Maaike C. (de Bruin) de Knecht, 95, of Trout Run, formerly of Canton, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at WeCare Sycamore in Montoursville, Pennsylvania, with her loving family by her side.

Born on September 9, 1931, in Papendrecht, Holland, Maaike Christina was the daughter of the late Cornelis and Maayke (Veenhof) de Bruin. On January 5, 1953, she married the love of her life, Abraham “Abe” de Knecht, in Zwijndrecht, Netherlands. Together they raised three children before moving to the United States in 1969 and making their home in Canton.

Maaike and Abe established, owned, and operated several local clubs and taverns throughout the area before retiring in 2002. Through hard work and dedication, they became well-known and respected members of the community.

Maaike found great joy in knitting and crocheting and was known for her exceptional cooking. She enjoyed tending her gardens and took special pride in her beautiful flowers. Above all, she treasured time spent with her family. Her happiest moments were those shared with her children, grandchildren, and loved ones.

Maaike leaves behind her children; Aif (Ellen) de Knecht of Canton and Yoka (Douglas) Brion of Trout Run, six grandchildren, Yohan, Tyler, Evert, and Derek de Knecht, and Danielle and Travis Brion, several great grandchildren and a special great granddaughter Amaya, siblings; Corrie Denson, Bartha Liddic, Johanna (Joe) Wilcox, Wilhelmina (Paul) Dibble, Ali de Jong and Marinus de Bruin, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Besides her parents and husband, Abraham, Maaike was predeceased by her son; Casey De Knecht, siblings; Jenny Hofman, Marie Zantman and Willem de Bruin, brothers-in-law; Lee Denson, Sjef Zantman, Hans Hofman, Adrianus de Jong and John Liddic and sisters-in-law; Nona de Bruin and Shari de Bruin.

Services and burial will be private and held at the convenience of the family. Pepper Funeral Home and Cremation Facility, 578 Springbrook Drive in Canton is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mrs. de Kneccht’s name may be directed to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation National Headquarters, 6520 N. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309-2132 or to the Dementia Society of America, P.O. Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901. Memories of Maaike and condolences to her family may be shared by visiting www.pepperfuneralhomes.com.