A Life of Quiet Grace and Strength, Devoted Mother, Cherished Grandmother, Her gentle spirit and enduring love shaped those around her.

Amalija Knavs, born Amalija Ulčnik on July 9, 1945, in Judendorf-Straßengel, Austria, was best known as the mother of Melania Trump, the former First Lady of the United States. Knavs grew up in a period of significant historical change, experiencing her early years in Austria before moving to Slovenia, which at the time was part of Yugoslavia.

Her life in Slovenia was marked by the backdrop of post-war Europe and the evolving political landscape of the region. Despite these challenges, Knavs built a life centered around her family. She married Viktor Knavs, with whom she had two children: Melania, who would go on to become a model and later the First Lady of the United States, and Ines, who preferred a life away from the public eye.

Knavs worked in the children's clothing industry, an experience that likely influenced Melania's later interest in fashion and design. The family lived in a modest apartment in Sevnica, a small town in Slovenia's Lower Sava Valley. Throughout her life, Amalija Knavs was known for her resilience, strength, and commitment to her family, values that were evident in the way she raised her children.

In her later years, especially during Melania's tenure as First Lady, Amalija Knavs, along with her husband, spent more time in the United States. Despite being in the public eye due to her daughter's high-profile role, Knavs maintained a relatively private life, choosing to focus on her family rather than public affairs.

Amalija Knavs passed away at the age of 78, leaving behind a legacy of quiet strength and familial devotion. Her life story, from her humble beginnings in post-war Europe to witnessing her daughter's ascent to one of the most recognized positions in the world, reflects a narrative of resilience, adaptability, and enduring family bonds.