Wilfriede Thea Knudsen

Wilfriede filled every room with warmth, laughter, and compassion, and her love for family was the center of her life.

She was born in Fürstenberg, Germany on May 24th, 1929 and came to the United States in 1958 to teach at the Grove School in Madison, Connecticut. Wilfriede met her late husband, Lee Knudsen, a mechanical engineer at Pratt and Whitney Aircraft, by happenstance at a gas station in Glastonbury, Connecticut. They married in 1959 and together raised their three children – Kristine Elsa, Brenda Marjorie, and Kirk Louis in Madison.

As the children grew, Wilfriede returned to the classroom, teaching German, French, and world history in the North Branford and Guilford school systems, where she was deeply respected by her colleagues and beloved by students.

In 1973, she became a naturalized citizen of the United States. In 1975, she earned her Master’s Degree in Education from Southern Connecticut State University.

Wilfriede was a lifelong poet and talented artist who took up painting later in life. Over the years, her work was exhibited locally and in juried art shows.

She leaves behind countless treasured memories and a legacy of love that will continue through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who knew her.

Wilfriede, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, was predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Lee Knudsen. She is survived by her daughters Kristine (deceased partner Gideon Unger) and Brenda (Rick) Sandstrom, her son Kirk (Randi Roy), cherished grandchildren Elena (Kevin) Josephson, Erik (Karissa) Knudsen, Eva Knudsen and Emma Doerner, and adored great grandchildren Charlotte and Lennon Josephson, and Roy and Louis Knudsen.

She is also survived by her former daughter in law, Julie Knudsen.

Wilfriede lived fully, loved deeply, and leaves behind a family forever shaped by her strength and grace.

In lieu of flowers, Wilfriede’s family asks that you donate compassion to one another, kindness to a stranger and love to yourself and others.

A private memorial will be held by the family. A local celebration of life will take place later this summer.