Judith "Judy" Knape

Judith “Judy” Lavelle Knape (née Pynes) age 73, Mandeville, LA, passed away peacefully at home from lung cancer on the afternoon of Friday, 7 May 2021 while surrounded by her son, sister, and daughter-in-law. She is preceded in death by her partner Bill Kiernan, her parents, James Lavelle Pynes and Jeanne Louise Pynes LeMay (née McCalman), and brother-in-law Patrick Stockton.

Judy was born on 4 November 1947 in Shreveport, Louisiana as the oldest of three girls to Jeanne and James Pynes. After graduating from high school, learning shorthand, and attending charm school, she struck out for a life of adventure.  Her life was filled with cross-country trips by train, planes, and cars—and maybe even a few motorcycles. Whether she was working at the Army base in Leesville, running a modeling agency and scouting talent in South Beach, or learning how to make pottery in California, Judy dreamed big and lived life on her terms. In 1986 she landed in the beautiful seaside town of Carpinteria, California. She made the land where dreams do come true her home for more than 27 years with her loving partner (and damn good carpenter) Bill Kiernan. She spent the last seven years in Mandeville enjoying her family, her friends, her books, and her church.

Judy is survived by her only son, Christopher Pynes (Darlene), her sisters Janet Boogaerts (John) her youngest sister Susan Stockton, her nieces Amy Jones (Michael), Leslie Vinson (John), Amber Simmons (Bryan), and her nephews Brad Boogaerts (Erica), Patrick Stockton (Tana), and Jake Stockton. Judy is also survived by many loving grandnieces and grandnephews.

A Memorial Service will be held at St. Timothy on the North Shore starting at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, 13 May 2021.  Friends and family are welcome.  Judy’s ashes along with Bill’s will be placed in the St. Timothy Memorial Garden in a private ceremony for the family.  In lieu of flowers, Judy would love it if you would support any of the following:  Council on Aging St. Tammany (COAST), St. Timothy’s, or your local library, animal shelter, women’s center, or hospice care facility.

Judy and her family express immense gratitude to St. Tammany Hospice for all the support and care over the last four months.