Hede Knauer, a local since 1960, died Dec. 1. She was 80.
Hede was born in Germany on March 30, 1930. There, she met her husband Wolfgang Knauer in 1955, and the couple wed in 1958. The year they married, they immigrated to the United States, and moved to Malibu two years later. The couple started a family and she spent most of her time raising their three sons. Knauer then returned to school and received a master’s degree from California State University Northridge. After graduating, Knauer worked for a time as an engineer before pursuing a career in teaching at both high school and college levels. She taught math at Santa Monica High School and CSUN’s Ventura campus.
Knauer was an avid knitter and quilter, and was a member of Conejo Valley Quilters. She was also involved in numerous community activities. For a time she led a Boy Scout troop and was an active member of the Point Dume Yacht Club.
Knauer had been recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and received much support from family and friends. In response to the diagnosis, Knauer had said, “I can die without regrets since I have lived a happy and fulfilled life.”
Knauer is survived by her husband, Wolfgang, her sons Tom, Stephen and Peter, her daughters-in-law and her four grandchildren.
The family requests that no flowers be sent. A private memorial service will take place on a future date.