Mary “Margie” McCauley Knight, a dedicated mental health therapist with a gift for art and music, passed away on February 16, 2026, in Bellmore, New York. She was 65 years old.
Born on July 2, 1960, in Jackson, Mississippi, Margie grew up with a passion for learning and an innate sense of empathy and compassion that guided her throughout her life. She earned her Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) certification from the University of Arkansas in Little Rock and pursued a meaningful career as a mental health therapist. Margie specialized in home-based therapy and operated a private practice in Fayetteville, Arkansas, where she provided support to individuals and families. Her professional journey also included impactful roles at Discovery House, Families CAN, and Sweetser in Maine until 2007.
Margie was known for her unwavering ethics and determination. She held herself and others to the highest standards, approaching her work and life with honesty and integrity. Her sharp wit and dry sense of humor brought levity to challenging moments, allowing her to navigate life’s obstacles with grace, humor, and resilience.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Margie was an artist at heart. She expressed her creativity through an interest in making jewelry and playing music on the guitar, mandolin, and piano. Her artistic endeavors were a reflection of her vibrant spirit and zest for life.
Margie had a profound love for dogs, whom she considered superior beings that brought unconditional love into the world. This deep affection for animals played a pivotal role in her relationship with Ronni, whom she met online on May 19, 2001. Before their relationship could progress, it was essential that their dogs got along—a testament to Margie’s devotion to her four-legged babies. On July 5, 2001, Margie and Ronni committed to each other but waited nearly a year before moving in together. Margie often joked about being relieved that Ronni didn’t bring a U-Haul on their second date! Together with their three dogs and three cats, they moved to Maine and lived there until 2014.
In 1993, Margie’s life took an unexpected turn when she suffered a cat bite that triggered a myriad of significant health challenges. Despite these difficulties, she continued working as a therapist until 1999 when she moved to Maine seeking a fresh start. Although relapses made steady employment impossible, Margie remained determined to rebuild her life. In 2011, she was diagnosed with Primary Immune Deficiency and began weekly IGG infusions. While these treatments provided some relief, they could not restore the quality of life she once enjoyed and yearned for.
In April 2014, Margie and Ronni relocated from Maine to New York where they continued their journey together. For the first few years, Margie was able to visit the places in NYC that she had only dreamed about. She and Ronni walked through street fairs in Greenwich Village and she stood in the middle of Times Square, enamored by its history. Her health conditions continued to progress and after COVID, Margie was homebound.
Margie was told by several people with psychic abilities that she was an empath, which is why she felt things so intensely, which was a double-edged sword. When she loved, she did it with all of her being, but she also felt the pain of the world around her and was extremely troubled by all of the injustices that continued to exist and grow. Her 3 year old Border Collie, Hannah, was a constant source of joy for her and she enjoyed spoiling her.
Margie’s memory will live on as an enduring testament to resilience, love, humor, ethics, justice, and creativity. May those who knew her find comfort in remembering how she touched their lives.
A Virtual Celebration of Margie’s Life will be held in June or July. Please contact redkat52@aol.com for details.
In Margie’s memory, please make a contribution to your favorite animal shelter or rescue.
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