Julie Mae Knutson

On the clear, cold, autumn morning of November 26, 2025, in Napa Valley, at 8:59 a.m. our little ray of sunshine, Julie Mae Knutson, took her last breath and went home to be with Jesus. We take comfort knowing she was welcomed with open arms by family and friends who went before her.

Julie was 52 years old and passed peacefully after a period of declining health at 4-K Senior Home in Napa.

Born on July 24, 1973 at Queen of the Valley Hospital in Napa, Julie was the beloved daughter of Janet and Jerry Knutson. She received her certificate of completion in 1992 from Napa High School, and attended Napa Valley Support Services from 1995 until 2024, where she participated in numerous programs and jobs and proudly maintained an incredible 98% attendance record. She truly loved being part of the NVSS program and the people there.

Julie lived life with a joyful heart. She filled every room with smiles and kindness, offering warmth and friendship to everyone who crossed her path.

She had many passions that made her uniquely Julie. She adored Betty Boop and collected clothing, knickknacks, and treasures of all kinds. Music brought her endless happiness—she loved listening for hours to Crystal Gayle, Donna Summer, Laura Branigan, Air Supply, ABBA, and the soundtracks to Grease and Dirty Dancing. She also enjoyed watching HGTV and Days of Our Lives. Her ring collection was extensive and she would spend hours picking out the best sparkling combinations to show off wherever she went.  

In her younger years, Julie participated in Special Olympics events including the tricycle race and gymnastics. She played on adult softball teams at Garfield Lane, bowled for many years at Napa Bowl, and joined Girl Scouts after being encouraged by a family friend. Wherever she went, Julie made friends and left lasting impressions.

If you were lucky enough to be on Julie’s “good side,” you probably had a special nickname—Cupcake, Chocolate Chip, or Pipsqueak—just a few of the sweet names she gave the people she loved.

Julie is survived by her parents, Janet and Jerry Knutson, and her loving sister, Jerae, whom Julie affectionately called her “little sister,” even though she is three years older. She is also survived by her nephew “little prince” Kel Knutson, uncle Bruce (Barbara) Pedersen of Arizona, uncle Robert Pedersen of Napa, aunt Jackie Knutson of Florida, aunt Kathy Knutson of Arizona, and many cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Harry and Helen Pedersen, and Bud and Ione Knutson, and a beloved aunt, uncles, a cousin, and friends.

Fifty-two years of Julie meant fifty-two years of love, laughter, and light. Our hearts are broken, but we are grateful for every smile and memory she gave us. She was deeply loved and will be missed beyond words.

No services will be held.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to North Bay Regional Center nbrc.net and Napa Valley Support Services https://www.napavalleysupportservices.org/ , organizations that were very important and supportive to Julie and her family.

Condolences and words of sympathy may be shared online at www.tulocaycemetery.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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