FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Laura Linn Knowles, 52, died peacefully at her home in Florham Park, N.J. on May 12, 2015.  
She is the daughter of Terry and Marcia (Butler) Knowles, Topeka, and sister of Julie Knowles of Florham Park.  
During the past seven years, despite a malignant brain tumor, Laura continued a full and busy life with good spirits, anchored by her strong Christian faith, supportive family, and marvelous medical team.
Laura was born Nov. 29, 1962, at USMC Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, Calif., where her father was serving as an infantry officer with the U.S. Marine Corps.  At one year of age, while he was on a 14-month Far East deployment, Laura and her mother lived with her maternal grandparents in Glasco, Kansas. Through years of many family moves, Glasco was Laura’s lifelong anchor.
In 1991, Laura earned a master degree of accountancy, and was first employed nine years with KPMG in Tulsa, Okla., and Denver, Colo.  In 2000, she began a 15-year career with The Bank of New York Mellon in Dublin, Ireland, and then New York City, with whom she was employed at the time of her death. Laura and her sister Julie were blessed to live six years in Dublin together, where they enjoyed many trips throughout Europe while developing lasting friendships.    
Laura enjoyed many diverse activities -- travel, art, counted cross-stitch, concerts, opera, musicals, sporting events, tennis, snow skiing, and mountain hiking. She was a passionate fan of University of Kentucky basketball and Kansas State University football.
Laura is survived by her parents, Terry and Marcia Knowles, Topeka; sister Julie Knowles, Florham Park, N.J; aunt, Linda B. Fetters, Manhattan; cousins, Dave Fetters, Overland Park; and Mike (Ann) Fetters and Julia, Wichita; and other relatives and countless friends.
Services are pending with Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel.
 
Funeral arrangements provided by
Penwell-Gabel Funeral Homes
Mid-Town Chapel
1321 SW 10th
Topeka, KS, 66604
Great Bend Tribune, May 17, 2015