Obituary: Catherine Folan (Doane) Knudsen
Catherine Folan (Doane) Knudsen
FALMOUTH – Catherine Folan Doane Knudsen, 70, of Falmouth, passed away peacefully Saturday Oct. 17, 2026, surrounded by family and friends.
She was born May 2, 1956 to Don and Barbara Doane. A lifelong resident of Falmouth, she and her brothers grew up swimming and water skiing in Mussel Cove. She met her husband, Erik, in the third grade. It would be another seven years before they began dating, and another six before marrying.
Cath graduated from Falmouth High School in 1975, attended UMaine Orono, and graduated from USM with a degree in elementary education in 1981. One week after graduating, her first son, Neils, was born. Cath loved every minute of motherhood and had another son, Kurt, in 1984. Later in life she delighted in being a grandmother to her four grandchildren.
Besides working in the family business, Cath was a proud volunteer in Falmouth’s Elementary School Library for over 30 years. She had a special knack for remembering details about every child who spent time in the library. In her free time, Cath was very athletic and moved from school sports into skiing, cycling, and running. She especially loved trail running and her many awards adorned home and camp. She could frequently be seen walking Route 88 with a friend, easily identifiable by her enviable amount of hair.
Anyone who knew Cath always remarked on her smile and perpetually cheery nature. Many people considered her as their best friend, and nurturing her many relationships brought her great joy. She was genuinely interested in other people’s lives and could spark a conversation with anyone who crossed her path.
Cath is survived by her husband of 47 years, Erik; sons Neils (Liz) and Kurt (Kaylee); granddaughters Olivia, Lydia, and Reese, grandson, Elliot; brothers Don (Susan), Jimmie (Beth), and Joe (Pauline), as well as many nieces and nephews. The family would like to express special thanks to Ali and Emma from Hospice of Southern Maine.
Celebration of Cath’s life will be held on Thursday, Dec. 17, from 3 to 7 p.m. at SMCC’s McKernan Center, 122 McKernan Dr., South Portland, ME 04106.
Please visit http://www.jonesrichandbarnes.com for further information and to leave a tribute in Cathy’s memory.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
Falmouth Memorial Library
5 Lunt Rd.
Falmouth, ME 04105
Falmouth Elementary School Library
58 Woodville Rd.
Falmouth, ME 04105
Falmouth Land Trust
74 Lunt Rd.
Falmouth, ME 04105
Hospice of Southern Maine
390 U.S. Route 1
Scarborough, ME 04074
Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland
217 Landing Rd.
Westbrook, ME 04092
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