Some legends can’t help but ride together. On August 30th, a mere three months after her lifelong partner left this physical world, Deborah “Debbie” Ann Knott moved on to be by his side once more, peacefully in her sleep, at Coral Springs Rehabilitation Center. Though it’s said she succumbed to a broken heart, we like to think she had too much catching up to do with her loved ones in the great beyond.
After moving from her birthplace of Brooklyn, NY at 4 years old, Debbie grew up in Claymont, DE attending Claymont High School, where she met and inevitably fell for her future husband, and partner in crime, “Big Chuck” (or “Oz” at the time).
During her schooling she became a “jack of all trades” in office and clerical work. She joined the workforce as a more-than-capable secretary & office manager, and eventually started her own business in medical transcription, among other transcribing jobs for authors & professors, while always finding time to moonlight as everyone’s favorite accountant come tax season.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles “Chuck” Knott Sr., mother, Rose “Rosie” Cadwallader, father, Dave Cadwallader, and sister, Carol Clayton. She is survived by her three sons (who she affectionately attributed her gray roots to, but also her most proud triumphs), Chuck Jr., Justin, and Tyler, her sister, Michele, and a wide range of loving family and friends, who each have a unique story of soul-stirring one-on-ones with her.
Her hobbies were not so much solely her own, but consisted of joining in and sharing in whatever pursuits or passions those she loved had going on. When her three boys played baseball, she was the most exuberant one at the fields, cheering every hit or play in the field, barking at the umpire, and always stocked with after game snacks. When they took on music, she made sure to get a prime seat to sing along and be the #1 fan. This trait continued to anything anybody had going on in their lives. She was the perpetual optimist and always rooted for everybody’s success.
In a lifetime filled with unflinching love & affection, Debbie’s final years were surely some of her favorites, as she got to spend them with her favorite person in the entire world, her bright eyed, vibrant, and hilarious granddaughter, Harper Rose.
She spent this last year in hopeful recuperation, with optimism to get back to the North Wilmington home she loved so. Her and her husband of 41 years, Chuck Sr., built a home together that was, forever and always, a welcoming place for everyone. Their home was not only the go-to spot for every holiday and celebration, but also was a safe space with an ever open door for anyone experiencing troublesome or tumultuous times. No holiday was ever without too many side dishes & too large portions, or folks standing around the room because her love and generosity were literally bigger than her kitchen table. Nobody ever went hungry in “Deb’s House.” She loved to cook and “hold court” in her kitchen and share stories into the wee hours of the night (even if that “court” had a disproportionate amount of jesters). Debbie was renowned for not only having the biggest heart & endless empathy, but also for being the absolute best listener & subsequent advice giver. The amount of folks who can attest to Debbie’s legendary “chat sessions” being life changing (or at least perspective changing) are not able to be easily counted, as her positive impact on folks’ lives on a personal level spread far & wide.
Debbie’s soul affirming spirit may have left her physical body, but the love and lessons she shared will be carried along by anyone who was fortunate to spend time with her throughout the rest of their lives. Anytime anyone hears the ringing of a slot machine jackpot, or the smooth and rollicking groove of a Fleetwood Mac or Beatles song, they will fondly remember the one and only Debbie Knott.
Friends of Debbie’s can pay their respects at McCrery & Harra Funeral Home, 3924 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803 on Wednesday, September 11th. The family will be greeting folks beginning at 2pm, with funeral services to be held at 3pm… and if you’re anything like Debbie, it’s okay to be a little late.
