This simple page was created to help Sue's friends keep current about her status and reduce the number of telephone calls from the many people who care. We have a forum for well-wishers to post messages and pictures and encourage you to email your stories to share with Sue's family and friends. webmaster@thedarkersideofpink.org Her biography and recent press articles are posted for reference, and funeral information is posted below.

Funeral Arrangements

A memorial service will be held Monday, January 10, 2005 at 11 a.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church, 880 Tamarack Ave., San Carlos, California.   A reception and celebration of Sue's life will follow.

Here is a partial listing of hotels for out of town friends:

The California Charter Schools Association has established the Susan Steelman Bragato College Scholarship Fund in Sue's honor. Donations may be made by contacting dannyc@charterassociation.org. Donations in lieu of flowers may also be made to BOK Ranch, a therapeutic horseback riding program for children and adults with disabilities, 1815 Cordilleras, Redwood City, CA 94062 

Wednesday January 5, 2005

Sue passed away peacefully shortly after 6PM, surrounded by friends and family... Cathy Rettberg

Wednesday January 5, 2005 7:00 p.m.

I am so sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but Sue Bragato lost her 2 year battle with breast cancer this evening. She was able to remain at home and was surrounded by her family and close friends. She was a fighter until the end and and never gave up hope. She was a friend, a colleague, a role model and an inspiration. We loved her and will miss her terribly.....Alice Miller

Wednesday January 5, 2005 10:00 am

Whoa...we made it through the night, suprisingly. She's still amazingly holding on. We really cannot believe it but, then again, this is Sue we are talking about...always has to do things her way! To me, this is just proving her extreme love of life and will to live. She had four of her closest friends as well as her sister, my dad, and my brother and I by her side the entire night. I know that this is just the way she would want it. Danielle DiPaola led us all in song with her beauiful voice earlier in the night. I know my mom heard us and felt the same sense of peace that we all did. As of now she's still with us and she's fighting 'till the end....Jenna

Tuesday, January 4, 2005 (about 9:00 PM)

I would like to thank everybody for your continued love and support. My mom is now entering her final hours here with us. She can no longer communicate but is somewhat responsive to all of her family and friends that have been there at her side. We have slightly increased her pain medication to keep her comfortable. She is still fighting to hold on and has not given up. At this time we are trying to surround her with close friends and family. Although we know she loves having people around, the close friends that are in our home seem to be enough to fill her room. The amount of support we are receiving is truly representative of the amount of love people have for my mom and is making this phase in our lives so much easier to deal with. Thank you for your love....Jenna

Saturday, January 1, 2005

Not much has changed since Thursday. She continues to decline at a stable pace but is still comfortable and has minimal pain. She is talking very little but enjoys listening to us and to her music. I've been reading e-mails to her that people have been sending and she is very responsive to them. Thanks for your support...more updates to come....Jenna

Thursday 30 December 2004, From Jenna

As you may or may not know, my Mom has taken a sudden downhill turn. Her long fought battle over the past two years seems to be coming to an end. The past few weeks have been very difficult for her and, although she made it through Christmas, she has been in bed ever since. Fortunately, she has not been in the hospital and we have have been lucky enough to keep her in the comfort of our home with the help of hospice care. My Mom's sister and her family from New York have been here for a week now which has also been very helpful.

The support we have been receiving from friends of the past and present is absolutely amazing and it is truly uplifting for our family. We understand that there are a lot of people that want to speak to her but it is essential for her to get plently of rest. As an alternative you can feel free to send me an e-mail that I can read to her. She is still able to listen but talking is becoming a challenge. If you live in the area and would like to visit her you may also call our house and we will let you know when would be a good time to stop by. Please try to avoid coming by without notice as we try to keep the house quiet for her.

We appreciate your amazing support and would like you to know that her spirits are still surprisingly good. She is peaceful and comfortable and has minimal pain. She still thinks she's gonna "kick this thing and get through it" and continues to be incredibly strong, as she always has been. Because this last stage occured somewhat rapidly we just want to make sure that everybody has the opportunity for closure. We will continue to give updates on her progression. Thank you for your concern and loving support.

You can send email to Jenna at JenSBLVR7@aol.com.

If you would like to share your thoughts or feelings, please email the webmaster: webmaster@thedarkersideofpink.org. We are collecting pictures and emails to create an e-book or memory book for Sue's family and friends.