Tucson Phenom Susan Small Passes Away Just Shy of Her 98th Birthday

Susan Small, who along with her late husband Bill Small played a pivotal role in the philanthropic efforts of the Stonewall Foundation, passed away earlier this month just days shy of her 98th birthday.

Founded in 1966, the Stonewall Foundation has made significant contributions totaling over $45 million to various nonprofit organizations, including the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson Museum of Art, and Habitat for Humanity. The Smalls are notably credited with rescuing the Arizona Theatre Company from bankruptcy, ensuring the continuation of this vital regional theater.

While Bill Small was known for his extensive art collection, which he donated to multiple museums after his death in 1994, Susan dedicated herself to conservation causes, according to her son, Rick Small. “She was the longest-serving docent at the Desert Museum, volunteering every Wednesday from 1977 to 2018,” he recalled, highlighting her commitment to educating visitors about the wildlife in the aviary.

Susan Small was born in 1926 in Evanston, Illinois, and grew up in Barrington. After earning her degree from Smith College, she rode with the Frontier Nursing Service in rural Kentucky and later taught in Seattle. Her connections with the media world began early; her father partnered with the father of her future husband at a Chicago advertising firm.

Bill Small Sr. purchased the Tucson Daily Citizen in 1936, leading the family to move to Tucson. It was here that Susan and Bill met and married in October 1958. Rick Small noted their shared commitment to philanthropy, reflecting their belief that those in fortunate positions should use their resources to benefit others.

In time, Bill Small Jr. took over the Citizen and expanded his media holdings to include the Arizona Daily Star. His sales of both papers were marked by significant legal battles and resulted in substantial financial returns, allowing the couple to engage in what Rick described as “low-key philanthropy.” Bill Small was often referred to as “Mr. Anonymous” for his reluctance to seek recognition for their charitable endeavors.

After her husband’s passing, Susan adapted and created an independent life for herself over the next 30 years. The Desert Museum honored her as a “charismatic, sharing, and dedicated volunteer,” acknowledging her more than 12,000 hours of service over the years.

Both the Stonewall Foundation and Susan’s estate will continue their philanthropic legacies. Recent transfers to the Community Foundation of Southern Arizona have established a donor-advised fund, while her trust is set to support causes close to her heart, including the Desert Museum and Smith College.

Susan Marion Spencer Small passed away on November 3, after a long struggle with dementia, surrounded by family. She is survived by her sons William, Richard, and Andrew, along with six grandchildren and her sister Sally Greenleaf.

No public services are scheduled, but donations can be made in her memory to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum or the Tucson Botanical Gardens.