Sue has had a variety of diverse careers beginning as a runway and photographers model. After graduation from the University of Akron, she worked as a registered nurse for the Public Health Department in Ohio. “That was the best job I ever had, a Civil Service job with all of the benefits. They furnished a car, clothes and expense allowance, that really was the best job for nurses back then”. Her next career found her as a speech- writer for politicians.
Sue Mason was happy to give up the ice storms of Ohio for the sunshine in Colorado. She can’t imagine going back to what they call “sunshine” in the Midwest. With a move to Denver, Sue returned to nursing and “ worked in all areas, from transplants to preemies”. She and her late husband began a development firm in Denver in the 80’s where she was the Controller. After his death, she decided to get her Real Estate license and worked for Caldwell Banker and Cherry Creek Realtors. Sue moved to Vail in 1990 with her husband Paul and since she lived in a tourist destination town, decided to go into Destination Management and Meeting Planning. She retired to devote time to her husband, their travels and charity work.
Sue can’t stop talking about the Vail Valley Medical Center Fashion Show that was recently held in Vail. It was a benefit for the state-of- the-art Shaw Cancer Center. Sue and her Co-Chair, Sally Clair, had worked non-stop on the event since December of 2001. As Sue tells it, “ This was the first time Neiman Marcus had come to Vail. We had a Silent Auction with 96 items, a fashion show that was drop dead fabulous, where they showed a variety of designers and styles. It was a first for Vail. Chef Dean Waziry from the Marriott did a splendid job on the luncheon and Event Manager, Chip Nelson, to quote Neiman's, ‘ was a dream to work with’. Afterwards, Neiman’s set up a boutique with clothes and accessories. The turnout was fabulous”.
Sue thinks girls should realize how lucky they are to live in today’s world. She remembers when single women couldn’t get any kind of credit on their own. “ I went with a girlfriend to rent a car. We brought all of the money (cash) in a suitcase but no rental company would rent to us because we didn’t have a credit card. We finally had to call all our boyfriends until we found someone to come down with a credit card”. How times have changed.
What’s important in your life? Friends. That I see sunshine, have love in my life and That every so often I do something meaningful.
What’s in your future? I want to travel more. My husband loves to ski, so we’ll continue to spend winters in Vail. I’ll also continue as the Advisor of Vail Valley Medical Center Volunteer Corps.
What are your volunteer activities? Corresponding Secretary for Volunteer Corp. Med Center and liaison for future events, Guest Services for Vail and volunteer at the Alpine Gardens.
Which social event is your favorite? Labor Day Jazz Party
Who is the most interesting celebrity you have ever met? The Shah of Iran and his wife. She was so outgoing and independent, so different than what I had thought. He was a gentleman and a lot of fun.
If your life were a movie, whom would you want to play your part? Rita Hayworth. I loved the way she moved, the way she danced and her vitality.
When you move, what will your home tell its next owner about you? I’ve had nice flowers.
What word describes you best? Loyal and good
How would you like others to describe you? Good friend and fun.
What was your first job? Modeling
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? I’m a packrat. I love to keep my stuff for 100 years.
What is the trait you most deplore in others? Backbiting, backstabbing and disloyalty.
What is your greatest indulgence? Clothes
What is the best gift you have ever given? I gave my folks season tickets to the theatre. They thought that was the greatest thing ever.
What or who is the greatest love in your life? Paul, my husband
What is your current state of mind? I’m tired from writing thank you notes and I’m looking forward to sitting in the sun.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? The last thing I did well.
What is your most treasured possession? That’s hard for me to say…wait, photographs and recipes, that’s what I would save if there were a fire.
What is the quality you most like in a man? I like a man who is sure of his manhood, knows how to laugh and I love blue eyes.
What is the quality you most like in a woman? Truth & loyalty
If you had the chance to come back in another lifetime, what would you be? A dancer or an opera singer. I like it (music) all, everything from opera to Rock and Roll. I’m not too hip on rap.
What are your hobbies? Gardening, ceramics- I took ceramic classes until we ran out of room…like the kids, I came home with my cups and bowls, dozens of them… Travel, reading and music.
What do you like about traveling? My husband and I travel alone. We like to get to know the people and we try to learn a little of the language of the country we’re visiting. I can speak and write a little Arabic, Turkish and Spanish.
Where would you like to travel to in the future? New Zeeland, Australia, Bali, South America.
What’s the funniest thing that’s happened to you? When I was in Nursing School, we had a patient that was absolutely huge and he was paralyzed from the waist down. There were three nurses and myself. We had on our white uniforms, little caps and white stockings, the uniform of that time, and we had to lift the patient up and put him back into his bed. Well, we told him we were going to lift him on the count of three and we did, but I was lifted right along with him and when we got him into bed, we were all in there with him.
Favorite books/writers? Kathy Reiches, she writes mysteries which include forensic pathology.
What is the best advice you have ever received? To deep breathe when I’m confronted with a bad situation. Don’t react at the spur of the moment.
Do you have a motto? Anything worth doing is worth doing well.
