Theodora S. Knowles, 62, Was Competitive Dancer

Theodora Solmssen Knowles, 62, of Kamuela, Hawaii, and daughter of the late Mimi and Max A. Solmssen of Summit, N.J. and Chilmark died on April 7 after a courageous struggle with ovarian cancer.

After graduating from Kent Place School in 1960 and Pine Manor College in 1962, Nora worked at design and publishing companies in Boston and New York city and was the manager of design research in New York. She competed in the Arthur Murray formal dance programs, wearing stunning gowns that she designed and made. After moving to the big island of Hawaii in the late 1960s, she married Everett Knowles and had two children, Mimi and David. She directed various choral groups that performed in several state contests, tutored math, was a college counselor at the Parker School and actively volunteered at the Kahilu Theatre, both in Kamuela.

Nora spent many summers with her family in East Chop and later in Chilmark. She was especially fond of the flora and fauna of the Vineyard.

Nora practiced holistic healing and was committed to communities and organizations that focused on organic lifestyles and natural wellness.

She is survived by her children, Mimi and David, her former husband, Everett, her siblings, Franz and his wife Sharon of Kamuela, Hans and his wife Sally of Summit and Chilmark and Mary of Scottsdale, Ariz.

Contributions to Hawaii Hospice, P.O. Box 1236, Kamuela, HI 96743 may be made in Nora's name.