Mary C. Knowlton, 73

Published 7:01 am Sunday, September 4, 2016

Mary C. Knowlton, 73, of Punta Gorda, Florida, passed away Aug. 9, 2016.

She was the daughter of Arthur and Josephine Stevens, born, June 21, 1943, in Austin, Minnesota. Mary was homecoming queen at Austin High School and also worked on the school newspaper. She studied Library Science at Minnesota State University, Mankato, and was a longtime librarian in Minnesota.

Mary Knowlton

Service to community was important to Mary. She was an active volunteer who played an integral role in getting a public library set up in Prior Lake, Minnesota, and was a past president for The Friends of Punta Gorda Library. She was a very active member with Prince of Peace Lutheran and First United Methodist Church including promoting the PEO (Philanthropic Educational Organization) Scholarships for students, But not only that, she took time to personally mentor many of the recipients, making a lasting impact on their lives. Mary always had a book in her hand and would pass along novels to loved ones if she thought it could touch their lives. She will be remembered as one who inspired with her quiet leadership, who took personal interest in each person she came in contact with, and brought out the best in them with her love and encouragement. She loved her Lord and family with all her heart.

She will be greatly missed by her husband of 55 years, Gary; sons, Steve and William; and a brother, Douglas (Barbara) Stevens.

Services were conducted in Punta Gorda on Aug. 16, 2016. A memorial service will be held in Minnesota at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Burnsville at 11 a.m. on Sept. 10.

Memorials may be made to the Punta Gorda Library (424 W. Henry St, Punta Gorda, FL, 33950) with “In memory of Mary Knowlton” noted.