Susan Newhouse, philanthropist wife of media magnate Donald Newhouse, dies in NYC at age 80

The philanthropist Susan Newhouse has died in New York at age 80 after a long illness.

Newhouse was the wife of billionaire newspaper and magazine publisher Donald Newhouse. He said she died Thursday at their Manhattan home.

During her life, Susan Newhouse poured money and time into colleges, libraries, theaters and other charitable endeavors.

She served as a trustee or board member at institutions including Wellesley College and The Fresh Air Fund and helped found the National Dance Institute, which offers free programs annually to thousands of public school children.

Donald Newhouse said his wife suffered from primary progressive aphasia, a disease that disables the part of the brain that processes speech and language. He pledged to work with organizations trying to find a cure.