Virginia K. Knowles

Virginia (Gea) K. Knowles (neé Pingelski), of Bergenfield, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was married to her first true love Michael Knowles, with whom she shared 57 devoted years of marriage.

Gea was a loving and dedicated mother to Michael Knowles and his wife Lia; Pamela Bowker and her husband George. She was a cherished grandmother “Nanny” to Nicole and Michael Knowles; Melissa and Jenna Bowker, who all brought her immense pride and joy.

She was the dear sister of Nancy Wendaur, Ellie Caldwell, brother John Pingelski (deceased) and brother-in-law Robin Caldwell. Also, she adored and loved all her cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

Gea worked in Marketing and started her own Marketing Company. After retiring, she worked as a crossing guard in Bergenfield because she enjoyed assisting and interacting with children. Gea loved our traditional annual family vacations at the Jersey Shore creating happy memories we all will cherish.

Memorial visiting will take place at Riewerts Memorial Home, 187 South Washington Avenue, Bergenfield, on Saturday, January 17th, from 1:00 to 4:00pm. A memorial service will be held at the funeral home that afternoon at 3:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her memory to the American Cancer Society, 19 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019, or online here: American Cancer Society Donation Page