Beloved Newport Social Worker Mary Susan Knecht Remembered for Impact

Novato, California, USA - Mary Susan Carter Knecht, a cherished figure in both her family and professional circles, left this world on May 27, 2025, in her hometown of Newport, Rhode Island. Born in 1952 to Esther (nee Kinsley) and Edward Carter, Mary touched the lives of many through her dedicated career in social work, primarily serving in California’s San Francisco, Sonoma, and Marin counties. Her contributions were so influential that she virtually reshaped the landscape of hospice care in the region.

Mary was not just a social worker; she was a tireless advocate for terminal patients, championing their right to die with dignity. This commitment earned her the prestigious “Award for Excellence in Clinical Practice (Hospice)” in 2017 from the Social Work Hospice and Palliative Care Network. As noted by Newport This Week, her legacy is woven into the support systems she built and the lives she enhanced, especially through her leadership role at By the Bay Health, formerly known as Hospice by the Bay.

A Life of Passion and Service

Beyond her professional achievements, Mary was surrounded by love and family. She leaves behind her devoted husband, Stephen, and her daughter, Katherine. Her siblings—Alice (Michael) Bull, Trish (Moe) Dixon, Liza Baldwin, and Ellen (Patrick) Dawson—stand by her memory, along with many cherished nieces, nephews, and godchildren. It’s clear that family was central to her existence, complemented by a close-knit group of friends whom she affectionately referred to as her “Goddesses.” This bond was strengthened during her time at the University of Rhode Island and within a women’s group in Marin.

A memorial service is scheduled for July 26, 2025, in Novato, and her family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to By the Bay Health or local hospice nonprofit foundations, ensuring that her commitment to compassionate care continues.

The Importance of Compassionate Care

Mary’s dedication to social work aligns with the broader values of hospice and palliative care. According to the Hospice Foundation, compassionate care is crucial at the end of life, ensuring patients receive the right level of comfort and dignity. In particular, issues related to medical interventions, such as Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN), need careful consideration. While TPN can be life-saving in acute settings, it carries risks when used in hospice patients who do not have continuous medical supervision. Understanding these complexities is vital for advocates like Mary who fought for patient-centric care.

The standards outlined by the National Association of Social Workers emphasize comprehensive assessments and interventions tailored to patients approaching the end of life. Mary exemplified these guiding principles through her unwavering support for her clients and her efforts to uphold their rights. She knew that social workers must possess unique skills in cultural diversity and bereavement, which are essential in fostering effective communication and support within these often-sensitive contexts.

In the face of challenges such as advances in medical technology and changing demographics, Mary’s work illustrates the vital role social workers play in shaping the narrative surrounding end-of-life care. Her legacy inspires new generations of social workers and invites others to join the conversation on how best to uphold the dignity and comfort of those nearing life’s end.