Beverly Knudson, a cherished mother and vibrant community member, passed away on December 11, 2023, following a brief battle with pneumonia while recovering from a partial hip replacement surgery. She was 89 years old and, despite suffering from dementia in her later years, remained a loving and spirited presence until her final moments.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Beverly grew up in a supportive family environment. Her father was a skilled machinist and self-taught academic, while her mother was a dedicated homemaker. At the age of two, Beverly’s family relocated to Pomona, California, seeking better opportunities after her father’s machine shop was destroyed by fire. The family returned to Cleveland in 1940 due to World War II, allowing them to be near relatives as her father’s skills were utilized in bomber production rather than combat.
Beverly’s childhood was characterized by family activities, including cleaning the house with her mother, attending movies, and dancing. At age 11, the family moved to North Hollywood, where Beverly attended Van Nuys High School. There, she transitioned from feeling awkward in her youth to enjoying newfound attention, including from classmate Robert Redford. After a stint at junior college, she successfully enrolled in the University of Southern California’s dental hygiene program and earned her B.S. degree in 1959.
In her professional life, Beverly worked in a dental office near Universal Studios, eventually becoming the President of The San Fernando Valley Dental Hygienists’ Society. She met her husband, Harlan Knudson, at a church event in North Hollywood, and they married in 1960. The couple initially rented homes before purchasing a house in Rancho Palos Verdes in 1964, where they raised three active sons.
Beverly was deeply engaged in her community, serving as President of the PTA at Silver Spur Elementary School and as a long-time board member of the Palos Verdes Art Associates. Her talents extended to playing tennis, enjoying Scrabble, singing in church choirs, and performing in community theatre. Beverly was known for her philanthropy, participating in local charities such as Bravo!
She had a passion for travel and social gatherings, often enjoying a glass of wine with friends. An accomplished cook, Beverly once won an apple pie contest. Throughout her life, she maintained a tender disposition, often moved to tears during heartfelt church sermons. She continued her career as a dental hygienist until her retirement in 2006.
In her later years, Beverly pursued writing, completing a semi-autobiographical novel titled The Linden Tree Legacy, which reflects on her resilient Slovenian ancestors. She also authored an autobiography about her vibrant career, titled Down In The Mouth, set for release soon.
Beverly’s warmth, joy, and sense of wonder left a lasting impact on her family and friends. She is survived by her three sons, Mark, Brian, and Eric, her daughter-in-law Joelle, and three grandchildren: Makenna, Tyler, and Breegan.
A memorial service is scheduled for March 7, 2024, from 11:00 to 14:00 at The Neighborhood Church, located at 415 Paseo Del Mar, Palos Verdes Estates. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial contributions to The Neighborhood Church, where Beverly and Harlan were devoted members. A private ceremony will take place at Green Hills Mortuary, where their ashes will be interred together. Beverly’s name will be added to a commemorative plaque alongside Harlan’s, who passed away in December 2024, at the church’s seaside memorial wall.