The community of Keene is grieving the loss of Susan Hay, a deeply respected social worker, advocate for justice, nonprofit consultant, business advisor, and career coach whose influence reached far beyond her professional titles. Susan passed away peacefully in her sleep at Cheshire Medical Center after an eight-month battle with cancer. Her departure has left many heartbroken, as she was a beloved figure whose dedication to helping others shaped countless lives. Though she is no longer physically present, her legacy of service, compassion, and activism remains firmly rooted in the community she cared for so deeply.
Friend and colleague Mohammad A. Saleh shared a touching tribute reflecting on Susan’s extraordinary life. He described her as a person filled with intention and kindness, someone whose discipline and passion for justice guided everything she did. In his message, he reflected on her remarkable commitment to building a community grounded in dignity, fairness, and inclusion. He noted that Susan worked tirelessly each day to help bring the vision of a warm, united community to reality—one where compassion and equality were not simply ideals, but lived values.
Susan committed her life to meaningful civic involvement. She served on local school boards, contributed to community committees, and participated in numerous advocacy efforts. She embraced leadership roles not for recognition, but because she genuinely believed in contributing to positive change. Many remember her willingness to engage directly with residents, listen deeply, and encourage thoughtful dialogue. Her approach to advocacy was rooted in understanding and connection rather than division, making her a powerful force for unity.
Her most impactful work was her effort to support newcomers building new lives in the region. Susan was a founding member of Project Home, a community-driven initiative created to provide assistance, support, and stability for immigrants and refugees. Through this work, she helped expand access to resources, fostered welcoming spaces, and collaborated with others to provide a sense of belonging for families starting anew. She remained actively involved in leadership until very recently, demonstrating her unwavering devotion to the cause even as her own health declined.
During her illness, Susan continued to embody strength and compassion. Mohammad recalled one of her reflections during that time: “This is not a tragedy; when a mother cannot protect her child, that is a tragedy.” Even while facing personal hardship, her thoughts remained with those who experienced greater suffering. Her outlook revealed not only her resilience, but the profound empathy that defined her life.
Family members, friends, colleagues, and community partners remember Susan as someone who believed deeply in collective responsibility and the power of everyday acts of kindness. She inspired others with her optimism, her fierce commitment to justice, and her ability to see potential in people and situations. Her influence extended far beyond meetings, projects, or community events—her presence encouraged others to speak up, participate, and imagine a more equitable future.
As Keene reflects on her loss, it also celebrates her extraordinary contributions. Susan Hay’s dedication to service, her compassion for others, and her belief in the possibility of a better, more inclusive society will remain guiding lights for many. Her memory will continue to inspire ongoing efforts toward fairness, belonging, and kindness.
Though she is dearly missed, Susan’s impact lives on through the work she championed, the lives she touched, and the hope she nurtured in her community. May she rest peacefully, and may her legacy continue to inspire all who strive to make the world more just and compassionate.
