- Date Of Death: November 8, 2018
- State: Idaho
On Thursday, November 8, 2018, a bright new star appeared in the heavens. Her name is Leone. She was many things to many people. She was daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, caregiver, advocate, family historian, family touchstone. If you had Leone’s phone number, you had a friend. Our hearts are broken.
Leone Carol Sheffield Knopp was born here on earth in Nampa, Idaho on July 25, 1946. Her birthmate was her twin and only brother Leon Carl, whom she adored. They joined 4 sisters already at home and soon there were 2 more. The sisters remained her friends and playmates for life.
Leone is remembered as a high-spirited, fun loving and irrepressible child with a zest for life and love of friends and family. These qualities not only define her, they infuse the loving memories we’ll always carry with us. She was blessed with eyes that sparkled and fluttered when she spoke especially when she told “shocking” and often hilarious stories. She had an infectious giggle that came easily and often. She brought squeals of delight from generations of children who cherished her playfulness, kisses and hugs (and belly button licking).
Leone dedicated herself to her family as she did with all things that mattered to her. She seemed tireless as she raised her two daughters, Maria Rose and Teresa Kathleen. She volunteered for school and other activities, organized family functions, served as hairdresser for friends, family and acquaintances and cared for her aging grandparents and later her parents. She helped deliver a few babies too, and lovingly made blankets to wrap these tiny gifts from God.
In 1982, she describes the birth of one very special delivery, her son Andrew Scott, as a “gift from Grace”.
In her most recent years, Leone’s passion was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was rarely seen without them, and that is the way she wanted it. She was just as involved in their lives as she had been with her children. She was honored by their elementary school for leading the organization, planning and fundraising for a walking path at the school. She saw a need and worked tirelessly to make it happen.
Leone once said, “I don’t want to live a life where people say, “I think I might have known her”.” Mission accomplished. Leone is unforgettable.
Leone Carol Sheffield Knopp is survived by her husband of 52 years, Rodney Sander Knopp; her daughters Maria Rose Knopp Erland of California and Teresa Kathleen Knopp Romich of Idaho; her son Andrew Scott Sheffield of Idaho, 6 grandsons, 3 granddaughters, and 3 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters Vera Kennedy, Mary Sheffield, Grace Sheffield, Nita Cash and her twin brother Leon Sheffield. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ervol and Eva Sheffield and her sisters Willa Dean Alfont and Gladys Musgrove.
