Anna (Benway) Knowles , VRHS Class of 1976
Knowles, Anna Benway RENSSELAER Anna Benway Knowles of Rensselaer, age 55, died of cancer on December 12, 2013, surrounded by her family and friends. Born in Rensselaer, she spent much of her life in the community she loved and to which she often gave back. Anna graduated from Rensselaer Junior/Senior High School in 1976. She attended Hudson Valley Community College and graduated in 1992 as a radiologic technician. She worked in the interventional radiology/ angiography department at Albany Medical Center for many years. She then continued her career in medicine, working in a variety of positions, most recently as a medical consultant at Laborie Medical Technology. She thought of Laborie as her second family. She was forced to retire sooner than she would have liked because of her illness. Anna is survived by her husband, Michael Fredette; her son, Sean Knowles; stepdaughter, Megan Stewart (Adam); sisters, Angela Benway and Amy Hulett; a brother, Jeffrey Benway; grandchildren; Abby (Danielle Moore), Addison and Lucas Stewart. She is also survived by her mother-in-law, Barbara "Nanny Bo" Fredette; her sister-in-law, Theresa (Tess) Fredette and by many loving loyal friends, co-workers and neighbors. Anna will be remembered for her flair for cooking and entertaining, her generosity and good humor. Her home was always where the party was and was affectionately referred to as "The Do Drop Inn." In fact, people did drop in and stayed, sometimes for days! There was always plenty of food, drink and fun at Anna's house. Her energy was great, her enthusiasm constant, and her integrity impeccable. Anna literally gave the shirt off her back once to a homeless woman. As one last gesture of her bigheartedness, Anna participated in the Albany Medical College Anatomical Gift Program in the hopes that future strides could be made in the treatment and cure for cancer. Before her own battle with the disease, Anna helped her son and her sister fight cancer. She dealt with the injustice of cancer with dignity, grace and bravery. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2013 beginning with a Mass at 9:30 a.m. at St. Jude the Apostle Church, 43 Brookside Ave., Wynantskill In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Will's Eye Institute, 840 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA, 19107 in her memory.