03/06/2026
Knab-Round, June (O'Connell),
June 9, 1929 - March 2, 2026, at the age of 96, beloved wife of the late Jack R. Round and late William A. "Bill" Knab, loving mother of William (Liz Armstrong) Knab and Patricia (late Walter W. Brown) Knab, dear grandmother of Chloe Marie (Hunter) DeSantis, great grandmother of Ryder, daughter of the late John J. and Marie (Riedy) O'Connell, sister of the late Patrick (late Patricia) O'Connell and the late John J. (Maureen) O'Connell. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a time to be announced followed by the burial at the Hillcrest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Buffalo, 225 Como Park Blvd., Cheektowaga, NY 14225 and or Mount Mercy Academy, 88 Red Jacket Pkwy., Buffalo, NY 14220 in June's memory. Knab-Round, June (O'Connell),
June 9, 1929 - March 2, 2026, at the age of 96, beloved wife of the late Jack R. Round and late William A. "Bill" Knab, loving mother of William (Liz Armstrong) Knab and Patricia (late Walter W. Brown) Knab, dear grandmother of Chloe Marie (Hunter) DeSantis, great grandmother of Ryder, daughter of the late John J. and Marie (Riedy) O'Connell, sister of the late Patrick (late Patricia) O'Connell and the late John J. (Maureen) O'Connell. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a time to be announced followed by the burial at the Hillcrest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Buffalo, 225 Como Park Blvd., Cheektowaga, NY 14225 and or Mount Mercy Academy, 88 Red Jacket Pkwy, Buffalo, NY 14220 in June's memory. Arrangements by the JAMES W. CANNAN FUNERAL HOME, (716) 675-9027, online condolences, obituary and further updates as to the date and time of the memorial at www.CANNANFH.com
I want to share the passing of a truly remarkable woman—my mother—at the age of 96.
Mom was far ahead of her time. In the late 1950s, she built a career outside the home as a professional freelance runway model, later becoming the owner and director of a charm school and modeling agency, and working as a co-op advertising representative for women’s wear. She was also a co-founder and president of Ad Women of Buffalo. Alongside her professional accomplishments, she was a devoted wife and loving mother.
She raised my sister, Patty and me to be independent, confident, and unafraid to take on any challenge. At her charm school, she taught far more than makeup, hair, and clothing. She taught poise, confidence, and the importance of speaking up politely for yourself—especially in what was very much a man’s world at the time. Looking back, I now see how those life skills shaped my sister and me and served us well in our chosen careers.
She was predeceased by our father, William A. Knab, and later by Jack R. Round—two wonderful men who also taught me so much. My heartfelt thanks go to my daughter, Chloe DeSantis, for assisting with Mom’s nursing care over the past few weeks. A special thank-you as well to Hospice of Buffalo, and especially to Cindy Wade, dear friend and caregiver for the past six months. You are all truly amazing. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at a date and time to be determined. I will post the details when they are available. Arrangements by the JAMES W. CANNAN FUNERAL HOME, (716) 675-9027, online condolences, obituary and further updates as to the date and time of the memorial at www.CANNANFH.com
