Mayor Kahn read a proclamation to declare March 20th, 2025 to be Susan G. Ashworth Day in Keene, and to extend deepest gratitude and warmest wishes to Susan G. Ashworth upon her retirement, celebrating her remarkable legacy of service and dedication to the betterment of our city. Susan G. Ashworth has dedicated an extraordinary 47 years of service to the community through Home Healthcare, Hospice, and Community Services (HCS), serving as the Director of Community Relations and impacting countless lives; and, serving as agency CEO on two separate occasions, demonstrating her exceptional leadership ability and commitment to the organization’s stability. Her leadership has been instrumental in overseeing vital programs such as Healthy Starts, Senior Nutrition, and Transportation, ensuring vulnerable citizens have access to essential food, medical care, and community connections; and she has been the signature voice of HCS on radio and for all public relations, effectively communicating the agency’s mission and impact to the wider community. Susan’s dedication to the well-being of her staff is evident in her daily rounds onsite, personally overseeing their needs and fostering a supportive work environment. Susan’s dedication extends beyond her professional duties, as evidenced by her active participation in Leadership Monadnock, the Monadnock Food Co-op, and the Council for a Healthier Community, showcasing her commitment to the broader well-being of the region. Susan’s commitment to the residents of Keene is exemplified by her dedication to improving the lives of disadvantaged individuals. Her compassion was most notably evident by personally delivering meals to those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Meals on Wheels became a vital lifeline for home-bound individuals, providing social interaction and “wellness checks”. Her work has directly contributed to creating a more supportive and connected community, ensuring that essential services are accessible to all, and her retirement marks the end of an era of dedicated service that will be deeply missed.
