Mary Loretta Knight

Mary Loretta Hogan was born to Estella and John J. Hogan September 11, 1921, in Waukegan, IL. Mary’s sister Kathryn was born three years later on April 3. After their mother died from the flu in 1928, the girls and their father moved back into the Hogan family home so that Grandma Hogan, Aunt Mary (Nanny), Uncle Tom and Uncle Ed could help raise them. After Grandma Hogan passed away, Aunt Mary and the two uncles continued to care for the girls. Mary’s dad, John, later married Jewell Gilliland, and John and Jewell had three children – John J (Jack) Jr, Edward T (Terry), and Patricia.

After graduating from Waukegan Township High School, Mary attended Rosary College in Illinois, and graduated with a degree in home economics. During this time, she met Donald Knight who was serving in World War II as a Navy pilot. The two married on January 6, 1945. A year later, the couple, along with Donald’s parents, moved to Albany, Oregon.

Their first child, Susan, was born in January 1946. Four more children, Edward (predeceased), Stephen, Laura and Beverly would follow over the next eleven years.

In 1957, Don, a general contractor, moved the family to Salinas, California. The couple finally settled in Los Altos, where Don and Mary built their dream home on Mora Glen Dr.

The Knight house was the hub of the neighborhood. Manhunt, Kick the Can, and Skate Night drew at least a dozen kids to participate on summer evenings. You could usually find homemade Tollhouse cookies in the pretzel tin. Mary’s family was the most important thing in her life. She was involved in PTA. She made sure her children could pursue their interests -- whether they be dance, piano, or school sports. She was always a cheerleader for her kids.

Mary was a talented seamstress, going so far as to make her own high-heeled shoes and matching hats to wear to church. When the kids were older, she worked for many years at the Loom Fabric Shop in Los Altos.

In 1980, Mary and Don moved to Oakmont. They always loved dancing to swing music and joined the dance club. While Don was busy in the garage building an airplane, Mary took up golf and ceramics. Still today, family and friends treasure the figurines and other pieces that she painted.

The family knew that Thanksgiving was at Grandma’s. For 38 years, Mary hosted the holiday. Even in her 90’s she still insisted on running the show. Golfers arrived early, and the house was full by dinner time.

When Don suffered from dementia, Mary was by his side. For five years, she visited him every day in the nursing home. He passed away June 23, 2004.

On her own, Mary took up some new activities, Wii Bowling was her favorite. She also enjoyed playing Bocce Ball, sometimes beating the young guys. Everyone marveled when they found out her age. Mary took great pride in living on her own and loved and appreciated the caring neighbors that lived nearby and provided support, especially the past couple of years.

Mary was predeceased by Donald Knight, husband, Edward Knight, son, Kathryn H. Schueneman, sister, Edward T Hogan (Terry), brother, John J Hogan Jr. (Jack), brother.

Mary is survived by four of her children: Susan Watkins, Stephen Knight (Christine), Laura Lavin (Steven) and Beverly Williams (John); her sister, Patricia Hogan, sister-in-law Elizabeth Hogan, nine grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

To honor Mary’s memory, there will be a celebration of life, 12:00 pm, September 9th, at The Star of the Valley Church, located at 545 White Oak Dr., Oakmont, Santa Rosa, CA. A reception will follow at 1:30 pm, at the Monsignor Fahey Parish Center.

The family will attend a private burial at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are by Lafferty and Smith Colonial Chapel. www.LaffertyandSmith.com

In Lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hanna Boys Center of Sonoma, American Cancer Society, or the Alzheimer’s Association

Star of the Valley Catholic Church

Private Graveside service-Family Only.

Reception Monsignor Fahey Parish Center 1:30Pm