Ann Poskitt Knell, of East Dennis, MA passed away peacefully on August 27, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was 76 years old.
 
Born in Dighton, MA, on November 29, 1949, she was welcomed into the hearts and home of Edward and Priscilla Poskitt in December 1950. Chosen and cherished, Ann was a gift to her parents as much as they were a gift to her and Ann always carried with her the values of loving acceptance she learned from her parents.
 
Growing up in Westborough, MA, she spent every summer alongside her father at Camp Frank A. Day, where he served as director. For 18 summers, Ann was the only girl at an all-boys camp. It was there that she first discovered the power of leadership and community, as well as what it means to truly help someone find their footing. 
 
After graduating from Westbrook Junior College in Portland, Maine, and Bridgewater State University, Ann began her teaching career at Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School in 1972, a district to which she would remain committed for the entirety of her career. Over the following 39 years at D-Y, Ann rose from student teacher to assistant principal, culminating in her being named Assistant Principal of the Year in 2010 by the Massachusetts Secondary School Administrators Association. The award recognized both her abilities and her unwavering belief that every student deserved a chance. The following year, Ann accepted the role of principal at Mattacheese Middle School in Yarmouth, a position she held until she retired in 2020, capping nearly half a century of dedication to improving the lives of students and the well-being of the district. 
 
Ann’s commitment to developing young leaders extended far beyond Cape Cod. For many summers, Ann brought her gifts to Cheley Camps in Estes Park, Colorado, where she led leadership programming. She organized multiple trips for Dennis-Yarmouth students to visit Lahaina, Hawaii, where she established a sister-city relationship with the island community. She also led the D-Y majorettes in the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, California.
 
Ann’s true love was her husband, Kenneth Knell, whom she married on October 8, 1988, uniting two families into one. On her wedding day, Ann carried a single pink rose down the aisle, and with every passing year, Ken added another rose to her anniversary bouquet. By the time of her passing, that bouquet had grown to 37 roses - a quiet, perfect measure of a love that only deepened with time.
 
Ann cherished her blended family, whom she lovingly called “The Six Pack,” and truly shined when hosting events and get-togethers for her friends and family. She had a remarkable gift for bringing people together and creating memories for others that would last a lifetime.
 
She is survived by her devoted husband, Kenneth Knell; her children, Erik Bohlin of Dennis, MA; Neill Bohlin of Yarmouth Port, MA; and Bethany Hodge of Alicante, Spain; her husband’s children, Michael Knell of Weymouth, MA; Christina Colunio of Penfield, NY; and Robert Knell of Fuquay-Varina, NC; and their families. Her legacy continues with her 15 grandchildren and one great-grandson.
 
Friends and relatives are invited to call at the Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Ave., South Yarmouth, MA on Tuesday, September 1, from 3:00–6:00 p.m.
 
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, September 2, 2026  at 11:00 a.m. at Dennis Union Church, Route 6A, Dennis, MA.
 
In lieu of flowers, contributions  may be made to the Alzheimer’s Family Support Center in Brewster or to the Dennis Council on Aging Senior Center’s Golden Age Program.
 

I was truly saddened to hear of Ann's passing. I am a former student who to this day still talks about her. I will keep her and the family in my prayers.

To Ann’s Family, Having worked with Ann on the DY principal’s team, what comes to mind was a her genuine example of how being kind and thoughtful in any situation always made a difference. I am grateful to have known her. Hoping that the wonderful memories you have sustain you in the coming days.

Sad to hear about Ann’s passing. She was a wonderful person. I was lucky enough to be a part of her majorette squad at DY in the late70s. She was an amazing leader and always kind and caring. Have thought of her often over the years. I feel very fortunate to have had her in my life. Prayers and thoughts to the family. Robbin

Ann was a high school friend of my late wife, Deborah King Boyd, God bless her. Please accept my most sincere sympathy for Ann's family.

Ann was a wonderful colleague I had the distinct pleasure of working with for three years as a Stari Reading teacher. She was so dedicated to her students, each and every one. In the mornings, we had bus duty. We observed many students entering the building without a smile. We decided to make a change. We greeted every student every day, asked many how they were doing at Mattacheese. She gave them pencils some days, asked questions, complimented their outfits, discussed sports. Soon, many started telling us their achievements or feelings. We felt good about what we had accomplishments. I think of her often.

Ken, Sorry for your loss. Condolences to you and your family. Don and Deb Chase

Ken: Janet and I are so sorry for your loss. While we met Ann only a few times, she was a joy to be with and it was obvious the love you shared. I am sorry we won’t be back in Massachusetts until September 4 or we would attend the services. Brad

To the Bohlin and Knell family, I am deeply saddened to learn that Ann has left us! Our family carries so many memories in our hearts that were created during the many years of knowing Ann, whether as a teacher or as an administrator. My entire family where first students that she mentored in one way or another, and two of us would later become teaching staff under her guidance. The circle of life! We will keep you all in our prayers during this difficult time. Terry Beatty