Pearl Marie Knapp

We will remember Pearl as always being busy doing something from needle pointing, gardening, baking chocolate chip cookies, to visiting with family and friends as often as possible. She loved her family very much and always placed family first. The wonderful memories of her generous nature will remain and support us all of our lives.

Pearl was born to Bertha Lang and David Allard on December 27, 1919. She attended Catholic schools and resided in New Bedford, Massachusetts until she joined the Women's Army Corps as a Communication Technician for two years and nine months at which time she was honorably discharged. Pearl worked in the Western Union Overseas Communications Office in Boston and then went to Washington D.C. where she worked for the U.S. Navy Department as a secretary. While working for the Navy Dept. she met her husband Bill, a Navy Officer. They were happily married for 66 years. The next 20 years Pearl and their two daughters accompanied Bill from duty station to duty station. They crossed the country six times and enjoyed seeing many states and historical monuments along the way. It was a great way for the girls to see and learn about the country their Dad had fought for. Bill's last duty station was at NCBC at Port Hueneme and the family settled for the last time in Ventura in 1968. After Bill's retirement, Pearl and Bill traveled extensively to Canada, South America, most of Europe, Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Pearl went to Ventura Community College and became a Certified Medical Assistant. For 25 years she worked as a medical assistant and office manager for her employer and friend Dr. James W. Calvin. She loved working in the medical community of Ventura and became friends with many nurses and doctors.

Pearl was always very active in the communities she lived in. Pearl became a Brownie and Girl Scout leader while in San Francisco in the 1950s and became a Regional Director of Girl Scouts for seven years. She is a former member of the Soroptimist International of Ventura, Ventura County Symphony League, and the Gold Coast Veteran's Association. She was a past president of the Ventura County Medical Secretaries and Assistants (who voted her Medical Secretary of the year in 1975) and past president of the Retired Officers Club of Ventura County.

Pearl is survived by her daughter, Donna and her husband Mark Taylor of Apple Valley; daughter, Janice Knapp of Valencia; grandchildren, Teresa Paschal and Jesse Paschal; and her great-grandchildren, Jayke Cigielski, Christian Paschal, and Megan Paschal. Special thanks to her dear friends and neighbors of 43 years Sarah and Murph Walshe who always looked out for Pearl and Bill. All of Pearl's neighbors, including Angie and Tim, Nancy and Mike, Peggy and Polly were always there to visit and help as well.

Pearl will be interred in her niche at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park in Ventura. A chapel ceremony will be held at the Ivy Lawn Memorial Park on Saturday, November 19, 2016, at 1:30pm.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura. Condolences may be sent to TedMayrFuneralHome.com