cape Cod, where they enjoyed the beauty and outdoor lifestyle of the Cape until 2009. They then moved to Daleville, Virginia, where Hilda lived until her passing.

Hilda had a successful career as an executive manager at Digital Equipment Corporation, where she worked from 1980 until 1993. She was a dedicated and accomplished professional who took pride in her work and the people with whom she worked.

Outside of her career and family, Hilda had a deep appreciation for the outdoors. She enjoyed gardening, hiking, biking, and canoeing, and she maintained a lifelong interest in current events. She loved being outside and exploring the natural world, and she shared that enthusiasm with her family throughout her life.

Family was at the heart of Hilda's life. She took great pride in her children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter, and she treasured watching her family grow through the generations. The arrival of Caley Olive in 2025 brought her the special joy of becoming a great-grandmother.

Hilda will be remembered for her love of family, her curiosity about the world around her, her independent spirit, and her appreciation for the outdoors and an active life. Together with John, she created a family legacy that will continue through her children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter.

She will be deeply missed by her family and friends and lovingly remembered for the many years, experiences, and memories she shared with them.