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Edith Key Obituary
She was married twice, to Leo Knudson and then to Dr. Harold Key.
Born in Temple in 1919, she graduated from Muhlenberg High School and received a nursing degree in 1941.
She served in the 102nd evacuation unit for Patton's army and oversaw a 400-bed hospital. Under her charge, they received the largest number of patients for a 400-bed evacuation hospital in the European Theater of Operations. Edith received a Silver Star.
She moved to Long Beach, Calif., in 1946, worked a total of 48 years as a nurse at the VA hospital and then Long Beach Memorial.
She was president of the Long Beach Nurses Association, and a member of Ebell, Children's Benefit League and the Long Beach Symphony.
She gave scholarships to Long Beach State annually, and was Senior Citizen of the Year for Signal Hill 1996.
She was an avid world traveler her entire life.
She retired to Freedom Village, Lake Forest, and became a volunteer there, involved in many activities.
She is survived by her two sons, Leo and Tom Knudson, and other extended family.
Services will be Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. in Riverside National Cemetery. O'Connor Mortuary, Laguna Hills, Calif., is in charge of arrangements. www.oconnormortuary.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Edith Key
3 Entries
Debbie Rickard
March 11, 2009
Leo, Tom, and Lois,
I am proud to have had your mother as my aunt. From the time I was a little girl, I was always excited to be in the presence of Aunt Edith. She was a unique woman in her time: full of adventure, bravery, and wisdom. I will miss picking up the phone and hearing, "Debbie? It's Aunt Edith."
I believe that she will never be far....all one needs to do is look inside one's heart and there she will be- connected forever.
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Sherry Petrivelli
March 11, 2009
Tom, Lois and Leo,
So sorry to hear about Edith. She was one heck of a lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love Fred, Sherry, Matthew and Morgan Petrivelli
robin gromling mulligan
March 11, 2009
i am so sorry about aunt edith i never new her that well i would like to know more about the family i am mamie mengle granddaughter she died 3 years ago this jan. i live in andulsia ala. my address is 315 packer ave. 36420
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