Mary Jane Knudsen
Mary Jane Knudsen passed away peacefully into eternal rest on Friday, June 23rd. Born in Richmond, Virginia, on July 16, 1929, she was an only child, raised in a large, loving household. Her mother and father, Madeline & Elton Phillips, continued to encourage Mary Jane as she graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School, and James Madison University. Years later, she went on to teach middle school English while living in Ohio.
Mary Jane married the love of her life, Robert Knudsen, in June of 1951. Their love was one of a kind, unlike any other. Bob affectionately called Mary Jane “Smoochie,” and they were each other’s best friend and partner in everything. Together they had six children who were the absolute joy of their life. But then they had grandkids, and the titles they cherished most were Nana and Papa, and they were happiest surrounded by the family they created together. Family time together at the lake was memorable, as were their many travels around the world.
Mary Jane is preceded in death by her husband, Robert, but survived by her loving family: Joyce Knudsen (Jeff), Diane Cressman (Rick), Robert, Jr. (Lyn Anne), Mary Louise Creager (Tim), Theodore Knudsen (Cindi), and Judith Johnson (Alvin). Fondly remembering their grandmother are Kyle Cressman (Rachel), Erin Bakken, Brooke Oleneack (Keith), Bethany Stowe (Nathan), James Knudsen (Michelle), Elton Lee Knudsen (Karen), Mary Katherine Knudsen, Zach Johnson (Salina), and Mick Thomas (Summer). Great-grandchildren Kathleen, Christian, Ellison, Greyson, Savannah, Zion, Brooks, Noelle, and Rosa have stories and memories with their Nana that they will pass on.
There will be a graveside service in Syracuse Cemetery, on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at 11 AM, where Mary Jane will be interred alongside Bob, just as she will spend eternity in heaven with him. Eastlund Funeral Home is handling her arrangements.