Susan Rose

Susan Levine, Nominator

“My mother volunteered. She never told me to but I learned by example. It’s important for me now to pass down the joy of volunteerism to the next generations.”

When Susan Rose’s father-in-law died without hospice care, it became her mission to bring comfort and dignity to others at the end of their lives. For 30 years, she has been a profound influence on the hospice movement in Arizona. In the past six years, Susan has assisted more than 50 patients and families in hospice, often with her dog, Tucker, in tow. Through the hospice’s Pet Connections program, she has introduced music as a communication device for dementia patients. Tucker provides the tactile warmth of a pet. Susan, who was board president for two years, volunteers in a variety of hospice programs including home care and group home care. Susan and a group of volunteers established the Ronald McDonald House in Phoenix in 1982. Today, it is a model for other houses across America. She has served as a board member, board officer and volunteer for many organizations including COMPAS, The Center DOAR, St. Luke’s Board of Visitors, Phoenix Art Museum and the Governor’s Advisory Council for volunteer agencies.