Connie (Knudsen) Whitebread

Connie R. Whitebread, 75, of Etters, passed away on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, surrounded by her family at her home. She was the daughter of the late Roy and Margaret (Toomey) Knudsen, born on June 19, 1947 in York.

Connie was hard working and cared about all those around her. She retired from the former Flight Systems, Lewisberry, having worked in the soldering and inspections department. Prior to that, she spent time working at the East Berlin Shoe Factory, the Tobacco Factory in New Cumberland, and HMW Industries. She and her husband, Larry, raised a family in Etters, and they would also go on to start a ceramics business outside their regular jobs. The two would hand-pour and fire the pieces before painting and glazing, with the most popular items being canister sets and other household decorations.

She was phenomenal in the kitchen, always baking or canning, and as a young lady she enjoyed crocheting. Going out to eat was a treat, and getting away for the weekend always sounded appealing to Connie. She was easy going, yet driven and dependable, and she always put her family first in anything she did. She spoiled her grandchildren in every situation that would allow it, and she had a soft spot for animals throughout life, especially her son’s beagle from long ago. Bird watching at her daughter’s house and working on jigsaw puzzles and word searches were some of her favorite pastimes, and every day was a good day to play cards. Don’t be fooled – this sweet and tender woman could be ruthless and cutthroat when it came to a game of 500 Rummy. She was non-confrontational, but strong for her family and the consummate matriarch, always knowing the right thing to say, or when to say nothing at all. Her strength and love will remain with all those she touched in her 75 years.

Surviving Connie are her children, Wanda S. Fisher (Craig Anderson), Larry M. Whitebread Jr (Trisha Whitebread), Mark A. Whitebread (Rebecca Whitebread), and Jason L. Whitebread (Theresa Slaseman), all of Etters; grandchildren, Matthew, Jackie, Breanna, Jacob, Amber, Josh, Cassie, Kayla and Peyton; eleven great-grandchildren; brothers, Ray Knudsen, Orvest Knudsen and Keith Knudsen; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death her husband, Larry M. Whitebread Sr; siblings, Roy Knudsen, Judy Reed, Daisey Keister and Harry Knudsen; and a step-grandson, Jory W. Raber III.

A public viewing will be held from 1-3PM on Saturday, November 12, 2022 at Parthemore Funeral Home & Cremation Services, New Cumberland.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Connie’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org/donate).