Amy Hamson Knapp

Amy Hamson (nee Chase) Knapp, age 103, of Perry, passed away on Wednesday April 1, 2026 at the Wyoming County Community Hospital in Warsaw.

She was born in Warsaw, New York on September 1, 1922, a daughter to the late Helen Snow Chase (nee Hamson) and Elwin Groesbeck Chase.

She is survived by 6 children: Thomas D. (Jane) Knapp of Bel Air, MD., James C. (JoAnne) Knapp of Warsaw, Marjorie L. (Craig) Patricola of Cape Coral, Fl., Paul E. Knapp of Perry, Katherine D. (David) Olin of Henrietta, David E. (Jeannine) Knapp of Perry, 14 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, Buster her loving cat and companion, Dina her compassionate caregiver.

In many ways Amy was a woman ahead of her time. She graduated from Warsaw Central High School in 1939 and furthered her education at Lake Erie College, earning a degree in chemistry. After graduation she was employed as a lab technician at Solvay Chemical Company in Syracuse, commuting home by train directly to Warsaw on weekends.

On January 14, 1944 she married Duane Bradley Knapp who passed away on April 25, 1983. After beginning their family, Amy returned to college at Geneseo State College where she received a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. She then began a second career as an elementary teacher at Perry Central School and taught 20 years until her retirement in 1984.

Amy was also a woman of deep and unshakeable faith, always in command of her emotions and setting an example of quiet determination and optimism. An active member of the Brick Presbyterian Church in Perry since December 1954. She served as an Elder, Deacon and memorial fund treasurer.

Community service and involvement was also important to Amy. She was a co-founder of the Perry Community Closet, a volunteer at the Wyoming County Community Hospital gift shop, a longtime member of the Perry Garden Club.

 Amy was an only child, raised on a small dairy farm. She was able to travel with various Aunts to places of interest including Cape Cod and the Adirondack Mountains. This spurred a lifelong curiosity and interest in travel and nature that lasted well into her 80's and included trips to Washington State, Quebec, Florida and Europe. Somewhat surprisingly, Amy was a devoted fan of nearly every sport there is. She attended Bills games, NASCAR races, Sabres hockey games, major league baseball and was a follower of horse racing, golf and NBA and college basketball. She was also an accomplished equestrian. She was a lifelong birder and gardener.

Family and friends may call from 10-11am on Saturday April 11, 2026 at the Brick Presbyterian Church 6 Church St. in Perry where services will follow at 11am.

Amy will be laid to rest in Glenwood Cemetery in Perry.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Brick Presbyterian Church 6 Church St. Perry, New York 14530.