Patricia B. Knowlton

WOODBURY - Patricia Browning Knowlton passed away peacefully with family by her side on Friday, April 29, 2022.

‘Patty’ was born March 17, 1928 to the late Robert G. Browning and Carol C. Browning in Englewood, New Jersey. She grew up in Tenafly, NJ and graduated from Dwight-Englewood School and Bennett College.

In 1951 she married Thomas Knowlton, living in Tenafly, NJ, Boston, MA and Watertown, CT before moving to Woodbury in 1959.

Always keen on the importance of community volunteerism, Patty donated her time and efforts to a number of organizations over many years including, Waterbury Symphony Orchestra, Flanders Nature Center, Woodbury Scholarship Fund, FISH of Woodbury, and others.  

Along with volunteer work and raising her five children, in 1967 Patty opened The Bees’ Nest, a ladies and children’s clothing store in Woodbury. She had a strong sense for what customers in the region wanted to wear, often customizing orders choosing one-offs for her customer’s specific needs. She owned and managed the business for 25 years before closing the doors in 1992.

Patty was passionate about music, particularly classical and jazz, and sang as a Tenor with the Waterbury Choral and the Connecticut Choral Society. A highpoint in her years singing with Connecticut Choral Society was performing Beethoven Symphony No. 9 Choral at Carnegie Hall in Manhattan along with other choral groups from around the country.

She loved adventure and felt fortunate to have travelled throughout Europe, Canada, and the USA.

An avid party giver and celebrator of holidays, her house was always decorated for the season. Depending on the time of year, she filled her house with beautifully arranged wildflowers cut from the side of the road with a dusty pair of shears she kept in her car.

An enthusiastic self-taught cook, she loved simple recipes (e.g. 1 stick of butter, 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of heavy cream) and she seemed to have perfected the ability to conjure a delicious hot meal out of the kitchen without ever having lifted a finger. There were always homemade cookies at the ready in her cookie jar.

Patty is survived by four children, Thomas Knowlton, Jr., Cynthia Knowlton, Kimberly Knowlton and David Knowlton; her grandchildren, Alan Pagnamenta, Hannah Knowlton, Samuel Knowlton, and Jasmine Waite; and her great grandchildren, Katherine Pagnamenta, Chloe Pagnamenta, Sofia Pagnamenta, and Evelyn Knowlton; in addition, a nephew, Peter Clay, and niece, Patricia Clay Lahourcade. Patty was predeceased by her daughter, Katherine Knowlton Pagnamenta, a sister, Elizabeth Browning Clay, and brother, George C. Browning.

At Patty’s request, no memorial will be held. In lieu of flowers, she asked those who wish to make a donation to the Woodbury Scholarship Fund ‘Knowlton Family Scholarship’, PO Box 716, Woodbury, CT 06798-0716.  To leave an online condolence please visit www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com

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