Barbara Knapp Cokelet passed away peacefully on July 7, 2016. Barbara was born in Red Bank, New Jersey in 1925 to Morgan and Mildred Knapp, grew up in Shrewsbury, and spent her entire adult life in Monmouth County. Barbara graduated from Wilson College and from Rutgers University with a Masters degree in social work. She served the community as a social worker for Monmouth County until her retirement.
Barbara never met a stranger – her warm smile, cheery disposition, and positive outlook on life endeared her to her many friends, co-workers and acquaintances. She had a passion for living a natural healthy life, and always led a very active lifestyle, seeming much younger than her 91 years!
She enjoyed the arts, being outdoors, ballroom dancing, and especially being around people. Barbara also loved traveling and enjoyed many adventures in retirement including trips to Paris and Russia as well as visits to upstate New York, the Pacific Northwest, and Texas to see family and friends. She was always up for an outing, and loved going to New York City, attending events at the Count Basie Theater, or just being with friends.
Barbara was predeceased by her parents Morgan C. Knapp, Sr. and Mildred Johnson Knapp, and her younger brother Morgan C. Knapp, Jr. She is survived by her nieces and nephews and their families - all of Texas: Karen Knapp Teneriello, Barbara Knapp Winters, Stephen Morgan Knapp, David Magnus Knapp, and Amy Knapp Sack.
The family would like to thank the caring staff at Arbor Terrace of Middletown which Barbara called home for the past three years, Meridian Healthcare services at Arbor Terrace, and especially Barbara’s dearest friend Barbara Jay of Monmouth Beach, N.J…..love and light, as Barbara signed all her personal correspondence.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, July 28, 2016 at 10 a.m. at the Presbyterian Church of Shrewsbury, 352 Sycamore Ave, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702. Memorial contributions may be made to the Presbyterian Church of Shrewsbury.