Whenever I have been asked whose leadership style I’d like to emulate or which people I would invite to dinner, of all the people in the world, Mary Tyler Moore has always been the first on my list.
Mary’s leadership qualities remain an inspiration to me. She had so much courage and intelligence, and none of her struggles or challenges took away her kindness or her sense of humour. If anything, she radiated more kindness and was funnier than any other woman I’ve ever met.
Mary had an appreciation of quality and a love of beautiful art, just as she accepted and welcomed all different kinds of people and celebrated them for who they were.
These are just some of the things I admired about her. There was so much to her as an individual and she accomplished so many good things for other people. She broke through so many barriers: for women, for people with chronic disease, for countless others.
I enjoyed Mary’s friendship. She was always true to her word and incredibly thoughtful. Like my daughter, Danielle, Mary was brave in facing so many obstacles in her life, including her diabetes, yet she really lived a life. She refused to be ruled by her illness.
Mary found true love with Robert, who healed her heart in more ways than one. We all miss the energy, intelligence and humour of Mary, but she has left us inspired and so much stronger for knowing her.
Susan Alberti, AC
August 2017