Barbara J. Knobbs

Barbara J. Knobbs (nee Zegarski), age 87, passed away on July 21, 2025 surrounded by loved ones. Born in 1937 in Philadelphia, Barbara was the daughter of the late Walter Zegarski and the late Sophia Cendrowski Zegarski, the devoted wife of the late Leonard F. Knobbs for sixty-five years, the loving mother of the late Leonard F. Knobbs Jr. (Mary), Raymond “Bear” Knobbs (Lauren), Barbara Macready (Andrew), Stephen “Cubby” Knobbs (Cindi), the late Robert Knobbs (the late Suzanne), Kathleen Coleman (Steven), and Michael Knobbs (Angel), the proud grandmother of 23 grandchildren, 46 great grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren, and the beloved sister of the late Walter Zegarski Jr. and Raymond Zegarski.

Born on September 30, 1937, Barbara was raised in the Port Richmond area of Philadelphia. She attended Nazareth Acedemy High School, where she formed life-long friendships.

In 1955, she married the love of her life, Leonard. Together, they lived in St. Martin of Tours Parish and raised their seven children. Their home was always bustling with love and laughter. Barbara enjoyed gardening, crocheting, hosting family and friends, and volunteering at St. Martin’s.

Barbara loved being a religious educator in the CCD program, an active member of the Charismatic Prayer Group, and a sponsor through the RCIA program, where she was instrumental in introducing people to the Catholic faith. In 2009, she was inducted into the Saint Martin of Tours Hall of Fame for her outstanding service. In 2019, she was awarded the St. Teresa of Avila Award for 40 years of service in Catholic education.

Barbara, known as “Gigi” by just about everyone, was smart, quick-witted, and caring. She was the absolute heart and soul of our family, and could always be counted on. Whether you needed a good laugh or a word of wisdom, Gigi was just a phone call or visit away. Her presence alone was comforting. Her warmth and love were tangible. She loved having a big family and would often sit back to take in the sight of her close-knit family enjoying each other’s company. All the years of hard work she put into raising each and every one of us, generation after generation, paying off in front of her very eyes. In more recent years, she taught us the true meaning of strength, and will be remembered by her unwavering faith and love.

Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing on Tuesday, July 29th, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM in St. Martin of Tours Church 5450 Roosevelt Boulevard, Phila. PA 19124 (parking in lot around back). The funeral mass for Barbara will begin at 11:00 AM, followed by her burial at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for donations to be made to Saint Martin of Tours Parish at 5450 Roosevelt Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19124.

Arrangements by McCafferty Sweeney Slabinski Barnes Funerals and Cremations, John Barnes Supervisor, 215.620.9123