Helen Jean Knaus | Eastern NC Now

    Helen Jean Knaus, 100, of Washington, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2026.

    She is survived by her daughter, Ronnie Koestline; granddaughters Karla Berger (Matt) and Sarah Fite (Jeremy); and great‑grandchildren Carolyn Berger (Solomon), Kelly Berger, Ian Berger, Katherine Stewart, and Emerson Fite. She is also survived by an aunt, Odessa Fischer.

    She was preceded in death by husband, Tony; mother Margaret Kramer and step‑father Joseph Kramer; son‑in‑law Norman Koestline; and brother David Kramer.

    Helen was born on March 9, 1926, in Richland Center, Wisconsin to Margaret Fischer. She enjoyed a loving childhood surrounded by twelve aunts and uncles in her grandparents' home. After graduating from Juno High School in Milwaukee, she married Anton "Tony" Knaus in December 1944 and the couple moved to Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. Their daughter, Ronnie, was born in 1946. In 1956, the family relocated to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where Helen spent nearly five decades before moving to North Carolina in the early 2000s to be close to her daughter and son‑in‑law.

    Animals held a special place in Helen's heart. Over the years she cared for many cherished pets, including a particularly adored orange tabby she rescued and named Archie, though she most often referred to him simply as "son".

    She devoted many years of volunteer service to the Pink Lady Thrift Shop, operated by the Holy Cross Hospital Auxiliary in Fort Lauderdale, including a term as Vice President of the Auxiliary.

    Helen will be remembered for her clever sense of humor, her eye for style and design, and her whimsical creativity. She approached every project, whether home DIY, crafting, cooking, or diving into a long book, with enthusiasm and fearlessness.

    An intimate memorial service is planned for June. In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen's memory may be made to the Humane Society of the United States.