KILMARNOCK—Patricia “Patty” Anne Knott McKnew, 71, of Kilmarnock, passed away on May 13, 2025, surrounded by her family in her home in Kilmarnock. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Patty’s warmth, humor and unwavering kindness left a mark on everyone who had the privilege to know her.
Born April 9, 1954, in Washington, D.C., to Margaret and Walter Knott, Patty grew up the youngest of three children in the Palisades neighborhood, which she cherished. She graduated from Holy Trinity School in Georgetown and attended American University. In the summer of 1972, she worked in the book department of Woodward and Lothrop in Chevy Chase, Md., where she met William “Bill” McKnew. The two were married in 1974.
Patty and Bill built a life filled with laughter, faith and deep friendship. Patty was a devoted mother to her three children, Sarah, Joe and David and a proud grandmother to her eight grandchildren, Will, Michael, Charlie, Joe, Caroline, Jack, George and Anne Sidney.
Patty’s generosity, charm, loyalty and joyful sense of humor and fun made her a friend to all. From her childhood friends in Palisades, to those she made as a young mother in Arlington and later in Williamsburg, to those who cared so deeply for her in Kilmarnock, her friends became an extended family. Patty had an extraordinary gift for bringing people together through her empathetic nature and simply by being there when it mattered most.
Patty is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Bill; her children, Sarah Trimmer (Greg), Joe McKnew (Kate), David McKnew (Shannon); her eight grandchildren; her sister, Sally McGrath; and brother, Walter Knott; numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral arrangements will be made through Currie Funeral Home, Kilmarnock.
Patty’s family would like to thank Riverside Hospice Care, especially Matesha Taylor, RN, and also Hoppie Cockrell and Dr. Cameron Wood and the staff at OPIC of Rappahannock General Hospital for their loving care.
