Teresa Noelle Knabe

Teresa Noelle Knabe passed away peacefully at home on July 2, 2024. She was born on January 5, 2006 in Rockford, IL to Brian and Sandra Knabe. She was a precious gift from the start – a beautiful blue-eyed girl with a head full of hair. She loved dresses and dancing, earning herself the nickname “Twinkle Toes” or “Twinkie.” A girly-girl with a rough and tumble streak. She was a beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, aunt, cousin, and friend.

Teresa’s love for God, expressed through her Catholic Faith, was the driving force of her life. She radiated Christ’s love and joy to all she met, especially through her unique gift of empathy and her depth of wisdom beyond her years. Teresa was able to recognize a person’s needs and would race to fill them through a shoulder to lean on, an encouraging message, a helping hand, or just her comforting presence. She was once asked what she wanted to be known for when she died. Her answer was “generosity,” and she certainly fulfilled her goal during her short time on earth. 

Teresa was wrapping up her last semester of her Associates of Science degree from Rock Valley College while working as a tutor at Kumon Learning Center where she was beloved by her students. She had aspirations to study sonography this coming school year, a reflection of her deep desire to help and care for others. She was actively involved in Students for Life at Rock Valley College, as well as Forest City Young Adults. 

Teresa loved spending quality time with her family and friends and had a beautiful gift of making her loved ones feel seen and important. She had a sweet yet fiery personality and lit up a room with her squinty, full-faced smile, and infectious laugh. Her voice could often be heard throughout the house singing loudly to 80s, country, or worship music. She especially loved doting on her nieces and nephews, who would light up whenever “Aunt Teresa” walked through the door. Smart and witty, Teresa had a competitive side expressed through her love of card games, frisbee, and the Green Bay Packers. Teresa enjoyed going “up north” to her family’s cabin where she would go kayaking and hiking and spend quality time with family and friends. Annual family trips to Canada were a highlight of her summer, where she spent countless hours on the lake laughing and joking with her family and trying to out-fish her siblings. She also had a soft side and was always down to watch a rom-com or two. Teresa had a passion for experimenting with makeup and trying out new hairstyles. She could usually be found sporting bold nail polish, numerous rings, dangly earrings, flowy dresses, or boho pants. 

Teresa is survived by her parents, Brian and Sandra Knabe; her nine siblings, Jacob (Binka), Audrey (Joseph Von Arx), Sarah (Stephen Ambrose), Patricia, Monika, David (Rachel), Emma, Rachel, and Gianna; her nieces and nephews, Max and Jada Knabe, Nicolette and Hazel Von Arx, Judah, Katrina, and baby boy Ambrose; her grandmothers, Dorothy Knabe and Christine Heming; her grandfather Richard Cortese; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends. She was preceded into Heaven by her grandparents, Lola Cortese and James Knabe.

In the past year especially, we have been blessed to see Teresa grow and blossom in her relationships with her family, her core group of friends, her boyfriend Benjamin, and most profoundly in her relationship with God. At the time of her passing, she was living her best life; filled with joy, love, and excitement for her future. We are grateful for the gift that she has been to us, sharing her joy and passion for life with everyone around her.

Teresa lived in this world but she was not of this world. She loved life, but she always had her sights set on her final home in Heaven. Teresa recently returned from a weekend retreat in Steubenville, Ohio on fire with the Holy Spirit, where the theme of the retreat was Illuminate: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” -John 1:5. While we miss the light of Teresa’s presence greatly, we are comforted knowing that she is gazing upon the face of her beloved Jesus, and she would want us to share in her joy. 

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 from 5:00-7:00 pm, with a Rosary recited at 6:45 pm, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Rd. Rockford, IL 61107. Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at 11:00 am also at Holy Family Catholic Church. Final resting place will conclude in Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Winnebago, IL.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Teresa Noelle Knabe Memorial Foundation which will provide scholarships for students who share Teresa’s values and are pursuing a healthcare education. Checks may be made payable to the Teresa Noelle Knabe Memorial Foundation.

“Let’s go illuminate the world!” – Teresa Knabe