Ceceilia Ann Knoblock
Ceceilia Ann (nee Delaney) Knoblock, known lovingly to her grandchildren and many others as Nan, was born on May 23, 1940, in Berea, Ohio, and departed this life on May 19, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
She leaves behind the legacy of an independent spirit, a nurturing heart and a life devoted to helping others grow and thrive.
Nan began her working life in the late 1950s as a Bell telephone operator in Cleveland. She was proud to be a working woman of her generation, independent and unafraid of hard work.
After marriage, Nan became the devoted mother of four children and it was within family life that many of her talents truly flourished. She discovered a deep passion for sewing. With creativity and loving care, she made clothes for all her children, pouring countless hours into each stitch and seam. What began as a practical necessity became an artistic expression of love. Eventually, her talents expanded into creating dance costumes for her daughters, then theater costumes for Bowling Green State University.
Another passion, gardening, suited Nan’s creative nature as well. Over the years, her gardens reflected beautifully the person she was—spirited, persistent and colorful. All were lovingly and patiently tended. Inside a treasured gardening book, gifted to her by her son, Glenn, is the inscription he wrote for her, which captures the essence of the life she cultivated.
“To an accomplished gardener in her own right when it comes to raising and caring for the most difficult flowers of all, your children! Without your love, respect, and help, the flowers would never have survived, let alone flourished in this unstable environment known as life. Thanks for the water, along with a healthy dose of fertilizer!”
Nan nourished her family and those around her with attention, humor and no shortage of spunk.
Once her children were grown, Nan worked for many years as a customer service specialist at a variety of retail establishments. In her final working years, she served at Giant Eagle and Heinen’s in Chardon. Whether offering a warm smile, listening ear or helping hand, Nan possessed a rare gift for making people feel welcome and cared for.
She also worked as a devoted nanny for several families over the years. One position led her to relocate to Maine for over a decade and resulted in a very special, lasting bond with her young charge.
Nan loved to travel and visit new places, carrying with her the same curiosity, independence and adventurous spirit that marked the rest of her life.
She was also an avid reader. Books were, to her, companions and windows into the world beyond home.
Those who knew Nan will remember her as uniquely creative, spirited and fiercely loving and loyal. Beneath the occasional flash of a “stubborn streak” was quiet strength, gentle humor and enduring kindness.
Ceceilia Ann “Nan” Knoblock is survived by the following family members: her twin sons, Glenn and Gary Knoblock, who she was so proud of; and her beloved daughters, Debbie Minnick, who was devoted to her in every way despite being separated by many miles, and Lisa Ishee, who cared for her faithfully in her twilight years; her grandchildren, John and Anna Knoblock, David, Elizabeth and Jennifer Knoblock, Gelsey Hood and Andrew Minnick; her great-grandchildren, Gordon Knoblock and twins, William and Wyatt Hood; daughter-in-law, Terry Knoblock; sons-in-law, David Minnick and John Ishee; honorary grandson, Nathaniel DeBerry; and special grandpup, “Mazey.”
Private family services will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Chardon Public Library (or your own public library) to honor Nan’s memory and her lifelong love of reading.
Arrangements are entrusted to The Original Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.burrservice.com.
