Francesmarie Margaret (Knapp) Shoemaker of Norristown, PA, formerly of East Norwich, NY - peacefully on May 16, 2026. Beloved wife of the late Carl for 60 years. Loving mother of Marcia Ann (Blaise), Carl Jr. (Michelle), John (Suzanne), Jeffrey (Joseph), Thomas (Sharon), and the late Gregory (Patti). Cherished grandmother of fourteen (Erica, Andrew, Anne, Jonathan, Matthew, Carl, Jason, Francesca, Sarah, Alexander, Steven, Thomas, Margaret Ann, and Joseph) and great-grandmother of fourteen. Dear sister of James Knapp, and the late Mary Stimmler, Walter, and Margaretmary Knapp. An honorary mother to the Hunter girls. Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Born on March 25, 1930, in Norristown, to Walter and Margaret Mary Knapp, Francesmarie met Carl while both were attending Drexel University in Philadelphia. In 1953, they married and moved to Long Island to raise their family. Dolly, or “FM” to many, was a fixture in the St. Dominic volunteer community, often serving tirelessly with many dear friends. FM was part of the famed St. Rocco’s Festival cooking crew, she helped organize the Noel Boutique, and she sewed many a costume for St. Dom’s High School plays. Whenever needed, she was there to quietly offer her time and talent. Francesmarie enjoyed entertaining and playing pinochle, but she mostly cherished spending time with her family. She was the matriarch of the Shoemaker clan, presiding with grace and reverence over so much of our lives. A reflection of her lasting legacy is a hand-sewn Christening gown, passed down through two generations, and embroidered with each baptized child’s name.

In 2021, FM returned to East Norwich to spend her remaining years.

Visiting Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 3:00-7:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial Chapel of St. Dominic R.C. Church, Oyster Bay, NY, on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 10:30 am.

 A private cremation will follow.

Memorial Mass to be held at a later date at Visitation BVM Church in Norristown, PA, with interment at St. Patrick’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Dominic Parish, Visitation BVM, Wounded Warrior Project, or a charity of your choosing.