Barbara Nadine Knupp

Barbara Knupp, 77, passed away suddenly on Sunday, November 12, 2023.

Barbara was born Sunday October 13, 1946 to the late Vincent and Alpha (Steed) Presto. She grew up in Barberton and was a 1964 graduate of Barberton High School. She entered the Dominican Order in 1966 and was known as Sr. Mary Carolyn, O.P. After graduating from Mount Carmel School of Nursing in 1969 and leaving the Dominican Order, Barb served as a First Lieutenant in the US Army during the Vietnam war from September 1970 to November 1971 prior to returning to northeast Ohio. She then married Thomas Knupp in December 1973 and together they raised two children in Wadsworth and west Akron. She continued to work as an ICU, ER, and PACU nurse at several area hospitals until her retirement in 2010.  Even though she worked full time, Barb was very involved with her children and later her grandchildren.  When she wasn’t helping with a school fundraiser or driving someone to practice, she could be found in the stands at one of Jeff’s wrestling matches covering her face because she was too nervous to actually watch.  Barb loved to bake and took great joy in feeding family, friends, and coworkers. 

Barbara is survived by her daughter, Amy (Tim) Cummings; son, Jeffrey (Jessica) Knupp; husband, Thomas Knupp; sisters, Camilla Smith, Dee Anderson; brother, Michael (Sue) Presto; grandchildren, Sutherland Moore, Jacob Knupp, Jonah Knupp, Marcus Cummings, Davis Cummings, Jackson Knupp; and many other loving family and friends.

Cremation has taken place and a private celebration of life for family and friends will be held next month.  Please contact Amy for more details. Barbara’s final resting place will be Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.

Barb worked for several years as a guardian ad litem where she advocated passionately for the safety of the children within the system. So, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Barbara’s name to Summit County Children’s Services at https://www.summitkids.org/Community-Action/Donate-Volunteer/Donate-Now/.