Lillian Diane Knowlton

Lillian Diane Lopis Knowlton, 73, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, at Crouse Hospital surrounded by her family. Born on March 1, 1953, in Syracuse, New York, to the late Alice Houmiel and Peter Lopis, she was lovingly raised by her late step-father Thomas Houmiel. Lillian shared a remarkable love story with her husband Fred Sr., whom she met when she was seven and he was nine. Together they built a life and family that spanned 66 years, including 55 years of marriage, a bond that only grew stronger with time.

Above all, Lillian was a woman of deep faith, prayer, and unwavering devotion to her family, loving them unconditionally. She served as a true matriarch to both her family and her community, opening her home to anyone in need and gently leading friends, family, and even strangers toward Christ. A dedicated caretaker, she operated a daycare from her home for decades, where she taught, nurtured, and helped raise dozens of children across Central New York. Her legendary end-of-summer pizza party competitions remain cherished memories. Lillian was also deeply active in her church and in the lives of her loved ones, faithfully attending every concert, play, sporting event, graduation, grandparents’ day, and family gathering.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 55 years, Fred Knowlton Sr.; her children, Fred (Christy) Knowlton Jr., Amy Katura, and Sandra (Howard) Seabrook; her grandchildren, Abigail, Tori (Josh), Noah, Raven (AJ), Jael, Sebastian, Asher, and Sophia; and her great-grandchildren, Myla, Harper, Remi, Leo, and Leon.