1996
Kayla
2017
Kayla Elizabeth Knepper
November 23, 1996 — March 2, 2017
Kayla Elizabeth Knepper was born in Hazleton, at Saint Joseph's Hospital on November 23, 1996. Her life on this Earth ended on Thursday, March 2, near her home in Mercer Island, WA.
Early on, Kayla enjoyed motorcycle rides with her dad, and hiking the outdoors. She was very fond of quiet beach vacations, particularly around Cape May, NJ. She was a Pokémon enthusiast, as are several of her friends. She most enjoyed the Thanksgiving holiday, always with lots of family, and favorite foods.
Kayla graduated from Marion High School in 2015. There she was a member of the basketball team and the writing club. She attended Kutztown University as a Professional Writing Major and later became a Business Major, taking online courses via Luzerne County Community College. At Kutztown, she was actively involved in the Women’s Center and organized a self-defense workshop for fellow students. Kayla earned her black belt in Karate in her teens.
Anyone who encountered Kayla knows she took great pride in activities and events aimed at helping others. She was particularly proud of her behind-the-scenes volunteer work at the annual Cancer Telethon in Jim Thorpe. She lived her life to help others, to try and make others happy. It is all too apparent now that she was keeping things inside, trying to help others while she was suffering herself.
Kayla’s family hopes that news of her passing raises awareness and increases the chance that others will feel more comfortable than Kayla apparently did about discussing deeper issues and seeking help before it is too late. They hope to turn the overwhelmingly positive outpouring they’ve received from friends, co-workers, teammates, classmates and others into something in which Kayla would have taken great pride.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests individuals to consider contributing or holding a small fundraiser in Kayla’s name to benefit the Cancer Telethon next month. On April 9, a report will be made on the live television program about the contributions received in honor and memory of Kayla and her commitment to help others. To contribute, see information below.
Kayla loved to write and create stories. All who loved Kayla can honor her and help ensure the final chapter has not yet been written. All are invited to extend the story of her commitment to help others by making commitments of our own.
Kayla is survived by her parents Michael Knepper and Nadine Krushinsky Knepper of Hazleton, Sister Dina Powell Daniels, her Husband Joseph and their son Noah of Greenville, NC; Sister Stacia Hope Powell Riccio, her husband Anthony and their children Malia Hope and Scarlett Grace of McAdoo, PA; Brother David J. Lopez of San Francisco, CA; also by Great Grandmother Elizabeth Molinaro “Nuna” of Seattle, WA. Also by Grandfather Joseph Krushinsky, Sr., and his wife Rita of Tamaqua, PA; Aunt Joyelle Knepper of Reynolds, TN; Uncles Joseph Krushinsky, Jr. of Tamaqua, and Glenn J Knepper, Jr. Seattle, WA.
Kayla is survived by her Mother Bernadette Hischar, and her husband, of Weatherly; Maternal Grandparents, Nick Gaudiano and Janie Lee Gaudiano of Hazle Township and Great Grandmother, Theresa Gaudiano of Hazleton. Also by her uncle Michael Gaudiano and his wife Jennifer of Jonestown PA, and their children Dominic and Antonio; Uncle Nicholas Gaudiano and his wife Laura of Conygham, PA, and their children Travis and Dylan.
Kayla also leaves behind her lifelong friend and travel director Rachel Jones of Hazleton PA, and her beloved terriers Bruce Fox and Zena Fox.
She was preceded in death by Grandparents Glenn J.Knepper, Sr, and Patricia Ann Molinaro Knepper, as well as Great Grandparents Glenn and Louise Knepper of Weatherly. Anyone wishing to contribute can make checks payable to “CancerTelethon.org.” You can contribute online at: www.CancerTelethon.org . Refer donation questions to MaryAnn Dulaney ar 570-645-4228. Mail to: Cancer Telethon, Attention: Mary Ann Dulaney, P.O. Box 33, Lansford PA 18232.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home & Cremation services of 211 First Street Weatherly, Pennsylvania 18255. (570) 417-4231. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday March 11 ,2017 at 11 o'clock A.M. from the funeral home. Friends may call from, 9:00 A.M. until time of services.
online registry and condolences may be signed at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com
Early on, Kayla enjoyed motorcycle rides with her dad, and hiking the outdoors. She was very fond of quiet beach vacations, particularly around Cape May, NJ. She was a Pokémon enthusiast, as are several of her friends. She most enjoyed the Thanksgiving holiday, always with lots of family, and favorite foods.
