Susan Black Obituary

James and Gisele Daggett welcomed their first child Susan Mary in December, 1941 in Cambridge MA. From a very young age, she had respiratory problems endangering her life. Her parents were advised to move her to a better climate. In 1947, they moved to Tucson, AZ. So, Sue's the reason we're all here. Her health improved, she became an athlete, swam, camped, danced, rode horses and coached. Along the way, she picked up friends, an education and career, music, a family and a string of dogs, mostly rescued.

She was a member of the second graduating class of Catalina High School. She obtained degrees from the U of AZ and a Masters from U of HI, and later back to U of AZ for her Master's Certificate in Library Science. She was a Letterwoman at the U of AZ from the pre-Title IX era and began teaching and coaching in that era. She became a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, a teaching society while at Magee.

She was part of the original Faculty of what is now Magee Middle School. She later moved to Palo Verde High School. While her children were young, she was more involved with their activities such as Campfire and Scouting. She returned to teaching as a substitute and long-term substitute as her children entered high school. She taught locally in TUSD and SUSD, and in Kern County CA and Clark County NV.

As a musician, she played piano, guitar, and ukulele. She sang and played in choirs, church groups, ukulele "bands," Campfire events, and almost every organization to which she belonged.

In addition to Tucson, she lived in Colorado Springs, CO, Phoenix, AZ, Bakersfield, CA and Las Vegas, NV. Sue had brothers Jim Daggett (Liz) and John Daggett (Andrea). She has three children, Heather S. Black (Dee), William A - Randy Black (Kim), and Holly G. Schrade (Jeff), six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She has nieces and nephews through her brothers' families. She also had 10 dogs and a horse and one soldier she picked up while he was at Ft Huachuca, William E. Black, Jr. She was married to him for 53 years.

Dementia slowly stole Sue from us over several years, as she tried to remember friends, songs and dances. On June 4, 2025, she left us.

A memorial service will be held for Sue on July 26, 2025 at 10:00 AM MST. at the St. John On The Desert Presbyterian Church, 2695 Houghton Rd. Tucson, AZ 85749. The church has an accessible YouTube channel in the church name. The memorial service will be streamed live for those who are unable to attend in person.

Sue would have preferred casual, sports, or Hawaiian attire for this. Also, in lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to St John on the Desert, Gospel Rescue Mission, Community Food Bank, Salvation Army, Wounded Warriors Project, or other of your choice.