Ellen Maren Knakal (nee Eliason) passed away Monday afternoon, February 6, 2023 at Livia Care Center in East Hanover, NJ following an extended illness. She was 89. Born in Hempstead, NY, she was raised in Bergenfield, NJ and lived in West Paterson, NJ before coming to the Lake Hiawatha section of Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ over 55 years ago. She and her family also spent summers on Long Beach Island where they created 60 years of cherished memories. Mrs. Knakal earned her Bachelors Degree in Education from Trenton State College in 1954. She had worked as a physical education teacher with Glen Rock New Jersey Public Schools, and later with the Mountain Way Elementary School in Morris Plains, NJ. She retired after 45 years of service at the age of 65. A longtime member of St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Parsippany she was also a member of the American Association of United Women. Ellen's family was her greatest treasure. Preceded in death by her loving husband, Thomas A. Knakal; and a sister, Patricia Lehner; she is survived by her three daughters, Kristen Sergeant and her husband, Raymond of Summit, Kim Knakal of Lake Hiawatha, and Stacie Picconi and her husband, Robert of Lake Hiawatha; and four grandchildren, Jake Sergeant, Jesse Sergeant, Aleya Rose Picconi, and Gianna Rae Picconi. At the family's request, visitation will be private. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass on Friday, February 10, 2023, 11:00am at St. Peter the Apostle R.C. Church, Parsippany. Private Cremation will follow at Locust Hill Crematory. In lieu of flowers, the family would be most grateful for memorial gifts to The Alzheimer's Association (http://act.alz.org).