Suzanne Somers’ legacy was honored by her loved ones – and her most cherished possessions – in a celebration of life this week.
On Thursday, the actress’ closest friends and family gathered to “celebrate Suzanne’s incredible life” and her illustrious career in Hollywood following her death in early October. The event was planned by Somers’ son Bruce Somers Jr. and her daughter-in-law Caroline Somers.
Her husband Alan Hamel tells PEOPLE exclusively, “Suzanne loved cocktail parties and we threw her a great one at the Stone Eagle Club in Palm Desert.”
Paying tribute to Somers in the things she loved most, her celebration of life was themed “Tequila & Tributes,” and guests were asked to wear colorful cocktail attire with lots of “sparkles and feathers in true Suzanne style.”
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A celebration of the life of Suzanne Somers.
R. Couri Hay
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The memorial invitation and program featured a “beautiful illustration of Suzanne” designed by her stepdaughter, Leslie Hamel. The late actress was pictured in a shimmering silver mini dress with matching gloves as she floated above the shimmering cityscape.
“SUZANNE Our brightest star”, it was written on the cover of the program.
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Suzanne Somers Celebration of Life Service Program.
R. Couri Hay
Somera’s “signature pink roses” covered the tables and guests received a parting gift that included a holiday candle from her home fragrance line in her favorite scent “Floating Gardenia”.
They also received her “LOVE” bracelet with a quote from Step by step star: “It’s not about who you are. It’s not what you have. It’s not what you do. It’s just about who you love and who loves you… and I love you.”
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A celebration of the life of Suzanne Somers.
R. Couri Hay
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Her son Bruce was the emcee for the evening and led the guests through an hour-long program filled with montages Three’s Company the star’s career, family toasts and performances, videos of her singing and other family photos and memories.
Guests were “moved to tears by the touching tributes” throughout the night, and Hamel concluded with closing remarks.
“Alan was incredibly friendly and welcoming,” Somers’ publicist, R. Couri Hay, told PEOPLE about the event. “It was a wonderful and extremely authentic evening filled with personal memories, song and of course videos of Suzanne singing her heart out. in Vegas and talking to the audience. It was so touching and heartfelt.”
Hay continues, “Suzanne was definitely smiling at us with the stars coming out as the evening wore on after the sun had set behind the mountains…”
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A celebration of the life of Suzanne Somers.
R. Couri Hay
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A second memorial service will be held in Somers’ hometown of San Bruno, California, next week, and the family will release parts of the celebration later this month.
On Sunday, Oct. 15, Somers died after breast cancer spread throughout her body, PEOPLE confirmed. She was 76 years old and a day before her 77th birthday.
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A celebration of the life of Suzanne Somers.
R. Couri Hay
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“Suzanne Somers passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of October 15th. She survived an aggressive form of breast cancer for over 23 years,” Hay wrote in a statement he shared at the time on behalf of the actress’ family.
“Suzanne was surrounded by her loving husband Alan, son Bruce and her closest family,” the statement continued. “Her family gathered to celebrate her 77th birthday on October 16. Instead, they will celebrate her extraordinary life and want to thank her millions of fans and followers who loved her dearly.”
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Source: HIS Education