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Susan Knowles Obituary

DR. SUSAN E. KNOWLES JAN 28, 1960 - JAN 6, 2011 Dr. Susan Elizabeth Knowles was born on January 28, 1960 in Modesto, California. For the last nineteen months, Susan courageously battled inflammatory breast cancer, and she passed away suddenly at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Susan was the loving mother of Sarah and Nicholas who she adopted from Russia, as a single parent. She was one of six children born to Henry Richard and Cecilia M. Knowles. Susan is survived by her father and her caring and supportive four sisters, and one brother: Corrine Knowles, Linnea Stanton, Denise Solomon, Richard Knowles, and Cecilia Knowles. In addition, she is survived by her nieces, nephews, brother and sisters-in-law, and many cousins. She will be missed by all. We take comfort in knowing that she is with her mother in heaven. From a young age, Susan wanted to be a doctor. She began this journey in high school by volunteering at the local hospital as well as with non-profit medical organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area and in Honduras. Susan continued the path to fulfill her dream and received her MD from Bowman Gray Medical School,Wake Forest University in North Carolina. She completed her anesthesiology residency at UCLA and later became Board Certified. She returned to Modesto to be near her family to practice medicine locally. Susan always had a kind way in treating her patients and the team of medical professionals that worked along side her. She loved being a doctor for the right reasons. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January, 15th at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 324 College Ave. at 3:00 PM. Memorial donations may be made to the Inflammatory Breast Cancer Foundation, P.O Box 16, Milford, Michigan 48381 / www.eraseibc.com www.modbee.com/obituaries

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Modesto Bee from Jan. 12 to Jan. 15, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Susan Knowles

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Nicholas Knowles

October 3, 2024

Mom this is Nicholas I hope everything is better up there. I wish you could be here to help me with every thing I´m about to get my license. I love you

Karen Light

February 1, 2011

Susan and I were medical school classmates and saw each other at our last Wake Forest Reunion. She was always honest, kind and real. The news of her death is a shock, and I wish her children and the rest of the family all the best. Susan will be missed.

Karin Kurowski

January 26, 2011

To Denise, Sarah and Nicholas, Mr. Knowles and the rest of Susan's family,

Truly a shock to read the letter from Wake Forest a little while ago! I am soooooo sorry. Last contact from Susan was in the form of an e-mail Nov. 16! (and of course the "usual" Christmas card!). She sounded so optimistic!

May God be with Susan and may God help Susan's family through this difficult time.

You are all in our prayers.

Love, Karin Kurowski and family
(Classmate, Wake Forest)

Lisa (formely DeMers) and Mike Sylvester

January 16, 2011

To Susan’s Family,

I was so very sorry to hear of the loss of Susan. Susan and I became friends in high school, when we both played clarinet in the combined Downey/Davis orchestra (I was from Downey, Susan from Davis). We attended the CMEA State Honor Orchestra together, and backpacked in Europe during the summer of 1982. Susan talked frequently of her large, closely-knit family.

Susan pursued her dream of becoming a compassionate doctor with the same purpose that she later pursued her dream of becoming a parent. She will be missed, and our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Patty Tharp

January 14, 2011

Knowles Family- May your wonderful memories of Sue lift your spirits during this difficult time and in the days ahead. Sue was a fighter and I will remember how she inspired many during the Memorial Cancer Awareness ride this past September.
Denise you are a most special sister and friend. Sue was blessed by you and your loving family.

Summer 2008

Julia Solomon

January 13, 2011

Aunt Sue was such a sweet and kind lady. She loved her kids very much and cared deeply about her entire family. She was so brave in her difficult battle against IBC and she fought until the very end. She was so lucky to have my mom (Denise) by her side through every moment of it and is in peace knowing she will raise her kids. We all miss Aunt Sue very much and carry her memory in our hearts.

Kit McClurg

January 12, 2011

My prayers are with Susans family as they bravely go forward. The Lord made plans for our lives here on earth so that we will prosper when we get to heaven. Susan was such a nice person and so gifted in how she cared for others. Her love will live on here and there. I am sorry for your loss.

Karen Safley

January 12, 2011

Cecilia - My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your loving family during this time of sadness. You have fond memories of your sister that will live on with your forever.

Cynthia Stott

January 12, 2011

Cecilia - Your sister sounds amazing! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you grieve for your loss and celebrate her life.

January 12, 2011

My prayer's go out to the family...I am Idalina's sister-in-law and have been follwing Susan's story for 1 years now...She was a strong person from what I've heard...we have to think positive and know that she is no longer suffering....may she rest in peace....

~Vera~

Sheri Biasca

January 12, 2011

Denise,
I am so sorry to read about your sister's illness and passing. I wish you and your family strength and peace during this difficult time.

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