Angela (Chi Chi) Triola Knauss, 85, passed peacefully on Sunday July 19, 2026. Angela was born on January 18, 1941 in New York, New York to Epifanio and Cecilia "Meyrowitz" Tirola.

She wrote the obituary below.

Ancestry: Jewish, Italian, and French
Education: B.A. Political Science - Univ. of Vermont - 1962
J.D - Vanderbilt Law School - 1978

I never had a plan. Opportunities came - some I took - some not. Most of the time, I made the right decision.

The best decision I made was marrying Bob Knauss.
It was a very good marriage/life. It went so fast - over 50 years. Old age seemed to come overnight. We were not prepared for this change. It was hard to accept that we indeed were old!!

The second best decision was deciding to come to Texas.
I have lived in seven states: New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Illinois, Michigan, Tennessee, and Texas. Each of these states are unique. We found Texas most to our liking and lived there for over 40 years. Texans are different than the rest of the country. They are happier and much more fun than New Englanders or Midwesterners. We had so many truly good friends and they were people who seemed satisfied with their life, more so than in other places I lived, and were fun to be with. Texas was good to us.

I came from an incredible family. My Aunt and Grandfather (who sang in the chorus at La Scala in Milano as a child) had magnificent voices so there was always a lot of singing in my home. I did not inherit that gene! There were Sunday dinners, mostly with extended family, that I remember with great fondness. My Father, paternal grandparents, and Auntie Bee - these are the people who raised me and made me the person I was. I also want to mention my Aunt Belle who showed me lots of love and my maternal grandfather. Thank you!! Thank you!!

I am grateful to Chuck and Katherine Knauss, my step-children, and my son Ian, who gave me love and friendship, and to my many close women friends, near and far, and one dear male friend, Jerry DeGrieck. This past year, Julie Edwards, Andrea Kell, Jancy Ervin, and Maria Camargo all went far beyond any expectation on my behalf.

I am greatly indebted to all of the animals that enriched my life, both my own animals and the shelter animals.

During my life time, I have asked many of you for money for organizations, and you have been generous. So I'm not asking for donations here. Thank you for your prior gifts. Later this year, some of the funds from Bob's and my estate will establish an endowment at Animal Friends of Washington County: "The Angela and Bob Knauss Endowment." https://www.animalfriendstexas.org/.

While we are not having a service for my passing, please occasionally remember me as a loyal and fun friend.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel. To post a tribute to the family, please visit www.memorialoakschapel.com