Paullie Knudsen

Message from Yountville, California

Dear Knudsen Family,
What an honor it was to have met Paullie, and know her for a little while. I loved her ability to size up a situation, and handle it with wit and humor. And she knew SO MUCH—so informed about the most obscure, and also everyday, topics.

I met her through Master Gardeners. Several of us sat together at her memorial service, listening to loving tributes from many friends and family members who were privileged to have known her for years. I wish I had. Still, I loved working with her on MG projects and at the Farmers Market, and will always always remember her ready smile that truly reached all the way to her intelligent, sparkling eyes. This was a woman who embraced her days with vitality and perception.

I have thought often about the age a person is when she dies. My mother died when she was 54. She was remembered so lovingly, and with a few pretty funny stories, too, by so many people. Her sister died decades later at the age of 92. There was not even a handful of people who remembered her.

The darndest thing about losing someone beloved when she is young is hearing and reading funny, tender, silly, thoughtful, fond, and warm compliments about the person who now wears angels wings—because family and friends who love her survive to share the stories, and get to reminisce about themselves and the woman who died. On the other hand, when someone dies at 98, there are hardly any contemporaries still alive themselves to give eulogies. Maybe getting to feel so much love and affection when the departed soul is 68 is the teensiest counterbalance to the loss. I don’t know. It’s different for everyone.

With hopes that when family members and long-time friends of Paullie recall fond memories of shared occasions, the memory brings a smile, and a measure of comfort.

Sincerely,
Gayle Nelson

Message from Krista Knudsen Thomas

Dear Gayle,

We so appreciate your words! Mom loved being part of the Master Gardener program; it brought her so much happiness. Thank you so much for your remembrances.

Warmly,
Krista (Paullie's Daughter)

Message from Napa, CA

I just learned about Paullie today, and am very sorry. We worked together for several years at Napa High, where she was such a pleasure--funny, down-to-earth, and efficient. I was looking forward to renewing our friendship through the Master Gardeners. We will all miss her.

Message from Krista Knudsen Thomas

Thank you so very much; Mom loved her time at Napa High and it means so much to hear from all the people she has touched.

Best,
Krista (Paullie's Daughter)

A candle was lit by Monica Finigan on April 26, 2017 7:06 PM

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I just heard of Paullie's passing. I can't believe how such a dynamic, vital person left us so quickly. I will greatly miss her wonderful smile. As a fellow Master Gardener, I always enjoyed working with Paullie on projects. She was such a nice person to be around.

Message from Krista Knudsen Thomas

Dear Monica,

Thank you very much for your sentiments...we miss her so very much, and although this is such a difficult time, we are comforted to hear such nice memories.

Warmly,
Krista (Paullie's Daughter)

A candle was lit by MoNicaragua Finigan on April 26, 2017 6:50 PM

A candle was lit by Thomas Howe on April 25, 2017 6:57 PM

A candle was lit by Tom and Judi Miller on April 24, 2017 4:58 PM

A candle was lit by Tom and Judi Miller on April 24, 2017 4:56 PM

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Dear Mick, Jenny, Krista, Casey and families,
Our hearts are heavy at the loss dear Paullie. We have so many wonderful memories 0f Paullie and your family. Paullie was such a kind person and always so happy. She and I would walk when we lived on Cedar Street and look at the houses along the way and redesign and decorate them. She always had a listening ear for me when I needed someone to talk to. She was so fun and witty. Even though we didn't see each other very often after you moved from Hanford we still tried to come for a visit when we were going up your way. We are sending you our love and hugs wishing we could be there at this time to celebrate Paullie's life. She will never be forgotten!

Message from Krista Knudsen Thomas

Dear Tom and Judi,

Thank you so much for your kind words. We have such fond memories of spending time in Hanford with your family, and we are so thankful to have long-term friendships with wonderful folks like you. Best to you and your family!

With Love,
Krista

A candle was lit by Jan Oihus on April 24, 2017 11:27 AM