Mary Catherine Martin Knoernschild, 103, passed away on November 8, 2025, in Lake Forest, California just 7 weeks shy of her 104 ^th birthday.  She was born on January 5,1922 in Los Angeles, California. She was a living example of the greatest generation. She was strong, independent, feisty, never needy, a woman of quiet faith.

She graduated with a BS degree in elementary education from University of Southern California in 1943. She thoroughly enjoyed teaching in the Los Angeles Unified School District for many years up until she retired.  Mary then substituted for at least another 10 years.

Mary had many passions. First and foremost was traveling the world well into her 90's.  In fact, she met the love of her life, Bob, in Honolulu when she traveled to Hawaii to attend summer school (1941) while she was in college. Closer to home she loved the beach, especially Heisler Park in Laguna, tending her garden, walking (her nickname was the Energizer Bunny), and volunteering at Saddleback Memorial Hospital.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert John Knoernschild, her parents Ethel Martin and Clarence Martin, as well as her son, Father John Knoernschild O.Carm. She is survived by her loving children, Jean Campbell (Thomas-deceased), Joseph Knoernschild (Cynthia), Joan Knoernschild (Larry Brunson). Six grandchildren, Jennifer Starker (Cory), Heather Matos (Casey), Joel Knoernschild (Julianna Barwick), Katherine Knoernschild, Jessica Duban (Stefan), and James Kloor. She was blessed with eight great-grandchildren Zachary Starker, Matthew Starker, Joseph Starker, Katherine Starker, Zoe Waldrop, Keelani Waldop, Remy Duban, and Nolan Knoernschild (100 years apart!). Her love for her family was boundless, and she will be missed beyond measure.

A Funeral Mass will be held in her honor January 5, 2026, at 10:00am at Santiago de Compostela Church in Lake Forest California (21682 Lake Forest Drive).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Mary Knoernschild to Catholic Relief Services/Catholic Charities.

https://donate.catholiccharitiesusa.org/login?form=GenOps26Main

We will forever hold Mom in our hearts, grateful for every moment shared and every lesson learned. May her soul rest in eternal peace.