Obituary of Alice Melinda Knipfel

It is with profound sadness that the family announces the peaceful passing of Alice Melinda Knipfel on June 17, 2026, while under the care of Maison McCulloch Hospice, Sudbury. She is remembered for her winning smile, dry sense of humour and her strong caring and concern for family and friends. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 46 years, Elmer Henry (1988) and an infant daughter and son. Devoted mother to Elaine (K V Nagarajan, predeceased) and Sandy, she was a loving grandmother to Syra (Steve).

At 103, by the time of her passing, she had outlived her parents and all 5 siblings and their spouses: her parents, Frederick Kneisel and Louisa (Foerster), brothers Harvey (Marie), Walter (Margaret) and Wilfred (Reta); and sisters Dorothy (Armon Lantz), and Gertrude (Norman Jacky). Also predeceased were her 4 in-laws and their spouses: Dorothy (Sanford Salzman), Hilda (Florian Salzman), Gertrude (Clifford Salzman), and Harry (Roselia). She was proud aunt to many nephews and nieces on her side of the family: Doreen (predeceased) Marjorie, Audrey, Kenneth (predeceased), Joyce (predeceased), Jane, Marilyn, Marlene, Darlene, Roy (predeceased), Diane (predeceased), Wayne, Delores, Brian, on Alice’s side. On the in-law side, the recipients of her pride included nieces and nephews: Jean, Kenneth (predeceased), Billy (predeceased), Darrell, Paul, Barbara Ann, Kathy, Peter. For them, their children and grandchildren, and great grandchildren, she has served as a model of strength and perseverance.

Fond memories grew out of strong friendships forged with family and friends over many years, in particular, her niece Audrey (Schultz) and her husband Floyd (predeceased) and their 3 children, Cheryl, Dale, and Lyle. An indelible bond was created with Alice and Elmer and Maureen Nauss, Sandy’s best friend, who has been regarded as a member of the family for over 50 years. Barb McCahery and Penny Dearden also became important life-long friends and admirers of her irrepressible spirit.

Alice was always energy personified. She was sure her long life came from working hard on the family farm. Her strong work ethic motivated all her endeavours throughout her life, including stacking wood into her early 90s. Her flair for adventure showed up from time to time as in her desire for snowmobiling in her 60s and a Spyder motorcycle ride to celebrate her 95th birthday. Late in life she discovered her talent for painting. She was well liked and well respected throughout her life by all who got to know her. From 1959 to 1981 she was manager of several coffee shops in the Food Services Department of the University of Waterloo. Her excellent supervisory skills and dedicated service drew a commendation from the university president.

While she endured many hardships throughout her life, the biggest loss was the death of her beloved husband, Elmer. They worked as an inseparable team with companionship and mutual respect whether it was travelling annually to Florida or digging out their cottage basement. When she lost Elmer in 1988, she moved the next year from their cottage in Kearney to Sudbury where she developed a fast friendship with Isabelle Ferguson. Together they travelled and participated in many volunteer activities. Frank Grieve, Carmen Petrina, Cavelle Grisé and more recently, Marilyn Hurst, developed meaningful friendships with her.

Throughout her travels in retirement living at Amberwood Suites and Finlandia Village to waiting in the hospital for a long-term care bed, and then in her last year living in St. Joseph’s Villa, staff have remembered her fondly as kind and thoughtful with a delightful sense of humour. The support and care by many staff members throughout her places of residence, most notably in her last year, as given by her primary ca regivers, Ola and Jackie, at St. Joseph’s, are very much appreciated by the family.

We cannot thank the staff at the Maison McCulloch Hospice enough for the exceptional care, compassion and support that they gave to our beloved mother and to us during her final days and afterwards.

Alice, you will be missed by all who loved and knew you!

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her name to the Maison McCulloch Hospice, St. Joseph’s Villa, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation through www.erbgood.com. 

Visitation will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with the Funeral Service to begin in the chapel at 11:00 a.m., followed by lunch and interment.

Cremation arrangements entrusted to the Jackson & Barnard Funeral Home.