“Peggy” Cavanagh Knoell, born January 22, 1922, died March 3, 2023.
Peggy was born in Chicago, IL. Her family moved to Los Angeles, CA when she was beginning eighth grade. The family lived in Los Angeles until 1940 when they moved to Phoenix, AZ. Peggy went to Phoenix College where she met her future husband, Frank Knoell, just before he joined the Army Air Corp as a pilot. Frank preceded her in death in 1993. The two were married in Brophy Chapel in 1944. She and Frank had three children, Mary Eileen (Hundelt), Tom (Knoell) and Kay (Eneim) and left behind twenty-two grandchildren and one hundred and ten great-grandchildren. She took particular interest in their goings on. She was an avid Bridge player which she enjoyed playing with her friends immensely.
Peggy’s greatest loves were her Catholic faith, Our Lord and His Blessed Mother, family, friends, visiting and her rosary was a constant companion. She was very much involved with Ville de Marie Academy, a small private Catholic K through 12 school in Scottsdale.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to Miles Jesu, 1925 E. Baseline Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85042 would be very much appreciated.
On Friday, March 10, 2023 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 2312 E. Campbell Avenue, Phoenix, a rosary will be held at 10:30 AM with the Mass to be held at 11:00 AM. Burial to follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery in Phoenix.
Chris Hooker
To Kay and all the family, How very blessed you have been to be Peggy’s family. She will always be a most beautiful person in every way to me. She was blessed with a heavenly countenance, she loved all of you ‘beyond description’ as she shared with me. I know you all will miss her, and knowing you will be reunited with God’s grace will bring you peace. Blessings to all of you.
Amie Clarke
Peggy was such an inspiration. I participated in my first rosary with her and at that time she gave me my first rosary. Peggy always included me in the payer as though I knew exactly what was occurring. She so sweet and had an amazing memory, she remembered details about my career and family even at 100 years. Peggy had a kind heart for so many people. She would call my Aunt on a weekly basis and if she didn’t answer, Peggy would call me to get an update. She was in such good physical shape. I remember the last time I saw her climb in her friends vehicle after a visit with Aunt Bert at even 100 years she was able to climb into a car on her own. She has such a loving family, Peggy told me once that she had such a kind husband and that she was grateful for his mother because her mother in law trained Frank to be so wonderful. Peggy was equally as wonderful too. I blessed and I am a better person having known Peggy Knoell. I have enjoyed getting to know Peggy, Eileen and Gary and I am grateful to know of her wonderful family and to know such an inspirational woman. There is a saying from a poem in college “when you were born you cried and the world rejoiced. live your life in such a manner that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice.” (author unknown) Peggy is missed.
Valerie Carmichael
I was blessed to spend time with Peggy over the last six-plus years. We enjoyed saying the Rosary together. I was amazed at the memories she shared; the people who have crossed her path; the many Catholic churches and organizations she supported in one way or another. Her mind, still very sharp, outlasted her physicality. Condolences to her large family whom she loved and cherished. Peace & Blessings, Valerie Carmichael
Bertha Simoneau
My deepest condolences to the Hundelt, Knoell and Eneim family during this difficult temporary separation, for the loss of such a beautiful lady, very much loved. May She rest in Eternal Peace
Tim Hughes
An amazing woman in every way. I feel privileged to have known such a beautiful person. This world is definitely a better place because of her and I worry what it will be like without her. There are no words which would give proper tribute to Mrs. Knoell. She and her husband were a fantastic pair and did more good for this world than most will ever know. My deepest condolences to the family and remember, we are here for you!!
Harvey Newquist
May her soul rest in peace.
Bart Tesoriero
God has been very merciful to us in giving us Peggy Knoell as our “older” sister. In her quiet and joyful “Yes” to Jesus and Mary, she has blessed many of us profoundly. Many years ago, Mike Tanner sponsored me on an Ignatian Retreat at the Knoell cabin in Payson, affectionally known as “Camelot.” Late one night I stepped into the outdoor Adoration Chapel, and there was Peggy, sitting quietly in a corner, resting in love with her Lord. She lived this love, and passed it on to her children and family. I am especially grateful for her daughter Eileen and her husband Gary, who cared so devotedly for Peggy the last decades of her life. May our dear Peggy rest in peace and pray for us, that we might follow her all the way into the arms of Jesus and Mary.
Maria López
My deepest condolences to the Knoell family. I was Mrs. Knoell’s caregiver for 10 years. I feel super privileged to have been by her side day after day. and she every day planned different projects. Every day I went to church to listen to mass, there were times up to two times a day. She was a very spiritual woman, her beauty surpassed everything beautiful, she was a super excellent woman. She daughter of God, she prayed intensely for her family and for everyone else. we laughed together, unforgettable stories that I carry in my heart. Her love was so great, her heart was so beautiful, I carry her teachings in my heart. her heart was so big that she was full of love. therefore I know that she is in the presence of the Lord. with your memory the emptiness that is in my heart is filled, a kiss to heaven my beautiful and precious Mrs. Knoell! I love you forever!
Shawnee Hill
Peggy is no doubt basking in the glories of Heaven! Her sparkling eyes and distinct kindness will be missed here. She was a regular visitor at Mt. Claret and I was lucky enough to get to know her through her phone calls to check in on her friend, her pop in visits, and her many, many days spent in adoration.
Mark O’Malley
Dear Tom, Mary Eileen and Kay, We are out of the country until the end of the month and have just received this sad news. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family. Such wonderful memories I have of your sweet and gracious mother and the house on Central and Missouri. In recent years, it was so good to see her at the Ville de Marie breakfasts. She always seemed so happy to see me. It meant so much.
Herb Winograd
For Kay:
Although I only knew Peggy through our bridge experiences,I admired her intelligence, wit, and good humor. I want to offer you solace, sympathy and good fortune in having wonderful memories of your mother.I will remember her always.
Maria Lopez
My deepest condolences to the Knoell family. I was Mrs. Knoell’s caregiver for 10 years. I feel super privileged to have been by her side day after day. and she every day planned different projects. Every day I went to church to listen to mass, there were times up to two times a day. She was a very spiritual woman, her beauty surpassed everything beautiful, she was a super excellent woman. She daughter of God, she prayed intensely for her family and for everyone else. we laughed together, unforgettable stories that I carry in my heart. Her love was so great, her heart was so beautiful, I carry her teachings in my heart. her heart was so big that she was full of love. therefore I know that she is in the presence of the Lord. with your memory the emptiness that is in my heart is filled, a kiss to heaven my beautiful and precious Mrs. Knoell! I love you forever!
Michael L Clancy
To Tom, all our beloved Knoell family members. We were so blessed to have Peggy touch our lives. When we think of grace, family and our Beautiful R/Catholic Faith-in the center of our R/C community was Peggy and her matriarchal presence, smiling with those loving eyes. Now she is our Saint among the Communion of Saints interceding for us with Our Blessed Mother. May her soul & the souls of the faithfully departed rest in peace amen.
Bill(Marilyn) Chester
Sorry to hear about Peggy. She was a wonderful, gracious, GREAT lady. Marilyn and I always had a soft spot through the business and personal interactions. We never forgot the trip the 4 of us went on FOLB in Mexico and all the good that was done in Yarnell. Peggy and Frank were truly a blessing to society. Bill Chester