Greta Iris Knudsen

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Greta Knudsen, who died tragically at 62 years old on November 13, 2025.

Born on July 13, 1963, in Burnaby, BC, Greta’s early life took her across the ocean to Lofoten, Vaerøy, Norway, where she lived until 1966. Returning to Vancouver from a small arctic village was, for her family, a shock of both culture and pace. They settled in a suite above a drugstore at Davie and Bute—an arrangement young Greta found delightful. She was known to wander downstairs to “help herself” to candy, returning with a face full of chocolate and the unmistakable grin of a child who had found her own little paradise. That joy lasted until the shopkeeper eventually caught on and her secret candy supply came to an abrupt end.

In 1967 the family moved to New Westminster, the city Greta would call home for the rest of her life. She attended John Robson and Herbert Spencer Elementary Schools, followed by New Westminster Secondary School aka NWSS.  Greta was a bright, funny, spirited child who loved baseball, skipping, skating, card games, skiing attempts, dolls, and the simple joys that filled her early years. As a toddler she spoke a charming blend of half-Norwegian and half-English—a reflection of both the world she came from and the one she was growing into. 

Greta’s life changed dramatically in her mid-teens when she suffered a catastrophic psychosis. She spent three difficult months in isolation at St. Paul’s Hospital. Her illness altered the course of her adolescence, and, indeed, the rest of her life but Greta faced the world with a toughness that defined her. She fought with determination to be seen as “normal,” to work, to contribute, and to be part of everyday life.

And she succeeded. Greta worked at the Army & Navy for several years before training to become a hairdresser. Though her illness prevented her from completing her exam, she found her place in several salons working as an assistant —work she enjoyed and took pride in. She lived with her parents until her thirties, eventually moving through several suites in New Westminster before settling at Rhoda Kaellis supportive housing. Over the years she loved deeply, had her heart broken more than once, and still persevered— “a true Viking,” as her father would have said.

Greta shared a close bond not only with her parents and siblings, but also with her brother-in-law Glen, whom she affectionately dubbed “cute boy face.” Glen was endlessly kind to Greta throughout his life, offering her warmth, respect and, importantly, acceptance.

She was predeceased by her father Peder Knudsen in August, 2006, her beloved mother and staunch advocate Joan Knudsen in February 2025 at the age of 95, and her brother-in-law Glen in January 2023.

Greta was blessed to enjoy some travel in her life, visiting Hawaii with her mother, visiting her sisters when they lived in Alberta and Ontario, the Okanagan, and spending many joyful days at White Rock Beach and Cultus Lake as a child and teenager.

The family would like to thank Lookout Housing Society for trying to help Greta – and, especially, a big thank you to Sharon who advocated tirelessly on behalf of Greta.  To Margaret and Helping Hands who supported Greta with such dignity.  And, finally, to her friend, Cameron, who accepted her unconditionally.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

She will be forever missed by her sisters Karin and Nancy, and her brother Robert.

Fly like an eagle, Greta, and rest in peace knowing how deeply you were loved.

Greta has been cremated, and her ashes will be spread in the ocean with her parents.  A remembrance plaque to be installed on the White Rock Pier.

If you would like to help find a cure for psychiatric illness, we ask that you send a donation, in remembrance of Greta to UBC Centre for Brain Heath.

https://www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/  

“Every life we have some trouble

When you worry - you make it double

Don’t worry, Be happy”