Valerie Marie Knapp
July 2, 1934-May 30, 2017
Menlo Park, California

Valerie Marie Knapp, a long-time resident of Menlo Park, died Tuesday the 30th of May, surrounded by her family at her daughter’s home in Hawaii.

Valerie was born and raised in Glens Falls, New York, to Leon and Thurza McKinney in 1934. She grew up spending summers and vacations with her Aunt Grace. She attended St. Mary’s college, majoring in English, and shared her love of words with her children.

In 1956 Valerie married Matteo Sassone, who was her next door neighbor growing up. In 1958 they drove across the U.S. with 1-year-old twins and relocated to Menlo Park, CA.

They had 2 more children and continued raising their family with much love. In 1966 Matt died from stomach cancer. During this difficult time Valerie continued to raise her four children with the significant guidance and loving support of her parents who lived next door.

In 1970 Valerie married George P. Knapp. Valerie would often say how blessed she was to have married and loved two wonderful men who were both loving and supportive husbands and fathers.

Valerie was very active in the St. Denis Catholic Church. She was a member of the Catholic Women’s Guild and enjoyed volunteering at the church for many years. She was also very involved in her community, serving as president of the P.T.A. in the Las Lomitas school district.

She also enjoyed being involved in the neighborhood as well as in local politics. She always had a special place in her heart for all her neighbors on Mills Ave throughout her 60 years living there.

Family and friends were Valerie’s passion and delight. She loved bringing the entire family together for holiday dinners, or any other occasion and frequently had gatherings at her house and she loved nothing better than having her children assembled around the dining room table laughing and telling stories.

She introduced her children and nieces to the great outdoors, fostering an appreciation of the beauty and amazement of the natural world through the many memorable summer camping trips. For several years, George and Valerie thoroughly enjoyed traveling with their square-dancing club on cruises all over the world.

Valarie’s passions were many, but none as great as her love for cats. They would arrive as strays, but would soon become family members.

She was preceded in death by first husband of 10 years Matt C. Sassone, parents Leon and Thurza McKinney, and adopted brother Steven McKinney.

She is survived by her second husband of 47 years, George P. Knapp, her brother Scott (Noelle) McKinney, sister-in-law Sandy Ciardella, and her children, sons Paul (Yvonne) Sassone, Steve (Lea) Sassone, Mark (Yukiko) Sassone, and daughter Maria (Robert “Joe”) LaMadrid. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Chris (Aurora) Sassone, and Brandon Sassone, Elizabeth, Alex, Michelle, and Noah LaMadrid, and Siena Sassone, and one great grandchild Brycen Sassone.

Her daughter Maria lovingly cared for her for the last 2½ years of her life with the exceptional help of her three brothers and their families.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to all of those who gave exceptional care, attention and love to Valerie as well as to her family.

A celebration of Valerie’s life will be held at a later date.

Condolences may be sent to the family C/O Maria LaMadrid, 5918 Uilani Place, Kapaa, HI 96746.