A huge thank you to the brilliant Julie Gammack for this amazing tribute to my incomparable mother. What a wonderful read, full of laughs! Mum would have loved it.
Lovely remembrance. And what a wonderfully accurate report of the wide-ranging (as in every opinion no matter how clueless is valid) discourse (often sold as "lighthearted,") surrounding women and our public/person choices and opinions regarding EVERYTHING, from clothes and make-up to career pursuits to personal connections and relationships. Julie, how did you sheroes navigate so much harsh scrutiny? Hat's off to you all:) and RIP Susan Bray.
Thanks for sharing Julie, Not only the sad news but sharing things I was not aware of back then and for sharing your own insecurities so freely with us. I always think of you as invincible :)
Thank you for sharing the story, and thank your for sharing the pictures. My sympathy to you and I do remember Susan Bray and brought back memories of the lunch spots in Des Moines.
My acquaintance with Susan wasn't as personal yours, Julie, but during the 1980 Iowa State Fair we shared a moment I will always remember. I mentioned that I was leaving the WHO booth and heading to the Hog Barn to see the largest boar. She was unfamiliar with the annual contest and after a brief explanation we were off. As we turned into the aisle where the boar rested on its side, Susan's voice reached a volume that may have reached the beer tent. In her inimitable Aussie voice she proclaimed, "Ohhh...my GAWWWD! Look at those testicles!" Deathly silence ensued for seconds before the hubbub of the barn resumed. The boar may have smiled.
She was one heck of a lady and I was friends with her two kids in Philly. She was outspoken and fun to be around I will miss knowing she is here. I’ll keep her, Ed, CK and Jason in my prayers and I’m sure she creating quite the stir in heaven. Peace
Such a warm and heartfelt tribute, Julie. I recall that Susan added a distinct international flavor to the Des Moines scene when I arrived in 1979 to join Gov. Bob Ray's staff.
What a great column, Julie -- not only the fun memories of Susan Bray but your own hilarious tryout and debut on WHO radio. But, OMG, all this was 40 years ago! What's happened to us?
Beautiful tribute to an extraordinary friend. There is no name like, "widow or orphan" to signal the lost relationship when a beloved friend dies. There is grief, but no tradition of mourning. It's a lonely journey. This story about her captured beautiful memories. Thanks for sharing it.
And, The Des Moines Register picked up the column online. Check out this article from Des Moines Register:
'Saucy Aussie' Susan Bray was a pioneer in Des Moines radio
https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/life/2022/01/16/susan-bray-des-moines-radio-pioneer-known-saucy-aussie-dies-at-age-79/6536374001/
A huge thank you to the brilliant Julie Gammack for this amazing tribute to my incomparable mother. What a wonderful read, full of laughs! Mum would have loved it.
Lovely remembrance. And what a wonderfully accurate report of the wide-ranging (as in every opinion no matter how clueless is valid) discourse (often sold as "lighthearted,") surrounding women and our public/person choices and opinions regarding EVERYTHING, from clothes and make-up to career pursuits to personal connections and relationships. Julie, how did you sheroes navigate so much harsh scrutiny? Hat's off to you all:) and RIP Susan Bray.
Thanks for sharing Julie, Not only the sad news but sharing things I was not aware of back then and for sharing your own insecurities so freely with us. I always think of you as invincible :)
Julie, heart-warming, great capture of her delightfulness!
Thank you for sharing the story, and thank your for sharing the pictures. My sympathy to you and I do remember Susan Bray and brought back memories of the lunch spots in Des Moines.
My acquaintance with Susan wasn't as personal yours, Julie, but during the 1980 Iowa State Fair we shared a moment I will always remember. I mentioned that I was leaving the WHO booth and heading to the Hog Barn to see the largest boar. She was unfamiliar with the annual contest and after a brief explanation we were off. As we turned into the aisle where the boar rested on its side, Susan's voice reached a volume that may have reached the beer tent. In her inimitable Aussie voice she proclaimed, "Ohhh...my GAWWWD! Look at those testicles!" Deathly silence ensued for seconds before the hubbub of the barn resumed. The boar may have smiled.
She was one heck of a lady and I was friends with her two kids in Philly. She was outspoken and fun to be around I will miss knowing she is here. I’ll keep her, Ed, CK and Jason in my prayers and I’m sure she creating quite the stir in heaven. Peace
Such a warm and heartfelt tribute, Julie. I recall that Susan added a distinct international flavor to the Des Moines scene when I arrived in 1979 to join Gov. Bob Ray's staff.
What a great column, Julie -- not only the fun memories of Susan Bray but your own hilarious tryout and debut on WHO radio. But, OMG, all this was 40 years ago! What's happened to us?
Sure lots of fun memories in this one!!!!! Thanks, Julie!
Wonderful tribute Julie. Sorry for your loss. Keep her memory close to your heart as you navigate the days, weeks and months ahead.
Beautiful tribute to an extraordinary friend. There is no name like, "widow or orphan" to signal the lost relationship when a beloved friend dies. There is grief, but no tradition of mourning. It's a lonely journey. This story about her captured beautiful memories. Thanks for sharing it.
Julie I'm very sorry for your loss. Nice article.