In its role as a facilitator of philanthropy and community partner, the NoCo Foundation has the privilege of witnessing remarkable stories of generosity. Some unfold publicly, but many take shape quietly over time.
One such story is the legacy of Dr. Susan “Sue” Scott Martin.
Sue was a scientist, a naturalist, and a lifelong learner. From her early days as a Girl Scout, participating in archaeological digs in New Mexico, to her distinguished career in plant biochemistry, Sue approached the world with curiosity and care.
She earned her Ph.D. in Biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and spent nearly three decades as a scientist with the Agricultural Research Service in Fort Collins, specializing in sugar beet research. Beyond her professional work, Sue was deeply engaged in the natural world. She contributed to birding surveys, observed eagle nests for the Colorado Department of Wildlife, and played a founding role in the Colorado Native Plant Society.
Susan Martin on her 80th birthday (pictured L to R: Diane Blaser, Susan Martin, Melissa Landon, Ellen Heath)
Her life was rich with exploration— of science, of landscapes, and of cultures. She and her longtime partner, Dr. Myrna Steinkamp, shared a love of travel, native plants, birds, and the American Southwest, especially Santa Fe, where they spent cherished time together.
When Sue passed away in May 2022, she left behind more than memories. She left a legacy.
A Thoughtful Approach to Giving
Sue entrusted three close friends— Ellen Heath, Diane Blaser, and Melissa Landon— to carry out her charitable wishes. They were surprised to learn that over Sue’s long career, and through inheritance and smart investing, Sue had a significant estate to be given to causes she cared about.
Their estate attorney encouraged the friends to connect with the NoCo Foundation to help guide the process. Together, they established a fund at the Foundation, creating a thoughtful and flexible way to steward Sue’s generosity.
Over the next two years, they immersed themselves in learning, exploring organizations that reflected Sue’s passions, from environmental conservation, to Indigenous communities, to human services.
Some of these organizations were familiar, and many were not, but every decision was made with intention.
“We agreed upfront that majority rules,” shared Diane Blaser. “We would take a vote, and whatever decision had at least two of the three of us, that’s what we did. Sometimes we were outvoted, and sometimes we were the majority.”
A Lasting Impact
In total, $3.6 million was distributed to 23 organizations providing local, regional, and national impact. Each grant reflects a piece of Sue’s story: her love of nature, her respect for culture and history, and her desire to contribute to something larger than herself, especially to community wellbeing in Northern Colorado.
The impact of these gifts will be felt for generations to come.
The Role of a Trusted Partner
Stories like Sue’s are at the heart of the NoCo Foundation’s work.
Every legacy is unique. Every donor brings a different story, a different set of values, and a different vision for impact. The Foundation exists to help steward those intentions with care, offering guidance, structure, and local knowledge to ensure each gift creates meaningful, lasting change.
Sue’s story is a reminder that legacy is not only about what we leave behind; it’s about the lives we touch, the causes we uplift, and the future we help shape.
