Beverly Knudson, a cherished member of her community, passed away on December 11, 2024, following complications from pneumonia while recovering from a partial hip replacement surgery. She was 89 years old and, despite battling dementia in her later years, remained a vibrant and loving presence until her final days.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Beverly was raised in a nurturing environment by her father, a skilled machinist and self-taught academic, and her mother, a talented homemaker. At the age of two, her family’s journey took them to Pomona, California, in search of better opportunities after her father’s machine shop was destroyed by fire. The onset of World War II prompted another move back to Cleveland in 1940 to be near relatives, although her father’s abilities kept him from serving overseas, as he contributed to the war effort by building bombers.
Beverly’s early years were filled with family activities, including cleaning the house, visiting cinemas, and dancing. When she was eleven, the family relocated to North Hollywood, where she attended Van Nuys High School. During her teenage years, she experienced newfound attention from peers, including future movie star Robert Redford. After two years at junior college, Beverly was accepted into the dental hygiene program at the University of Southern California, earning her Bachelor of Science degree in 1959.
A Life of Service and Community Engagement
Beverly’s professional career began in a dental office near Universal Studios, where she quickly established herself as a leader, serving as President of The San Fernando Valley Dental Hygienists’ Society. It was at a Lutheran Church mixer in North Hollywood that she met her future husband, Harlan Knudson. The couple married in 1960 and eventually purchased a home in Rancho Palos Verdes in 1964, where they raised three active sons.
Throughout her life, Beverly was deeply involved in her community. She served as President of the PTA at Silver Spur Elementary School and was a board member of the Palos Verdes Art Associates. A passionate tennis player and Scrabble enthusiast, she also showcased her talents as a singer in church choirs and as a performer with The Prime Time Players at The Norris Theatre. Beverly actively participated in local charitable organizations, including the support group Bravo!, and was known for her love of entertaining friends and family.
Beverly’s talents extended beyond her professional life. After retiring as a dental hygienist in 2006, she pursued her passion for writing. She took a class and wrote a semi-autobiographical novel titled The Linden Tree Legacy, inspired by her Slovenian ancestors. Additionally, she authored an autobiography about her career in dental hygiene, titled Down In The Mouth, which is set to be released soon.
A Celebration of Life
Beverly is remembered as a fun, vivacious, and whimsical individual who brought joy to all who knew her. Her curiosity, infectious laughter, and kind spirit will be sorely missed. She is survived by her three sons, Mark, Brian, and Eric, along with daughter-in-law Joelle and three grandchildren, Makenna, Tyler, and Breegan.
A memorial service and celebratory lunch reception will take place from 11:00 to 14:00 on March 7, 2025, at The Neighborhood Church, located at 415 Paseo Del Mar, Palos Verdes Estates. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to The Neighborhood Church, where Beverly and Harlan were long-time members. A private ceremony will follow at Green Hills Mortuary, where their ashes will be interred together. Beverly’s name will be added to a memorial plaque honoring Harlan, who passed away in December 2024.
