Laura Goings Knapp

…Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Matthew 25:28

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Nancy Goings Knapp on June 4, 2025, at the age of 86.

Nancy G. Knapp, a beloved mother, grandmother, educator, and devoted member of St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church in Lomita, passed away peacefully at home on June 4, 2025.

Nancy was the cornerstone of her family, a lifelong educator and a cherished friend to many. In every role she held, Nancy touched countless lives with her warmth, wisdom, and strength.

Born Nancy Nell Goings in Dallas, Texas on December 16, 1938, she moved to Los Angeles as a young child and grew up in East L.A. She graduated from Garfield High School, East L.A. College, and Cal State Los Angeles, later earning two master’s degrees in Education and Counseling. Nancy dedicated 38 years to teaching in the Los Angeles Unified School District and was a tireless advocate for learning and service.

She met her husband, Owen Anthony Knapp (d. 2001), at church in Alhambra, and they married in 1964. Together they raised a large and loving family. Nancy is survived by her children and their families: Samuel Knapp (son of Iris Knapp) and his wife Lisa, and their children, Benjamin and Abigail Knapp; Laura Knapp and her husband Fernando Alvarez, and their children, Olivia and Owen Alvarez Knapp; Eve Knapp and her husband Max Cabot, and their children, Mia and Ivy Cabot; Nancy Ellen Knapp; and Edward Knapp and his wife Jennifer Baker, and their children, Lily, Isabel, and Camillia Knapp.

She lovingly remembers the children from Owen’s earlier marriage to Sally Knapp: Peggy Bannerman, Toni van Knapp, Robert Knapp, and Katherine Burns (d. 2019).

She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Steven Rice (widower of her sister Minnie, d. 2024); her sister-in-law, Janet Knapp (widow of her brother-in-law John Knapp, d. 2018); her niece and nephew, Regan Knapp and John Scudder; and her grand-niece, Adele Scudder.

Her family fondly remembers countless camping trips, where Nancy helped to pitch tents and prepared delicious outdoor meals, as well as road trips across the country in the family station wagon. Her baked goods—especially peach cobbler, homemade bread, and Christmas cookies of all kinds—were lovingly made and joyfully shared with family and friends.

A devoted member, elder, and Director of Christian Education at St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church in Lomita, CA, Nancy was a tireless worker and deeply knowledgeable about her faith. She taught Bible study, led committees, and helped guide others in their spiritual formation. She was also a gifted historian and author who carefully documented the church’s rich legacy. Active in Presbyterian Women, she led with dedication and gave it her all while she could.

Her love of learning and teaching extended to her work with students at Eagle Tree High School and in LAUSD’s Independent Studies program, where she supported and inspired at-risk youth with compassion and patience.

Those who knew Nancy will remember her determination, intellect, and resilience. Even as her health declined in late 2022, she never lost her spark—continuing to charm us with her wit, unique insight, and enduring can-do spirit.

Nancy leaves behind a legacy of strength, service, and love. She will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege to know her.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. — John 3:16

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church in Lomita, followed by a graveside service at 2:00 p.m. at Rose Hills Cemetery in Whittier. Flowers may be sent to St. Mark’s on Wednesday, June 25.