Susan Fay Bash

Susan Fay Bash, published poet, champion of the weak, friend to mavericks, consummate hostess, philosopher, nature-lover, raging liberal and all around ass-kicker, died peacefully at home on Friday evening, July 25 surrounded by her family. She displayed enormous strength, courage, and grace despite living her last 17 years with scleroderma and polymyositis. Susan, the daughter of Reverend Robert Wolcott Fay and Helen Sargent Fay was born in Des Plaines, Illinois on September 15, 1937 and raised in Columbus, Ohio with her older brother Robert. She especially loved her summers at her maternal grandparents' farm in New Hampshire where she engaged in blueberry-picking, lemon sherbet-making, and bull-taunting - - skills that would serve her well her entire life. She attended Columbus School for Girls, Mt. Holyoke College (until she was expelled for excessive sun-tanning which necessitated missing one too many a class), and Ohio State University (after which she corresponded for years with OSU Professor Darby, who took special note of her creative writing abilities). Later, while working for Professor Ed Lilley at Harvard College Observatory, she met Oregonian Frank ("Franciscum") Bash, a graduate student in astronomy. Susan and Frank were married on September 10, 1960 in Nashua, New Hampshire. Their daughter Kathryn Fay was born in 1962 in Boston, Massachusetts and son Francis Lee was born in 1964 in Charlottesville, Virginia. The Bash family settled in Austin in 1967. Susan was fond of engaging in random acts of kindness for which she never expected acknowledgement or thanks. Egalitarian in her friendships, she did not suffer fools. She loved animals, and doted on a succession of dogs and cats (including Alice, an uppity white cat who survives her). She possessed a measured eye and a strong sense of order. She amassed an impressive collection of cocktail napkins and wrapping paper. Although she raged privately against the diseases that slowly ruined her body, she was conscious of remaining self-possessed and endlessly hilarious to those around her. She was especially pissed off that her body would not allow her to stay around long enough to (1) see her grandchildren, Lee's daughter Erika Kathryn (age 2) and Katie's son Truman Lee (age 9), grow up, (2) attend her own memorial service, and (3) vote for Barack Obama. In addition to the family members mentioned previously, she is also survived by Katie's husband Mark Cervenka (a fellow artist) and Lee's wife Canan Yetmen (who shares Susan's fiery passion for politics). The family wishes to thank the many dear people who cared for Susan over the years and those who, in her last days, supported them with their lovely (and often hysterically funny) memories of Susan. Special thanks, as well, to Hospice Austin. In lieu of flowers, eat a cheeseburger and drink some wine in Susan's honor. Or, make a donation in her memory to Planned Parenthood or Hospice Austin. Most importantly, vote early and often! A raucous celebration of Susan's life will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2008, at 4:00 p.m. at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Mom, we promise we are wiping our feet before entering the house and using coasters. COMFORT OF THE SEASONS by Susan Fay Bash Comfort of the seasons Coursing of the sun We follow in their path Until our journey's done. Light becalmed the dark When first I held your hand Gathering momentum We strode the fertile land. Comfort of the seasons Coursing of the sun Stars brighten in their journey To nova when they're done.