Pennsylvania lieutenant governor dies after battle with cancer

Lieutenant Governor Catherine Baker Knoll died Wednesday from complications resulting from a cancer she was diagnosed with four months ago.

Knoll was undergoing physical therapy at the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington, D.C., after cancer treatments at Hershey and Johns Hopkins Medical Centers.

Lt. Governor Knoll was a well-liked and respected public servant, and by all accounts she was a tireless worker right up to her final days.

Local legislators recalled the time she took to greet visitors and share her knowledge of the history of the commonwealth.

Representative Mike Peifer called Knoll a “very, very kind person where not many politicians of her stature find the time to be.”

He related a story about a time last year in the spring when a choir from Wallenpaupack North Intermediate went to sing in the Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg. Lt. Governor Knoll came out of her office to speak to the children and offer them a tour of her office overlooking the Susquehanna River.

“She was a very busy woman, and she didn’t have to do that. Most people wouldn’t have found the time for something like that, but she did. It shows just how kind a person she was,” he said.

State Sen. Lisa Baker recalled the same day.

“One of her delights was to welcome visitors, especially children to the Capitol,” she said. Baker recalled Knoll speaking to one of the students, Adam Erickson, who was later killed in a house fire.

When Knoll learned of Erickson’s death, Baker said, “It affected her deeply. She had a special spot in her heart for him.”

“She took great delight in meeting students and teachers,” Baker said, adding Knoll shared her knowledge of the mural in the Capitol. As one of only ten women in the Senate, Baker said she thought highly of Knoll for working to be a role model for other women.

Baker said Knoll also took pleasure in being a role model to young women and girls, often sharing the trials she had gone through to earn her place.

“Catherine Baker Knoll is assured a place in Pennsylvania political history, by virtue of the barriers she broke for women in public service and the special appeal she had for voters,” Baker concluded.

Representative Siptroth agreed that her kindness to visitors to the State Capital was extraordinary noting she always took the time to visit with constituents from his District when they visited. She was a great lady,” he said. Her passing, “Is a great lose to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”

He extended his sympathy to her family noting his had a good friendship with her. He noted she started out as a nurse and rose to be the first women to become Lt. Governor in PA history.

Pike County Commissioner Karl Wagner Jr. called her “a very gracious and knowledgeable woman whom I enjoyed speaking with on the several occasions I had the privilege to do so.”

PA Senator Robert Casey said, ”Catherine’s life was one of service and sacrifice, courage and commitment to the common good. She was my friend, and I, like many Pennsylvanians will miss her indomitable spirit and her compassion for those without a voice.”

US Senator Arlen Spector called Knoll’s passing a “great loss to Pennsylvania and the nation. She had an exemplary record in public and community service, including serving as State Treasurer. She was a pioneer, being the first woman to hold many key positions. I knew her very well and considered her a friend and extend condolences to her family.”

Mark Graziadio, chairman of the Wayne County Democratic Committee, said, “Catherine Baker Knoll will always be remembered as a genuine, one-of-a kind elected official with a concern for those less fortunate.” He said she, “Was selfless in her service and held other public servants to the highest of standards in government. She worked well with members on both sides of the aisle in the Senate where she presided and loved to talk about her influence on legislation that helped children and working families throughout the Commonwealth.”

PA Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi called Knoll, “a true ambassador for Pennsylvania.” And added, “No one had more enthusiasm and energy, and no one spent more time promoting Pennsylvania.

Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati said, “She was a tremendous leader for the Commonwealth and embodied the type of character expected of true, effective public servants.”

Scarnati will fill her position as Lt. Governor. Siptroth said he believed it is the first time someone from a different party was called upon to fill the vacant seat.

The News Eagle