Muriel Hurup Knudsen
March 15, 1923-July 17, 2018
Palo Alto, California
Muriel Knudsen died peacefully on July 17, 2018 at age 95. This extraordinary woman lived life energetically, creatively, spiritually and with an unending thirst for adventure and knowledge. The daughter of Rolf and Dagmar Hurup, Muriel Evelyn Hurup was born in Brooklyn, New York on March 15, 1923. She became multi-lingual at an early age, having spent her childhood years in Sweden and Norway. After returning to the U.S. to attend Los Angeles High School and, later, UCLA, Muriel met Robert Knudsen in her late teens. Muriel and Robert corresponded during World War II and were married in 1946. Living on Skyline Boulevard while Robert earned his MBA at Stanford, the couple soon settled in Palo Alto. Over the years, Muriel raised four children; owned and operated a nursery school; led Girl Scout troops; was an active, lifetime member of, and adventure leader for, the Sierra Club; and was active in Sons of Norway. Having moved the family to Los Altos Hills in 1984, Muriel served as co-president of the Los Altos-Mountain View chapter of the League of Women Voters. Following the death of Robert in 1997, Muriel retired to Davis where she continued to be active and involved until her recent decline. She was also predeceased by her daughter, Anne. A lifelong student, Muriel was knowledgeable in many fields of interest. She will be remembered as a world traveler who found joy in adventure trips that often included hiking, backpacking, canoeing and bird watching. A gifted poet, she also loved reading, photography, opera, theater and the arts. In addition, Muriel never lost sight of her Norwegian heritage and enjoyed imparting and perpetuating Nordic family traditions. Muriel is survived by her daughter Linda Knudsen of Encinitas and sons, Eric Knudsen, Ph.D of Portola Valley; Karl Knudsen, M.D. of Klamath Falls, Oregon; as well as seven grandchildren. They are all grateful to count themselves among her many admirers whose lives have been immeasurably enriched by her indomitable spirit, intelligence, wit, spirituality and generosity. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Tags: teacher/educator
