Obituary of Edna Mae Knutsen

Edna Mae Knutsen (nee DuChemin) passed away peacefully at home on February 24, 2024, in Cameron Park, CA, at the age of 88. She was born on May 26, 1935, in Fremont, Michigan to Albert and Esther DuChemin and had three older brothers. She was preceded in death by her husband Neil Knutsen in 2019.

Edna had a successful career in accounting and finance, holding many supervisory positions. She obtained her AA degree from Mission College at the age of 52.

She moved from Michigan to the Bay Area of California in the early 80's to be nearer to her children. That is where she met Neil and they were married in 1988. They moved to Cameron Park in 1997.

Outside of her professional life, Edna was deeply involved in various hobbies and community activities. She dedicated 26 years to the Placerville Shakespeare Club where she was a life member. She served as President from 2002-2004, Treasurer for over 16 years, and House Manager. Additionally, she was a life member of the Placerville Women's Club where she held the roles of President, Auditor, Parliamentarian, and was on the scholarship committee. She volunteered at Marshall Hospital for 18 years and spent 11 years on the Hospital Foundation Board.

Edna was a member of numerous groups, including Gamekeepers, Bunco, Needlers, Couples Group, and Literary Group 2. She was also in a birthday group for over 20 years that got together once a month to celebrate the birthdays of her friends. She always stressed the importance of having female friends, of which she had many.

Edna loved reading, playing cards, shopping, computer games, cats, watching the birds and squirrels in her back yard and collecting. She decorated her house for every holiday because she loved to celebrate each one.

She traveled extensively for work and pleasure, both foreign and domestically. In 1995 she and Neil took a 67 day trip across the country visiting 28 states and 4 provinces.

She is survived by her daughter Pam Barnabei and husband Randy, son Russell Gordon, son Erich Gordon and wife Lisa, stepson Neil Knutsen II and wife Sherri, and brother Al DuChemin and wife Nancy. She is also survived by nine grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and her beloved cat, Ellie.

A ceremony to celebrate Edna's life will be held at the Placerville Shakespeare Club, 2940 Bedford Ave, Placerville, CA, on April 14th at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Placerville Shakespeare Club, PO. Box 102, Placerville,