Kayla graduated from Marion High School in 2015. There she was a member of the basketball team and the writing club. She attended Kutztown University as a Professional Writing Major and later became a Business Major, taking online courses via Luzerne County Community College. At Kutztown, she was actively involved in the Women’s Center and organized a self-defense workshop for fellow students. Kayla earned her black belt in Karate in her teens.
Anyone who encountered Kayla knows she took great pride in activities and events aimed at helping others. She was particularly proud of her behind-the-scenes volunteer work at the annual Cancer Telethon in Jim Thorpe. She lived her life to help others, to try and make others happy. It is all too apparent now that she was keeping things inside, trying to help others while she was suffering herself.
Kayla’s family hopes that news of her passing raises awareness and increases the chance that others will feel more comfortable than Kayla apparently did about discussing deeper issues and seeking help before it is too late. They hope to turn the overwhelmingly positive outpouring they’ve received from friends, co-workers, teammates, classmates and others into something in which Kayla would have taken great pride.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests individuals to consider contributing or holding a small fundraiser in Kayla’s name to benefit the Cancer Telethon next month. On April 9, a report will be made on the live television program about the contributions received in honor and memory of Kayla and her commitment to help others. To contribute, see information below.
Kayla loved to write and create stories. All who loved Kayla can honor her and help ensure the final chapter has not yet been written. All are invited to extend the story of her commitment to help others by making commitments of our own.
Kayla is survived by her parents Michael Knepper and Nadine Krushinsky Knepper of Hazleton, Sister Dina Powell Daniels, her Husband Joseph and their son Noah of Greenville, NC; Sister Stacia Hope Powell Riccio, her husband Anthony and their children Malia Hope and Scarlett Grace of McAdoo, PA; Brother David J. Lopez of San Francisco, CA; also by Great Grandmother Elizabeth Molinaro “Nuna” of Seattle, WA. Also by Grandfather Joseph Krushinsky, Sr., and his wife Rita of Tamaqua, PA; Aunt Joyelle Knepper of Reynolds, TN; Uncles Joseph Krushinsky, Jr. of Tamaqua, and Glenn J Knepper, Jr. Seattle, WA.
Kayla is survived by her Mother Bernadette Hischar, and her husband, of Weatherly; Maternal Grandparents, Nick Gaudiano and Janie Lee Gaudiano of Hazle Township and Great Grandmother, Theresa Gaudiano of Hazleton. Also by her uncle Michael Gaudiano and his wife Jennifer of Jonestown PA, and their children Dominic and Antonio; Uncle Nicholas Gaudiano and his wife Laura of Conygham, PA, and their children Travis and Dylan.
Kayla also leaves behind her lifelong friend and travel director Rachel Jones of Hazleton PA, and her beloved terriers Bruce Fox and Zena Fox.
She was preceded in death by Grandparents Glenn J.Knepper, Sr, and Patricia Ann Molinaro Knepper, as well as Great Grandparents Glenn and Louise Knepper of Weatherly. Anyone wishing to contribute can make checks payable to “CancerTelethon.org.” You can contribute online at: www.CancerTelethon.org . Refer donation questions to MaryAnn Dulaney ar 570-645-4228. Mail to: Cancer Telethon, Attention: Mary Ann Dulaney, P.O. Box 33, Lansford PA 18232.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home & Cremation services of 211 First Street Weatherly, Pennsylvania 18255. (570) 417-4231. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday March 11 ,2017 at 11 o'clock A.M. from the funeral home. Friends may call from, 9:00 A.M. until time of services.
online registry and condolences may be signed at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Kayla Elizabeth Knepper, please visit our flower store.
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