Suzanne Somers’ son, Bruce Jr., paid a moving tribute to his late mother during a memorial service Thursday at the Stone Eagle Club in Palm Desert.
The event was dedicated to celebrating the star’s legacy, nearly two months after her shocking death on Sunday, October 15 – just one day before her 77th birthday.
Numerous guests were in attendance to honor the Three’s Company alum – including her husband Alan Hamel, their children, and billionaire Charles Koch and his wife.
The actress’ son, 58, served as emcee during the meeting and also took time to read a tribute to those in attendance and Suzanne’s loved ones, can exclusively reveal.
“Buckle up,” he began, musing, “When my mother talked to you, she made you feel like a million dollars. “Her secret power was the ability to make you feel loved.”
“For the first eight years of my life I had her all to myself, then someone else came into our lives, a new protector and it was a love affair that only fairy tales are made of, and then Alan came into our lives.”‘
Suzanne Somers’ son, Bruce Jr., 58, (pictured above) paid a moving tribute to his late mother during an emotional memorial service Thursday at the Stone Eagle Club in Palm Desert
The event was dedicated to celebrating the star’s legacy, nearly two months after her shocking death on Sunday, October 15 – just a day before her 77th birthday; seen in Beverly Hills in 2018
The actress’ son, Bruce, served as emcee during the meeting and also took time to read a tribute to those in attendance and Suzanne’s loved ones, can exclusively reveal
Suzanne had tied the knot with Bruce Sommers in 1965 and gave birth to son Bruce Jr. later that same year. However, the couple divorced in 1968.
The Step By Step actress later had an affair with TV presenter Alan Hamel and the two tied the knot in 1977. After the wedding, she also became stepmother to his two children, Leslie and Stephen, from his previous marriage.
Bruce Jr. and Suzanne’s daughter-in-law Caroline Somers put together the hour-long memorial service with the theme “Tequila & Tributes.”
The late star’s brother, Danny Mahoney, also shared a loving message at the event, recalling a childhood memory with his sister.
“Suzanne was talented from day one because as a child she spent hours singing Ella Fitzgerald songs and filming in the living room,” he explained.
Somers and Hamel’s granddaughter Daisy helped pay tribute by singing the song “Song For You,” which elicited an emotional response from guests.
Alan later commented on the special memorial, saying: “Last night we gathered with family and close friends to celebrate Suzanne’s incredible life.”
“Suzanne loved cocktail parties and we threw her a great one at the Stone Eagle Club in Palm Desert.”
“Buckle up,” he began, musing, “When my mother talked to you, she made you feel like a million dollars.” Her secret power was the ability to make you feel loved.
Bruce Jr. and Suzanne’s daughter-in-law Caroline Somers put together the hour-long memorial service with the theme “Tequila & Tributes.”
The late star’s brother, Danny Mahoney, also shared a loving message at the event, recalling a childhood memory with his sister
Hamel, who tied the knot with Suzanne in 1977, wore a white suit with a pink shirt underneath in homage to Suzanne’s favorite color
Guests were encouraged to dress to impress in their best cocktail attire, including dazzling sequins and feathers.
Hamel wore a white suit with a pink shirt underneath – Suzanne’s favorite color. Pink roses were also placed on every table outside.
In particular, those present were gifted a Christmas candle containing the actress’ favorite scent called Floating Gardenia.
They were also gifted their LOVE bracelet, which had a quote from Somers on it: “It’s not who you are.” It’s not what you have. It’s not what you do. It was all about who you love and who loves you… and I love you.”
The invitation and program featured a beautiful illustration of the late star, designed by Leslie Hamel, with the text “Suzanne Our Brightest Star” on the bottom.
Inside was a stunning photo of a smiling Somers, as well as a detailed list of what the memorial would entail.
Guests and family also enjoyed a buffet dinner and videos of Suzanne during the special event, including moments from her illustrious career, shown on a large screen.
Somers’ publicist R. Couri Hay told People that Suzanne’s husband Alan was “remarkably sociable and hospitable.”
Additionally, pink roses were placed on every outdoor table and there were special programs for each guest
Guests were also gifted their LOVE bracelet, which featured a quote from Somers: “It’s not who you are.” It’s not what you have. It’s not what you do. It’s all about who you love and who loves you… and I love you.
“It was a beautiful and extremely authentic evening full of personal memories, songs and of course breathtaking videos of Suzanne singing and speaking to the audience in Vegas. “It was so moving and heartfelt.”
Hay added: “Suzanne was definitely smiling down on us with the stars appearing throughout the evening after the sun had set over the mountains…”
A second memorial service is scheduled to take place next week in Suzanne’s hometown of San Bruno, California – and clips from the memorial will be released soon after.
The “Three’s Company” star died on October 15 in Palm Springs at the age of 76 – just one day before her 77th birthday.
Her cause of death was announced two weeks later.
According to the death certificate obtained by The Blast, the Three’s Company star’s breast cancer – which she battled for two decades – had metastasized to her brain.
This was listed as her immediate cause of death, but other underlying medical conditions, including hypertension and hydrocephalus, also contributed to her death.
Somers had been battling hydrocephalus — a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the cerebral ventricles that causes damaging pressure — for more than a year.
Last July, the late actress underwent ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt surgery to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid.
The “Step By Step” actress later had an affair with TV presenter Alan Hamel, and the two said “I do” in 1977; the couple was seen in Los Angeles in 1978
A second memorial service is scheduled to take place next week in Suzanne’s hometown of San Bruno, California – and brief moments from the memorial will be released soon after; Suzanne was seen in NYC in April 2022
According to the certificate, the medical examiner performed a biopsy on Somers’ remains to determine the cause of death, but no autopsy was performed.
The time of death is listed as 5:30 a.m. Sunday, October 15th. She was buried three days later at Desert Memorial Park in Cathedral City.
The star’s longtime publicist confirmed her death and revealed that she was surrounded by family who came to celebrate her 77th birthday.
In a statement, her publicist released a statement saying, “Suzanne Somers passed away peacefully at home in the early hours of October 15.” “She survived an aggressive form of breast cancer for over 23 years.”
“Suzanne was surrounded by her loving husband Alan, her son Bruce and her immediate family. Her family was gathered to celebrate her 77th birthday.
“Instead, they will celebrate her extraordinary life and would like to thank her millions of fans and followers who loved her dearly.”
Suzanne’s daughter-in-law Caroline recently opened up to People about celebrating Thanksgiving without Somers.
According to the death certificate obtained by The Blast, the Three’s Company star’s breast cancer – which she battled for over two decades – had metastasized to her brain; Seen in 2017
Suzanne’s daughter-in-law Caroline recently opened up to People about celebrating Thanksgiving without Somers
“This year will be our first Thanksgiving without Suzanne and none of us can imagine it. “She was Thanksgiving to us.”
She remembered the family reunion in Palm Springs where they met for the annual celebrations. “It has always been our family’s most treasured holiday. “So much of Suzanne’s legacy is in the kitchen!”
“I have learned from the best and will do my best to honor them and nourish our family with the familiar, comforting delights of Thanksgiving.”
Caroline added: “We’ll all be together, gathered around Alan, asking each other for support, sharing stories and laughing.” [and] She recreates the taste passed down over the years of nurturing her beloved family.”