Constance Knopka

Constance Ann Knopka, age 68, of Orrun, NC passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 surrounded by loved ones.

Constance was born in Philadelphia, PA in 1955 and grew up in Camden NJ where she got her toughness. As a child she spent time in foster care where she gained new family and learned how to grant forgiveness and generosity unto others. At the age of 20, she met Michael Knopka and his 4 daughters. She went on to marry Michael and raise the children as her own. They grew the family even further with the birth of their two sons. Settling down in Collings Lakes NJ, they gained many friends, and many more pets. With life challenging again, the family moved to California where she earned her high school diploma as an adult despite being perceived as being too old. Just a year later, life continued to provide challenges, and the family moved back to NJ. Here she worked and continued her education to earn her paralegal degree. Several times, she worked multiple jobs along with balancing studies, all while working hard to provide for her family. Eventually, they moved to Sicklerville, where they enjoyed their home with the many new family members as grandchildren began to arrive. Connie became Mom-mom to her grandchildren. Through challenges and struggles, Connie always found ways to open her heart and her doors to others in need. She took in relatives, neighbor’s children, stray animals and haven for her children/grandchildren in times of need.

She enjoyed many things including spending time with her family for cook outs and pool parties. She loved music (not just Elvis, but definitely the King), arts and crafts, fishing, bird watching, puzzles, cooking, sewing (just recently) and helping others. She also loved her many pets whom were often rescued as strays, but also the many unorthodox variety brought home by her husband over the years.

Constance is predeceased by her Husband Michael Knopka, Mother Ida May Barrow, Daughter Michelle Mazzagatti, Father Anthony Paolello, Brother In-Law Belin Vandergrift, Nephew Ryan Baldwin, the Knopka Zoo, and many close friends and relatives along the way.

She is survived by her Brother Ed Baldwin, Sister Kim Vandergrift, Children Debbie Oler, Denise Hart, Barbara Bertino, Michael Knopka and Mark Knopka. Her grandchildren Nathan, Aundreya, Meghan, Kristina, Samantha, Emily, Trent, Timothy, Christopher. Great grandchildren Kendra, Kylie, Aria and Addison. New family dear friends Lisa and Harold Williams

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her visitation July 6, 2024 from 10:00-11:00am with funeral services to follow all at the Marinella Funeral Home 102 N. Third St. Hammonton, NJ 08037.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Constance’s name to your local no kill animal shelters.