Mary Beatrice Knowles

away at the age of 94, on March 4th, 2018.

Mary was born in New Westminster, BC, Canada, on June 23rd, 1923. As a young

adult she moved to Los Angeles for her health and to study art. Los Angeles proved

difficult for her breathing, and so she moved to Phoenix, Arizona where she met her

future husband, Bill Knowles. They were married on August 31st, 1951. February 20th,

1956, they became the proud parents of twin daughters, Laurie and Marcie.

In 1963, the Knowles family moved to California. For many years, Mary enjoyed being

a stay-at-home mom. In 1974, Bill and Mary took a leap of faith and opened Knowles

Art Gallery in La Jolla. Their venture proved to be extremely successful and provided a

venue for local artists to exhibit their work. After sixteen years, Mary and Bill decided to

retire, much to the sadness of the local art community.

Mary lived a very interesting life. Besides being an exhibited artist and gallery owner, in

her younger years she also taught in a one-room schoolhouse and later worked for the

phone company.

Mary loved the ocean. Her happiest year was when she lived in a beach front home.

Mary was an avid reader and loved to play Duplicate Bridge and many other card

games. She held the family title, “Queen of Cribbage”.

Mary’s husband, Bill Knowles, passed away on April 14th, 2004. Mary is survived by

her two daughters, Laurie Spencer and Marcie Ellison, her five grandchildren and eight

great-grandchildren. She will be deeply missed.

In accordance with Mary’s wishes, no services will be held. Memories and best wishes

can be left at www.humphreymortuary.com.

San Diego