Maria Knudsen

Maria was born on January 17, 1926, in Eidi in the Faroe Islands, where her life story began in a close-knit community she would forever hold dear. She was a loving sister to Esther and Carlton, and a devoted lifelong friend to her best friend, Margretta.

Known for her vibrant spirit and deep love of dancing, Maria brought joy and warmth wherever she went. She remained closely connected to her roots throughout her life and was proud to be the oldest living person from Eidi, celebrating her 100th birthday just two months ago—a remarkable milestone that reflected a life rich in experience and resilience.

During the war, Maria met Craig, one of the Royal Canadian Air Force radar operators deployed to the Faroes to protect the North Atlantic. After he was redeployed back home, he made inquiries about her, and upon learning she was single, he returned to the Faroe Islands to be with her. There, they were married, beginning a partnership grounded in love. After a quick reception in London and a gentle, encouraging push down her first escalator, they set sail on the Queen Mary to begin their new life together as husband and wife.

Together, they built a loving home and raised three beautiful children—Mary, Paul, and Robert—through the 1950s and 1960s. Later, Maria began a remarkable 25-year career as a bookkeeper at Canadian Tire head office, where she was very proud to be among the first of the employees to work with computers. Maria was an avid bowler in the Canadian Tire league, she was pretty good too, having several trophies to prove it; and the year end tradition of the annual Christmas Box was always joyful.

Maria and Craig were also blessed to see their family grow, cherishing time with their eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, who brought them immense pride and happiness.

March 18th 2026 was their 78th wedding anniversary, we have no doubt they enjoyed a dance together in heaven.

Maria will be remembered for her enduring spirit, her devotion to those she loved, and the joy she found in life’s simple pleasures. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew her, and she will be deeply missed.

Que Sera Sera Maria, you are deeply loved.

A visitation will be held at Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes, 6191 Yonge Street, Toronto, on March 22, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm, and again on March 23, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

A funeral service will take place at Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes, 6191 Yonge Street, Toronto on March 23, 2026, at 11:00 am.

A committal service will follow at York Cemetery, 160 Beecroft Rd, Toronto.