Lori Gabriel Knapp

FRANKFORT - Lori Gabriel Knapp broke on through to the other side, without fear or any regrets, on Saturday, December 16th, after a private and valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. Her devoted, compassionate husband John and loving sister Mary were by her side. She prayed the Rosary every day and was at peace. Lori was always running towards life and now is leaving her earthly body to embark on her next journey which will reunite her with all family and friends that she deeply loved and lost over the years.

Lori was born in Little Falls, N.Y., and was the second daughter of Anthony and Patricia (Lonis) Gabriel. Lori married John Knapp on August 10, 1991, the best son of Harold and Shirley Knapp, of Schuyler, N.Y. She was also the proud #2 sister of the “Gabriel Girls”: Julie Goodman, Mary Gabriel, Gina Vandenberg, Trish Gabriel Wielt and Cynthia Gabriel. What a blessing it has been to be the sister of such a beautiful, tender-hearted soul. The five of us will keep looking up at you!

Lori married the love of her life, John Harold Knapp and celebrated 32 years of a cherished marriage. She knew it was love when John held her hand and she received her first kiss. They celebrated their 1st kiss every August 1st by kissing and giggling, its re-enactment.

She attended elementary school at Jefferson St. School in Little Falls, NY, as well as St. Joseph’s Catholic Church School in Herkimer, NY and was a proud 1976 graduate of Herkimer High School, where she organized many class reunions over the years. In addition, she attended Herkimer County Community College as a first-generation student and obtained a degree in Travel and Tourism, in 1978. Lori truly was a life-long learner. She was a proud member of H.C.C.C.’s Alumni Association, serving current and future alums. She paved the way for her sisters to go to college and pursue their dreams.

She dedicated a 30-year career with AAA, earning the position of Director of Travel and achieved the highest advanced degree of CTIE (Certified Travel Industry Executive). Traveling the world was one of her favorite adventures and she loved visiting Ireland, Italy, Cuba, Japan, Iceland and the Caribbean. In her most recent visit to Italy, Lori was able to meet our “Gabrieli” relatives, hug them and further expand our family tree. When in Ireland, she was able to visit the landscape where our Lonis-Donnelly relatives lived. Her love for travel was sparked by her beloved Aunt Betty Schneider, who always promoted seeing the world and saying yes to adventures.

Upon retiring from AAA, Lori volunteered for various organizations and participated by working with Oneida County Tourism on their Ambassador Tour Bus Programs, in addition to writing for the Women Belong in History Books series, she also conducted numerous local bus tours to promote our local women in history. She advocated for the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund by working her booth at the NY State Fair and she assisted as one of the starting line marshals for the Utica Boilermaker, for several years. She served as a Trustee on the Frankfort Free Library Board as an extension of her love of books, reading and community service. Lori loved her “Mermaid” Ladies, whom she enjoyed while at swim class at M.V.C.C.

Lori was a staunch supporter of women’s groups and was a member of the Mohawk Valley Women’s History Project, who worked tirelessly to get a Susan B. Anthony Day named in N.Y. state. She also served as a contributing author for the book series, Women Belong in History Books and worked alongside local historian Jane Spellman to bring it to fruition. An avid reader and researcher, this was natural for her to contribute.

Lori showed up for you. She was intentional about cultivating friendships and family events and attended many events for her sisters, friends, nieces, nephews and “adopted” children of her friends. She turned all women into sisters. Typical Lori, she held a brown belt in Karate, attended thousands of concerts (she felt that music healed the world) and always put the needs of others first with her selfless soul. She baked for you, drove you to places that you could not get to (and gave you a historical lesson on your geographic surroundings), was guaranteed to be the one to send a Christmas/holiday card and she never missed sending a thank you card.

She enjoyed her private life with John and was a proud “Dog Momma” to their third treasured, rescued black lab, Knipsy Knapp. North Lake was a special retreat for them. To John, she said daily, “Life is good, Honey, thank you…”

Lori leaves behind many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and dear, devoted friends, who made beautiful memories for her. There were endless adventures, laughs, hugs and sheer joy that you all gave her in exchange for her presence in your life. “And in the end, the love you Take, Is equal to the love you make…” -The Beatles.

Lori especially wanted to thank all her loyal friends who respected her wishes and held her privacy over the past year, your support and love to the very end was beautiful and deeply appreciated. She often noted, “I am blessed beyond measure.” “Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have.” -Eckhart Tolle.

Lori wanted to remind everyone to LIVE LIFE EVERYBODY! …and please don’t run over fuzzy caterpillars crossing the road.

Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours, on Saturday, December 23, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the Enea & Ciaccia family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Ilion, NY. A Funeral Prayer Service will follow calling hours, at 1:00 p.m., which everyone is invited to attend also.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Hospice and Palliative Care, 4277 Middle Settlement Rd., New Hartford, NY 13413, or the Frankfort Free Library, 123 Frankfort St., Frankfort, NY 13340.

Lori’s funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Enea, Ciaccia & Applegate Funeral Directors.