On the day that would have been Suzanne Somers’ 77th birthday, her family remembered the late matriarch with a celebration.
The official Instagram account for Suzanne Somers published a video loop of the Three’s Company actress’ family singing “Happy Birthday” one day after the actress passed away. The video was posted on Monday night.
Alan Hamel, who has been married to Somers for the last 46 years, and their son, Bruce Somers Jr., can be seen surrounded by members of their family as they sing the celebration song to the birthday cake that has been adorned.
“I want to express my gratitude for the outpouring of love and support for Suzanne. A significant number of you have inquired about the ways in which you may help provide for our family. The most reassuring thing you could do for us would be to tell us how Suzanne had an impact on each of your life,” the caption said. We would be very grateful if you would contribute your thoughts to the Tribute Book that we have created at SuzanneSomers.com. Thank you in advance for your participation. It is helpful for us to hear how her love has been passed down to each and every one of you.
Hamel, who is 87 years old, shared with PEOPLE in this week’s issue — which honors the life and impact of Suzanne Somers after her passing on Sunday at the age of 76 — that the Somers family honored the actress’s life on Monday.
“We really raised a glass, and last night there were about a dozen of us here, and we all raised a glass to Suzanne. I have no doubt that we will engage in some activity today. I have no doubt that we will engage in some activity today. “I have no idea what it will be, but there will be a lot of cake involved because Suzanne was absolutely obsessed with cake,” said Hamel.
In addition, he said that the actress had a passion for “all cakes,” with “red velvet [cake]” being her absolute favorite. Hamel divulged the information that “if she could get her hands on a red velvet cupcake, that would make her day.”
In addition, Hamel revealed to PEOPLE that he remembers “every moment” of their first meeting, which took place in 1969 on the set of The Anniversary Game.
“We were going to be shooting in a couple of hours and I had my crew around me and we’re talking about last-minute touch-ups,” said the spouse of Somers. “As I look over to the other side of the platform, I come face to face with the most stunning lady I have ever seen in my whole life. And at that moment, I realized that it was imperative for me to approach her and have a conversation.
“So I left the crew, and I started walking over and I’ve never been good with come-on lines at all,” said Hamel further.
He admits that at the time, he may have been a “little panicky” about approaching her, but he continued, “So I blurted out, ‘Would you mind getting me a cup of coffee?'” That really takes the cake, doesn’t it? She really did it. After she had gotten me a cup of coffee, there was an instant connection between us that was unlike anything I had ever experienced in my whole life.
“During the last 42 years, there has not been a single hour that we have spent apart. “And one of our sons describes our relationship as ‘functionally codependent,’ which, to be honest, is probably an accurate description,” he laughed. As soon as the couple realized they were meant to be together, they set about combining their families, bringing together Somers’ son Bruce Jr., who was the product of her first marriage, and Hamel’s two children, Stephen and Leslie, who were the products of his first marriage.
The day before Suzanne Somers would have celebrated her 77th birthday, her husband of 46 years, Hamel, presented his wife of 46 years with a poem for her birthday. The actress was able to read the poem before she passed away on Sunday, and she did it calmly in her sleep.
R. Couri Hay, Somers’ longtime publicist, told PEOPLE that Hamel “gave it to her a day early and she read the poem and went to bed and later passed peacefully in her sleep.” Hamel “gave it to her” a day early, according to Hay.
Her representative announced to People magazine that Somers had passed away. At some point in the early morning hours of October 15th, Suzanne Somers passed away in the comfort of her own home. Over the course of more than 23 years, she battled and defeated a particularly aggressive type of breast cancer,” Hay said in a statement to PEOPLE that was sent on behalf of the actress’ family.
“Suzanne was surrounded by her loving husband Alan, her son Bruce, and the rest of her immediate family,” the statement said. On October 16th, her family joined together to honor her 77th birthday and rejoice with her. Instead, they will have a celebration of her amazing life and want to express their gratitude to the many admirers and supporters who were devoted to her.
