In Memoriam: G Warren

G. Warren, MCA-I Chuck Webb Award Recipient in 2003, passed away unexpectedly on February 7, 2006 at the age of 59.

For the past nine years, Mary G. Buser Warren, of Harahan, LA, was employed as an adjunct professor at the University of Phoenix, Louisiana Campus, where she taught a variety of courses, including business communications, literature, and critical thinking. She was previously employed by Lockheed Martin Michoud Space Systems where she worked for more than 10 years as Administrator of Facilities Requirements, Acting Chief of Site Services and Supervisor of Video Services and Publication Services.

Ms. Warren was born August 21, 1946 in Salina, Kansas. She graduated from Marymount College in Salina in 1968 with degrees in English, Speech and Dramatic Arts. She was one of the first women accepted into the master's program in Communications at Syracuse University, and received that degree in 1969.

Ms. Warren was an active member of the New Orleans chapter of MCA-I, served as a regional vice president for the association and served on the national board. Ms. Warren also served two terms as the ITVA national board secretary. She was also a member of the American Association of University Women and the American Society for Training and Development.

Ms. Warren is survived by her brother, Michael B. Buser and his wife, Holly, of Overland Park, KS. She was preceded in death by both of her parents, and her beloved husband, Robert A. Warren, who passed away in 2002.

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In October I took G home. She had been blown out of New Orleans by Katrina and landed with Dan and I in Tennessee. After several weeks in a guest room shared with her two "girls" Peaches and Libby, she was ready to face whatever awaited her in Jefferson Parrish. She was thrilled when we pulled up in front of her house and all was well. The girls raced around inside with G close behind. She loved being home, she loved New Orleans, she had missed her friends.

I stayed for a few days to help her clean up some of the mess Katrina left behind and on the morning I was to fly out we had a wonderful talk. . just conversation between friends. I loved her like family. Many people did. We talked about facing death as many had during Katrina and she asked me to do her a favor. . . I had to PROMISE to do her this favor. She asked me, ". . .if anything should happen to me, please tell my friends how much they've meant to me over the years. Tell them how much I loved them."

I thought it was Katrina shock talking and I told her she would have plenty of time to tell them herself.

She had so many friends and she cherished each of us. I've heard so many loving thoughts about her from those who knew her. Most speak first of her genteel charm and her Southern ways. We've all been reminded of G when we "point" out our directions or throw too many "uhhhhs" into our conversation. She was witty and she was a writer. . .a wonderful combination to her friends lucky enough to receive notes or e-mail from her.

There has been a flurry of e-mail going around about G. . .

"I found her to be lovely, charming, gracious and funny. . ."

"Every time I went to a conference I always knew the world was normal once I saw G. with her funny cigarettes. And as has already been stated she was definitely the 'Lady' of our meetings. I always awaited her opinion at our meetings, cause you just knew she had one."

"Simply put, I love G Warren. She was unique. She raised the integrity of a room just by entering. I loved her insistence on proper manners -- When she entered everyone sat up straight (no slouching!) put their napkins on their laps and took their elbows off of the table. And, don't even THINK of pointing while G was in the room!"

"Her Southern graces, greeblies, and, of course that smile!"

"Yes she was the mannered southern lady BUT I loved it when something came out of her mouth that you never expected. She could be so funny, off color and just surprise you sometimes."

Everyone who knew her has a G story, and everyone who met her remembered her. Those who loved her will never forget her. . . .tap, tap, touch the pearls, wave.
Bye for now, G. . . I told them.

Wow, how do I describe my friend G? She was so much. She was formidable and, yet, so nuanced and unpretentious. You never asked what G stood for. That was off limits - and to this day I do not know.

G was the most playful and engaging person I know. She brought a “King Cake” to our leadership conference in St. Louis in January 2003 (home of the second largest Mardi Gras). It was the centerpiece of the President’s reception here.

She was the voice that stopped the room. When she spoke, people listened. She was the one I always ran everything past before I presented it. Her wisdom was undeniable. When she said I was wrong (and she did more than once, I re-examined everything and don't remember a time she was wrong). When she said I was right, I shot ahead “damn the torpedoes,” knowing that G would step in and say she agreed. The argument always ended when G spoke.

I respected her like few others in my life and I will always consider her among my best and most knowledgeable advisors.

She was available in a second and always helpful. She gave of herself always. And, ultimately, she loved the MCA-I. She was a true Lady in every way.