Residents of St. Andrew’s Towers in Coral Springs are coming to terms with life without Patricia Knapp, or Sister Pat as she is better known.

Knapp recently retired after 20 years at the retirement facility. Residents say it will mark the end of an era.

The residents threw a party for Knapp to celebrate her retirement. They tried keeping it a surprise from the 87-year old nun, but failed.

“They certainly tried their best, but you see certain things happen,” Knapp said. “After all, I have been here long enough to know when people are up to something...I will miss this place, but then, it is not just about St. Andrews Towers. It’s the parish, it’s Coral Springs.”

Knapp is a remarkable person in every sense of the term, said Louise Ames, president of the residents association at the retirement facility. “This is her 68th year of service as a nun. She is very kind and giving. She had quite a following here."

At the party, May Kerry, a resident, recited a poem she wrote for Knapp. “I wanted her to know how much she means to all of us,” Kerry said. “I wanted to give her something that she could take to the Mother House. We will miss her, but I am happy she is going to be with her own group.”

Cindy Heafy, who has known Knapp for more than 20 years, read an article she wrote about the nun’s life. Kim Sanecki, volunteer coordinator with the Coral Springs Police Department, presented a certificate of appreciation for her 14 years of service with the department.

“I am leaving with happy memories,” Knapp said. “I was interested in every one of them here. They felt I really cared for them. And I did.”