Betty Knapp

Betty Gingras Knapp, nee Robinson, passed away peacefully, and unexpectedly, at her home in Ann Arbor Friday, October 5, 2012, at the age of 89. Born in Wyandotte in 1923, Knapp was graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School in 1940. She attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor from which she earned a bachelor's degree in Sociology and a master's degree in Social Work. In 1944 she married fellow Wyandotte native, and Roosevelt and U. of M. alumnus, A. Louis Gingras. While Gingras served in the U.S. Army during World War II, Knapp worked as a social worker for the American Red Cross. Following Gingras' graduation from U. of M. Law School, they returned to Wyandotte where Gingras practiced law and served as City Attorney for many years prior to his death in 1978. In addition to raising their three children, she was a social worker with Wyandotte School System during much of this time. She also served on the board of Downriver Family Services and was active with St. Stephen's Episcopal Church and the American Association of University Women. Following her retirement, she moved to Ann Arbor, and, in 1991, she married Dr. William Knapp, also a Wyandotte native and Roosevelt and U. of M. graduate. Throughout the last 21 years, they traveled extensively together, staying closely in touch with their far-flung children and grandchildren and visiting numerous foreign countries, including two around-the-world trips. She is survived by Dr. Knapp, her children Paul (Frances) Gingras, Claudia (James) Stewart and Nancy (Fred) Schmerberg; her grandchildren Jeffrey (Alexandra Pappas) Gingras, Laura Gingras, Luke (Shiloh Maples) Schmerberg, Claire Schmerberg, and Margaret, Katherine and Elizabeth Stewart. In addition to her nephew Alan (Sandi) Robinson, she is also survived by her step-children Barbara (Fred) Syrjanen, Jan (John) Merz, Richard (Vicki) Knapp and step-grandchildren Eric (Erin) Syrjanen, Kristen Syrjanen, and Todd and Kelsey Merz. Arrangements are not complete but are being coordinated by Muehlig Funeral Home in Ann Arbor. Any donations may be sent to The William L. and Betty G. Knapp Dean's Merit Scholarship at the University of Michigan, Fund office of University Development, 3003 South State Street, Ste. 900, Ann Arbor Michigan 48609 or to St. Andrews Episcopal Church 306 North Division Street, Ann Arbor Michigan 48104.