Catherine Brierley Knudsen

South Freeport - Catherine "Cay" Brierley Knudsen, 97, passed away peacefully August 22, 2017, at Mere Point Nursing Home in Brunswick. Cay was born October 10, 1919 in Dorchester, MA; the daughter of Brierley and Jane (Parkinson) Preston.

Cay grew up and attended schools in Dorchester, MA, graduating from The Dorchester High School for Girls. Sometime after graduation, Cay was setup on a blind date with Sigurd Knudsen Sr., a merchant marine who was working offshore of the state of New York. From that day on Sigurd was smitten over Cay and they were happily married for over 50 years. They spent their lives residing in the town of South Freeport for over 65 years, raising their three children. She spent her days working for WPOR radio station and then going on to work for Freeport Middle School, eventually retiring from the school as a secretary.

Cay will be remembered for her love for her family and all she met, her devotion to the community, her love for her neighbors, and her welcoming heart and open door policy. She would invite friends and neighbors to her home and was known for saying, "Come in, sit ye down, and let's talk," or "How are you?" Cay was a devoted member and one of the "back row girls" at The South Freeport Church, where her husband was a deacon and superintendent of Sunday school. Cay's love of choir music came from singing in the choir with her family and father, who was choir master at St. Paul's Cathedral in Boston. This passion for singing and choir music allowed her to be one of the founding members of the choir at The South Freeport Church.

Cay is survived by her daughter, Karen Parent; her son, Kurt Knudsen and his partner Jennifer Daigle; her grandchildren, Christopher Parent and his wife Lori Longley, and Nicole Parent; great grandchildren, Gavin and Dax Parent. In addition to her parents, Cay was predeceased by her husband Sigurd Sr., her son, Sigurd Jr., her five sisters, and her brother.

A celebration of Cay's life will take place on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at 10 a.m. at The South Freeport Congregational Church 98 So. Freeport Road, Freeport, ME.

In lieu of flowers the family would like donations to go to The Maine Alzheimer's Association 383 US Route One #2C, Scarborough, ME 04074

Please visit www.lindquistfuneralhome.com for additional information and to sign Cay's guestbook