Ms Sharon Rachel Knopf

January 27, 1932 - December 19, 2015

Sharon Rachel Knopf, 83, of Church Street, Lenox, died Saturday December 19 at Fairview Hospital in Great Barrington. Born in Merrill, Wisconsin January 27, 1932, Rachel attended local schools and then attended the Layton School of Art in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where she studied fashion and interior design. While in college, Rachel worked as a model and modelled hats for Chapman’s Department Store at the then princely sum of $50.00 an hour. She was employed for many years at R.W. Wise, Goldsmith’s Inc. in Lenox. Prior to coming to the Berkshires in 1981 Rachel designed Ballet costumes for the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, was manager of the Museum Store as well as exhibition sales and negotiator for all reproduction contracts and quality control for both sculpture and painting reproduction of major art works for the Milwaukee Art Center. After moving to New England, Rachel was employed by the Handweavers Guild of America in Hartford, CT as director of Special Projects and served as consultant to the National Park Service Living History Interpretive Program. Rachel enjoyed designing her own clothes as well as clothes for others including bridal gowns. She enjoyed needlework, classic movies, classical music and concerts at Tanglewood, was an avid reader, in particular historical books and biographies. She was a champion of all animals but wolves and dogs in particular. When asked of friends and family what came to mind when thinking of Rachel it was most frequently mentioned that she was always such a lady, a beautiful, classic lady, thoughtful, caring, talented, and intelligent, fun to be with. Rachel brought grace to living, in all aspects, in her own unique way; she tried always to be positive even in the worst of circumstances, always seeing the glass half full. Rachel is survived by two daughters; Doro Lambert of Lenox and Darcia Johnson and her husband David of Colony, TX; and one son, Derric Lambert and his partner Rebecca Hartman of Lewisville, TX and countless people whom she loved and who loved and cared for her. In keeping her wishes, there were no funeral services. A service of remembrance will be held at a later date. Donations in Rachel’s memory may be made to The World Wildlife Fund, The Civic Symphony of Boston, The Boston Symphony Orchestra, or your local animal shelter or library, all in care of the Roche Funeral Home, 120 Main Street, Lenox, MA 01240.