Catherine Pilley Kneeland's Obituary
Catherine Pilley Kneeland, loving wife, mother and grandmother, went to be with her Lord and Savior on January 18, 2025. She passed peacefully in her home, surrounded by her loved ones, just shy of her 86th birthday. She was born January 27,1939 to William and Katy Pilley, in Dallas, Texas. She attended Highland Park High School, graduating in June of 1957. While at HPHS, she met her soulmate, Charles Stevenson Kneeland, and the two were married in 1958. She attended the Metropolitan School of Business, and worked on the executive floor of the Magnolia Oil Company. After the birth of their first child, Catherine switched to her most important role- that of mother. The next ten years saw the young family moving across the Southwest, having each of their four children in a different city, until they moved back and settled in Dallas, just mere blocks from her childhood home. During this time, she was Mom extraordinaire, pouring everything into her family- routines of school, church, community while also making time for numerous volunteer positions: YMCA coach, PTA board member, Boy Scout den mother, Bluebird leader, and operating the cafeteria at Hyer Elementary- which the local news did a segment on her efforts there. In the mid 1980's, She and Steve once again moved from Dallas, to Medina, Ohio, and finished raising their children. During this period, she began her long love affair with golf, picked up bowling, needle pointing, and started volunteering with Special Olympics. In 1990, they retired to Destin, Florida, built their dream house, and rediscovered life without children. They spent their days golfing, biking, and traveling the world. They created a welcoming home for their children, grandchildren and friends to visit. After Steve's death in 2001, Catherine stayed in Destin and widened her circle without the love of her life. She kept playing golf-achieving a hole in one in her 70's, and was fortunate to continue her travels-eventually seeing 6 of the 7 continents. She was an active member of St. Andrew's by the Sea, where she served in many positions. While in Destin, she continued volunteering: weekly at Sacred Heart Hospital, and seasonally with the Fishing Rodeo and Take a Kid Fishing Day. In 2020, Catherine became ill during the pandemic and moved back to Dallas to enter hospice and be closer to her family. She rallied after a few months, and was able to live independently until her death. These were great years, spending much time with family and lifelong friends. Ask anyone who knew Catherine, what comes to mind when they think of her and the answers would be unanimous: Her friendship, her generous and hospitable nature, her kindness and how she treated everyone with dignity and respect. She never met a stranger and always made it a point to remember everyone's name. She was her family's biggest cheerleader. Her laughter was legendary and contagious- filling most every occasion with love, light and fun and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Catherine is survived by her son Chuck, daughter Nancy Woodall and husband Larry, son Bill, grandchildren Lauren Poff and husband Josh, Katelyn Woodall, Quinn and Steven Kneeland, sister Jane Brown, nieces Suzy Brown, Dory Johnson, and nephew Wayne Thomas. She was preceded in death by her husband Steve, and daughter Jeanie Kneeland.
A celebration of life service will be held on Monday, March 31st, 11:00, in the main chapel at the Church of the Incarnation: 3966 McKinney Street, Dallas, Texas. Reception to follow immediately.
If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Special Olympics, Take a Kid Fishing Day (Jackie@Harbordocks.com) or to the charity of your choice.
What’s your fondest memory of Catherine?
What’s a lesson you learned from Catherine?
Share a story where Catherine's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Catherine you’ll never forget.
How did Catherine make you smile?