Día de Los Muertos

 

PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

 

 

 

One of my fondest memories of Día de Los Muertos is of a celebration I attended when I lived in Arizona in the early nineties. My maternal grandmother, Ila Ray Brewer Mead had recently died from cancer, and I had just graduated high school. She was only 57 and had played a leading role in my upbringing. My parents divorced that same year. Needless to say, it was a fast transition into adulthood for me. At 17, I had already secured my first apartment and was gainfully employed by American Express, who were also paying my tuition at Arizona State University. 

 

I was invited to a massive bonfire party in the middle of a palm tree farm outside of Tucson. At the vigil, I honored my grandmother, as well as my paternal grandparents who had both died early in my childhood. I celebrated them with friends amidst the palm trees under a clear starry sky.  I will never forget what a powerful experience it was. 

 

This annual event at the San Francisco Symphony and the subsequent parade in the Mission is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our ancestors and cherished friends.

 

This year, I will honor three of my dearest friends who all died suddenly in 2022. Curtis Carey, my friend and colleague at Ralph Lauren was responsible for my move from Phoenix to Los Angeles. My mentor, Erika Brunson, who was responsible for my incredible experiences in Cairo decorating for the Saudi royal family. We developed a lifelong bond working together, and have remained friends for the last three decades. Finally, Kathryn Ryder, my cousin, who passed away in San Miguel de Allende.