Mary F. (Osborn) Knapp, of Norwell, passed away in the room she was born in on her 87th birthday, February 21, 2013. Predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Michael J. Knapp, she was the daughter of the late Perry and Ella Osborn . She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and former students.

Mary was a physical education teacher in Norwell from 1955 thru 1986; she was instrumental in starting the first formal physical education program in the town of Norwell. She also coached field hockey, softball and girls basketball. Mary was inducted into the Inaugural Class of the Norwell High School Athletic Hall of Fame as both a  coach and an athlete. Mary was a graduate of Norwell High School, Class of 1943 and Sargent College, Class of 1947.

Mike and Mary spent many happy summers moving to the various horse racing tracks where Mike was a well-known jockey. She was a Founding member of Norwell Recreation Committee , serving for 25 years; member of the Veteran's Memorial Committee, Board of Directors, and past president of the Plymouth County Educators Committee . She also served as a member of the Executive Board of the Mass. Teachers Association. She was a long time member of the Norwell Republican Committee and many political campaigns were waged from her dining room table. Mary was a member of and donated many items to the Norwell Historical Society, Norwell Public Schools and the New Bedford Whaling Museum.

A Funeral Service will be celebrated on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013 at 10 am in the First Parish Unitarian Church, River St., Norwell Center. Visiting hours Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013 from 3-7 pm in McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Home, 30 Central St. (off Rt 123, near State Police Barracks), Norwell Center. Interment Washington Street Cemetery, Norwell.  In lieu of flowers make donations to the Norwell Historical Society, PO BOX 693, Norwell, MA. 02061.