Leatrice Knapp

She is survived by her two sons, Curt Kowalski (Terri Bocklund) of Marquette, MI and Guy Kowalski of Denver, CO; five grandchildren, Erin Kowalski (Marshall Jordan) of York, PA, Kaylea Kowalski of Tampa, FL, Amanda (Ben) Shillinglaw of Newberry Park, CA, John Kowalski of Victor, ID, and Kyle Kowalski of Denver, CO; one great-granddaughter, Charlotte May Jordan of York, PA; as well as many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents Leo and Gladys (Ajewski) Stanko of Chicago, IL, her husband James Ward Knapp of College Park, MD, her sister Patricia (Stanko) Coletta of Elmwood Park, IL, her brother James (Lynne) Stanko of San Marcos, CA, and her first husband, Guy Kowalski of Elk Grove Village, IL.

Lea spent her working years as a Biomedical Analyst in suburban Washington, DC. In her retirement, she enjoyed an active lifestyle in Kirkland, then Bellevue, WA. She relocated to Marquette, MI in late 2018.

Lea was an accomplished birder, and an advocate for the protection of bird habitats. Her most notable conservation effort was her volunteer work at the Fran Uhler Natural Area in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Lea was instrumental in transforming this site from an overlooked illegal dump into a flourishing bird habitat, now one of the premier birding locations in the National Capital Area and supported by the Prince George’s Audubon Society. Her passion for environmental conservation and her love for birds will be remembered by all who had the privilege to know her or enjoy a bird walk with her.

Lea was accomplished in many forms of art and craft. She was a gifted watercolor artist, and enjoyed needlework, jewelry-making, and gemstone art. She followed her bliss, which was the color mauve and the taste of milk chocolate.

The family wishes to acknowledge the loving and compassionate caregiving Lea received during her years as a resident at Brookridge Heights in Marquette, as well as the tenderhearted end-of-life care she and her family received from Lake Superior Hospice. Her family is beyond grateful for all the administrators, nurses, and staff who played a part in Lea’s last years of life.

A memorial service will be held at a future date and location yet to be determined. Gifts in memoriam may be directed to the Prince George’s Audubon Society through their website at https://pgaudubon.squarespace.com/get-involved?rq=donate or by mail to Prince George’s Audubon Society, Inc., P.O. Box 1311. Bowie, MD 20718.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting the family where memories may be shared at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.