Dorothy (Knapp) Lander
Canandaigua - Dorothy (Knapp) Lander passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026, at the age of 95, leaving behind a lifetime stitched together with family, friendship, learning, and quiet generosity. Born in Macedon, NY, she was the daughter of Theron Harold and Thelma (Esley) Knapp.
Dorothy was predeceased by her beloved husband, Richard Lander, in 1984; infant grandson, Andrew; brother, Roger Knapp, in 1980; and niece, Jean Knapp, in 1972. She is survived by two daughters, Jan (Bruce) Denerstein and Susan “Polly” (Michael) Singh; seven cherished grandchildren, Emily, David, Micah (Maria), Mollyrose (Noah), Jonah (Elizabeth), Tanner, and Morgan; four great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Teresa Knapp; her devoted niece and frequent companion, Jane (John) Gabriele; along with another nine more beloved nieces and nephews and their families.
A graduate of the State University of New York at Geneseo, Dorothy earned degrees in education and library science and dedicated many years to teaching at Canandaigua and Red Jacket Elementary Schools. She believed deeply in learning, books, and encouraging young minds.
Dorothy found joy in life’s gentle pleasures: tending gardens, getting lost in a good book, participating in her book club, gathering around tables for Mexican Train and spirited card games, and enjoying the challenge of putting together an intricate puzzle. She loved creating beautiful baby and adult-sized quilts, knitting countless gifts for others, and sewing adorable outfits for her grandchildren. An avid shopper, Dorothy delighted equally in poking about charming gift shops, bargain hunting at the mall, and stopping to enjoy lunch with a companion. She also loved to travel throughout the United States and Europe, especially when journeys included family and dear friends. Her adventures often centered around her interest in history and literature, her love of ocean walks, and her desire to experience the culture of distant places. Dorothy also loved feeding and watching the birds.
Her generosity reached far beyond her own family. Dorothy volunteered with Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park, Meals on Wheels, and the Friends of Wood Library. Her life was one of giving without fanfare, intelligence without pretense, and love that traveled across generations. Dorothy’s family and friends will carry her stories forward like treasured bookmarks tucked carefully into well-loved pages.
A graveside service will be held Wednesday, May 20, at 2:00 pm, at Woodlawn Cemetery, 130 N. Pearl St., Canandaigua. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lollypop Farm at The Humane Society of Greater Rochester, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY 14450. Arrangements are by Johnson-Kennedy Funeral Home, Inc., Canandaigua. Condolences may be offered at www.johnsonkennedy.com.