Obituary of Mary J. Knize

Mary J. Knize, age 97 formerly of Lower River Rd. in Lewiston, died Sunday March 29, 2015 in Our Lady of Peace Nursing Care Residence in Lewiston, where she has been a resident since 2009. Mary was born June 12, 1917 on her family's farm in Pendleton, NY, the daughter of the late Howard and Rose (Landel) Melancon. She was a 1936 graduate of Grover Cleveland High School and had worked for Grant's Department Store during WW II. Mary had also worked as a bookkeeper for several years. On December 25, 1942 she married Henry "Hank" J. Knize and they moved to Lewiston in 1950. Mary was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Lewiston and a former member of the Niagara County Cooperative Extension "Thursday Niters". She had volunteered at Artpark for many years and volunteered and provided the baked goods for many of the functions at the Church. Mary took great joy in watching her backyard birds and viewing the sunsets over the river from her front window. All of her life, Mary loved to sew, making her own and her daughter Linda's clothing. She also made several unique machine quilts. Mary enjoyed working in her extensive vegetable garden and numerous flower beds. Her baking abilities were widely recognized especially her sweet rolls, almond coffee cake, and all kinds of pies, most notably her grape and raisin pie. She and Hank liked to search for antiques together and spent many hours refinishing furniture as well. Mary will be remembered for many of these talents and hobbies but most of all it will be her patience, kindness, and beautiful spirit that will fill our memories. Hank predeceased Mary on March 14, 2008. She is survived by her daughter, Linda Knize-Harper (James Harper) of Colorado Springs, CO , her granddaughter, Eileen Harper of Seoul, South Korea, and several nieces and nephews. She was also predeceased by her son, Kenneth Knize; her sisters, Norma Leininger, Selma Fetzek, and Victorine Marquardt; and her brothers, Howard and Walter Melancon. Mary also leaves her beloved caregivers of many years, Donna and Sharon Lengen, and Ava Mitchell. Friends may call at HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, N. Fourth & Ridge Streets, Lewiston on Wednesday from 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 pm. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, April 2, at 11:00 am in the funeral home, with the Rev. Elizabeth Morgan officiating. Burial will be private in Dickersonville Cemetery, Lewiston. In keeping with Mary's love of her flower gardens, flowers will be gratefully accepted.