Suzy Marley Newhouse ’55, who died on Aug. 13, was the quintessential Wellesley woman. She was the embodiment of the two quotations that all Wellesley women know and take to heart—the motto, “Not to be ministered unto, but to minister,” and the mission, to become “women who will make a difference in the world.”

For Suzy, “ministering unto” was a way of life. The most gracious hostess in New York, she greeted those who came into her home with an embracing smile and then made sure the visitor was comfortably ensconced in one of her beautiful rooms, had been served something delicious to eat and drink, and was engaged in the work of the moment, whether a project or an entertainment. Donald, her husband of 60 years, was an active partner in most of Suzy’s enthusiasms, and there were many.

She doted on her family—Donald and her children, Steven and wife Gina, Michael and wife Elyse, and Kathy and husband Joseph Mele. She took great pride in her six grandchildren—Andrew and Alexander Newhouse, David and Sarah Mele, and Robert and Kate Newhouse.

As for “making a difference in the world,” she certainly did that. Many of the great arts organizations and educational institutions in the country were beneficiaries of her time, talent, and generosity. With the dancer Jacques d’Amboise, Suzy founded the National Dance Institute and served on its board of directors for many years. She chaired the board of the Fresh Air Fund, and served as a trustee of Temple Emanu-El, the New York Public Library, the Collegiate School, the Paper Bag Players, the Lincoln Center Theater, and fortunately for all who know and love Wellesley College, of Wellesley’s board, as well.

No one could ever question Suzy’s loyalty to her alma mater. Her home in New York served, through the decades, as a central meeting and celebratory space for “all things Wellesley.” She found stunning outfits in yellow—her class color—and wore them to important Wellesley occasions. She (and Donald!) were often pictured wearing her class beanie. In the Wellesley trustee family, Suzy stood out, not just for her marvelous clothes, but even more for her exceptional thoughtfulness, warmth, and infectious energy.

Students found in Suzy a friend, supporter, and advocate. As a Wellesley trustee, she especially loved her service on Student Life, the trustee committee that brought students, faculty, staff, and trustees together around issues of campus life. And students found in Suzy a special role model. When they observed her and Donald holding hands as they walked around the campus, or saw her eyes light up upon Donald’s arrival, they asked her the secret to such a good marriage. She would smile and say, “It’s important to laugh and have fun together!”

Despite her own heavy schedule, Suzy often joined Donald when he traveled for business, just as he tried to join her when she had “Wellesley business.” In 2000, when Suzy was invited to celebrate the opening of an exhibition of the paintings and calligraphy of Mayling Soong Chiang (Wellesley class of 1917), Donald accompanied her, juggling a large framed painting in her wake. Madame had given them the painting when, as newlyweds, they had met her and her husband, Chiang Kai-shek, in Taipei. Suzy and Donald pointed with pride to the lovely silk with which they had matted their wedding present. Clearly, they delighted in sharing everything, from the earliest moments of their lives together.

A strong believer in the role that the arts played in a liberal education, she established, with Donald, the Susan and Donald Newhouse Center for the Humanities at Wellesley. This center has become, in the past decade, one of the campus’ most vibrant places—where visiting scholars, artists, and performers come together for diverse programs and a lively exchange of ideas. In 2006, when Suzy and Donald came to celebrate the opening of the Newhouse Center, Suzy was already a bit frail, but she radiated the joy and excitement she felt for this center, in the heart of her beloved institution. As College leaders made their celebratory remarks, as Suzy and Donald stood with their arms around each other, Wellesley’s collective arms closed around this wonderful alumna who loved us and whom we all loved so very much.

Suzy Newhouse had a great capacity for joy, and brought that joy to the institutions and people she cared about. She was a great New Yorker, a great Wellesley woman, and a great friend to so many. She will always be a part of our lives.