Lavina Fales Knowlton, 89, formerly of Bristol

Posted 4/26/17

Lavina Fales Knowlton (“Nina”), 89, a life-long resident of Bristol, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on April 11, 2017, at the Saint Elizabeth Home in East Greenwich. She was …

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Lavina Fales Knowlton, 89, formerly of Bristol

Posted

Lavina Fales Knowlton (“Nina”), 89, a life-long resident of Bristol, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on April 11, 2017, at the Saint Elizabeth Home in East Greenwich. She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Daniel Gibson Knowlton.

She is survived by her son, Daniel C. Knowlton, of Bristol; her daughter, Jean K. (Stephen) Hickel; three grandchildren, Andrew Hickel, Melodie (Ben) Keizer and Bonnie (Barry) VanVolkinburg; and a great granddaughter, Luisa VanVolkinburg, of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

“Nina” grew up on the family farm (Highland Farm) during the Great Depression. A graduate of the class of 1945 at Colt Memorial High School, she worked at the Collins & Aikman Mill in Bristol, and then several years at the Bristol Town Clerk’s Office. In 1967, Nina became an administrative assistant at the Bristol High School Library and enjoyed that position for 26 years. After retiring, she assisted her husband, Dan, with office duties at the Longfield Studio (bookbinding).

Nina was the daughter of the late Jean G. MacLardy and the late Stephen H. Fales of Bristol, sister to the late Rev. Alexander Fales, and the late Frank M. Fales. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Claudine Fales, her niece, Marion (Spence) Tinkham, and two nephews, Frank (Jenna) Fales, and Donald (Peggy) Fales.

Nina was devoted to her family, loved animals, spending time in her veggie garden, and ice skating with the family, and was a pretty good basketball player in her day. She loved visits with her grandkids, and was a loyal friend, ready to drop everything and help someone if needed. She was an active member of St. Michael’s Church in Bristol.

At age 83, Nina was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, and struggled with limitations on her mobility. She moved to the Saint Elizabeth Home in late 2015.

Cremation has taken place and the family welcomes friends to gather for a graveside Memorial Service, on Thursday, May 11, 2017 at 11 a.m. at the Juniper Hill Cemetery, 24 Sherry Ave., Bristol, RI 02809.

Donations in Nina’s memory may be made to the VanAndel Institute (Parkinson’s Research) in Grand Rapids, MI by going to www.vai.org for a donation form.

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