Jeanie “Gigi” McKnight Clausen

Jeanie "Gigi" McKnight Clausen
September 28, 1928 ~ December 5, 2007

Carmel – Long time Monterey Peninsula resident, Gigi Clausen, died December 5, 2007, knowing that she was loved by her family and many friends. Born to Francis H. and Frida L. McKnight in Sewickley, PA, Gigi was predeceased by her parents and her beloved sister, Laura McKnight Stabler. Gigi is survived by her children, Taylor, Sally and Charles and her four grandchildren, Jennifer, Joanna, Andy and Eric.
   To walk through Gigi's garden was a tour of her travels and memories. She loved flowers and always had her scissors at the ready to get a cutting of an admired plant; then patiently nurtured the cutting into full-size along with the story of where she had gotten the cutting. Gigi loved tennis, playing seven days a week for many years, at Carmel Valley Athletic Club. Additionally, Gigi was a dogged bridge player, playing at least a few times each week, loved talking politics and was an avid reader.
   Her family is especially grateful that she taught us all that just about anything could be fixed with a little duct tape or dental floss. Her legacy of class, good manners, practical wisdom, wit and compassion lives on in all who knew her.
   "My life belongs to the community, and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can."
   A life-long volunteer, Gigi was a founding member of Planned Parenthood in Monterey County; a CHOMP auxiliary volunteer since 1976; an American Cancer Society Discovery Shop volunteer since 1987 and Shop Chair for four years (who didn't see her driving around town in her Prius with the Discovery Shop banner on her car door!); and, Hospice Foundation volunteer and supporter since 1994, as well as numerous other volunteer/fundraising activities. Her message to her friends and family is "keep volunteering and shop at the ACS Discovery Shop!"
   Donations in memory of Gigi may be made to the following charities: Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, Attn: Ruth Rachel, 316 N. Main, Suite 100,
Salinas, CA 93901; Hospice Foundation, P.O. Box 1798, Monterey, CA 93942-1798; or the American Cancer Society, 1184 Monroe St., Ste. 1-2, Salinas, CA 93906.
   Please log on to www.thepaulmortuary.com to sign Gigi's guest book and leave condolences for her family.