Mary Sue Morris - 5 Oct 38 to 17 Mar 07

Dear Mary Sue:

I was certainly shocked when I received Ana Margarita's email from Vallarta, telling me about your illness. It made me sad to learn that you are so sick you had to cut your summer buying trip short and return to the U.S. My thoughts immediately flew to your baby, VIVA, wondering what will happen now that you're not there to lead the charge into the new season. A million memories of Mexico flooded my mind. You and VIVA were such an intrinsic and important part of my life there.

I enjoyed having the opportunity to work in the store. I learned so many invaluable lessons and made lifelong friends working there. I remember the day you interviewed me and your conviction that I was obviously "very intelligent" since I had worked for lawyers. You promised somehow to make use of my talents in that regard and you eventually did. But first you taught me how to sell and discovered that I had a knack for it. The work was hard and fun, all at the same time. The product, of course, was fabulous, making VIVA well known in PV and beyond. I was always very proud to tell people where I worked. I never forgot your admonishment for us to "behave" in public because you didn't want to hear about any kind of outlandish behaviour. I knew that you had "eyes" everywhere. *smile*

You were an inspiration to some and a mentor to others. Miguel was so excited at being allowed to go to the gem show with you in Tucson. I also remember the email he sent, complaining that you were wearing him out, going non-stop from dawn to dusk at the show with your power shopping. Did you know many on your staff were totally terrified of you? I think you liked that idea because it kept everyone on their toes. The mood in the store changed dramatically every time we learned your plane had landed. When the word filtered down from the office that "Mary Sue is back!", panic reigned. Everything shifted into overdrive as we all scrambled to ensure the store would pass your inspection when you breezed through the doors. Nothing escaped your sharp eye for detail and it showed in the accolades you received from other retailers and designers from around the world.

I'll never forget my first VIVA "party" and the crush of people coming through the doors for hours. Many of them were there to sample your "liquid generosity" but the electric current generated by the crowds jolted the sales into the stratosphere, year after year. It was exhilarating and utterly exhausting to work those nights. And you were always the main attraction, flitting around the store like a sleek, bejewelled butterfly in your incredible stilleto heels, fabulous designer clothes and sparkling baubles.

I know VIVA was your private jewellery box. I will admit to being jealous of you for that reason alone but the international travel you enjoyed was also very exciting. You had so many amazing adventures in your life but I think owning VIVA was your true passion. I'll never forget the look on your face when you returned from a buying trip and unwrapped all your "treasures" for us on the table in the back room. Your life was pretty incredible. I wish we had written a book about it. Just think of the movie rights! *smile*

I want to thank you for giving me the chance to test the waters with a few adventures of my own. As if living in Mexico wasn't exciting enough, I got to work with you and learn more about fashion and retailing. Being a VIVA Diva was so much fun! Those small chances given by you meant so much to me, and others. My life in Mexico taught me a lot about myself and the things I am capable of doing. So thanks for everything Mary Sue. I hope you are surrounded by the people who love you and who will care for you gently. I send my deepest wishes for your ongoing comfort and peace.

Juliana


Mary Sue Morris is the owner of Viva Jewelry at 274 Basilio Badillo, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico.