Kathryn Barbara Knollinger

Kathryn “Kathy” Barbara Knollinger (nee Kniedler) was the first born of beloved parents, Norbert and Eleanore who raised five children in Pittsburgh, PA. Kathy left for greener pastures for a time in Texas where she met her first husband, Charlie Carroll, returning home with her eldest, Susie McGlumphy (nee Carroll). Mike and Steve Carroll followed in due time and the Carrolls moved to West Virginia to the house on the hill with wonderful views and plenty of land for the active family. This home became the gathering place for the extended family, especially once the pool went in.

Kathy worked hard at a chemical plant in West Virginia as one of only two women in a male dominated field while raising her family. As happens, Kathy and Charlie divorced yet remained good friends while co-parenting their growing children. It was at the plant where she met and later married Don Knollinger with whom she shared a deep abiding love until his passing in 2007. Kathy and Don moved to sunny Florida, mostly on a whim. Kathy had been traveling and somehow toured the house which she immediately purchased. Family lore has it that she came back to West Virginia and told Don she was moving to Florida, and he was welcome to join her. So, they moved to an active over-55 community in Summerfield, FL, where they enjoyed time with friends and family.

When the chemical plant closed, Kathy took advantage of a job retraining program by obtaining her BSN. She discovered she loved learning and continued her passion earning both an MSN, CNP, and further certification specializing in psychiatric nursing degrees. She always credited Don for his patience and computer-tech skills in aiding her academic success. Kathy worked as a Certified Nurse Practitioner, most notably in the Villages emergency room and later as a Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in the Florida prison system; both of which brought her in contact with people whose lives touched her deeply.

Kathy believed in hard work; she had to! Afterall, someone had to fund her many international trips, numerous concerts and performances, her glass, jewelry and art collections, and her generosity to family. From the German Christmas Market cruises to Iceland, from Fostoria to Chihuly glass, from Linda Ronstadt to the Passion of the Christ, and one-of-a-kind rings, bracelets, and necklaces, Kathy enjoyed the fruits of her labor, often sharing her experiences and treasures with family and friends.

In 2023, Kathy moved to Wilmington, OH to be closer to her children and grandchildren. The kids loved being able to spend more time with her and connecting on deeper levels. Granddaughter Marissa Tackett was closet both in distance and heart to Kathy, ensuring that her family – husband Cody and sons Levi and Lane – shared quality time together. Daughter Susie and Kathy became much closer because of the move through regular visits, shared experiences, and long conversations. Son Steve continued his diligent phone communication and increased visits with his mom; and we all know he was a mama’s boy.

Kathy loved her family; as the oldest of five children, Kathy maintained close ties with her sisters, Mary Jo and Bernadette, and brothers, Grant and Christ. Her own family continues to expand with grandchildren: Jessica Layon, Joseph Ickes, Marissa Tackett, Madison Carroll, Gage Carroll, Landon Carroll, Joseph Ricketts, Zach, Reagan, and Emerson Carroll, and seven great-grandchildren.

Kathy looked forward to the annual family reunion at Mary Jo Kniedler’s and Bob McLaughlin’s home in Pittsburgh. It was a chance for her to see not only most of her own family in one place, but also many of the extended family from Wisconsin, Virginia, Maryland, and West Virginia.

No one’s story is all light and sunshine. Kathy lived life on her own terms. Yet when you were with Kathy on her sunny days, her smile was infectious, her curiosity insatiable, her generosity limitless, and her love for you unquestioned. Kathy was a beautiful, strong, defiant, loving and complex woman who leaves all of us with a hole in our hearts.