Barbara E. Knaus

Barbara Elaine (Gehrmann) Knaus, 82, of New Britain, widow of John F. "Jack" Knaus Jr., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2014 at the Hospital of Central CT with her family by her side. Born in Cheshire, she was the daughter of the late Fred and Jennie (Person) Gehrmann. Barbara was a former Kensington resident before moving to New Britain in 1985. She graduated from Edgewood College and was formerly employed as a Medical Assistant at Grove Hill Medical Center before assisting her husband in the family business, John F. Knaus & Sons Building Co. Barbara was a member of the Kensington Congregational Church. She was a former Girl Scout Leader, member of the Junior League of New Britain, and volunteer at Community Mental Health. Barbara enjoyed bowling with the Strikette League at Berlin Bowl, her trips to the casinos, annual vacations in Aruba, and her many retired Fidelco dogs. Barbara is survived by three daughters, Linda Drago and her husband Stephen, Carole Capodiece and her husband James, and Patti Byrnes; her former son-in-law Michael Byrnes; six grandchildren, Russell Drago and his wife Ashley, Daniel Drago and his wife Jenn, Kim Bennett, Cari McKee and her husband Robert, Sarah Byrnes and Kelly Byrnes; seven great grandchildren with an eighth coming soon; her special cousins, Bruce Person and Nancy Kirner; many dear friends, and her beloved dog Yanci. Barbara was predeceased by her brother, Lester Gehrmann, her infant sister Elaine, and by many dear friends. The family would like to thank Barbara's loving companions, Maya and Diane, along with the medical staff, especially Dr. Honor and Dr. Illindala, for the loving care and assistance extended to Barbara and the family. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 AM at Kensington Congregational Church, 312 Percival Avenue, Kensington, CT 06037. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, New Britain. Calling hours are Monday, from 4-7 PM at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home, 411 So. Main St., New Britain. Memorial donations may be made to Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, 103 Vision Way, Bloomfield, CT 06002, Kensington Congregational Church, or to the Dialysis Unit at the Hospital of Central CT.