Bram, Babette "Babs"

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92, of Phoenix, Arizona passed away on February 7, 2017. Babette Bram went quietly to sleep in her home in Phoenix, Arizona, 7 February, 2017 at the age of 92. It was a peaceful finale for the dynamic, vivacious, fiercely intelligent force of nature that everyone knew as Babs. Her friends and colleagues, whether in the theatre or in real estate, all agreed that she was an unforgettable character. Babette Flora Blum Bram was born 18 January 1925 in New York City, daughter of Solomon Blum and Frances Jacobs Blum. Babs grew up in New York City and Forest Hills, Queens. Her life-long love of music, theater and voice took her to the University of Michigan to major in the Dramatic Arts, graduating with the Class of 1945. After university, she soon relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, where in 1948 Babs met the love of her life, Robert H. Bram. They were married the following summer in 1949. Bob and Babs remained utterly devoted to each other for 60 years. Their early years together were marked by a lot of moves necessitated by Bob’s career as a manufacturer’s representative in the clothing industry. Along the way, their sons Richard and Robert came along in 1952 and 1956. Their eight years in Salt Lake City in the 1960s instilled in Babs an abiding love of the great outdoors of the Mountain West. Every summer she would pack up the boys and head off on a journey to see the wonders of nature in the National Parks, especially Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. While her favorite athletic activity was swimming, she was proud of having learned to ski at the age of 37 so she could keep up with her boys. While in Salt Lake City, Babs began to develop her theatre career, performing on stages both amateur and professional. She also became active in the American Association of University Women chapter there and later in Phoenix. After their final relocation to Phoenix in 1969, her professional acting career blossomed. She became well known as a commercial and character actress, performing on stage, television and ultimately on the big screen. Babs was a proud member of the Actors Equity, the Screen Actors Guild, and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. Babs appeared in made-for-TV movies as well as several episodes of the TV series "Little House on the Prairie" and "Father Murphy." At the age of 68 she had her first big screen role in the thriller "Red Rock West" with Nicolas Cage and Dennis Hopper. Babs embarked upon a second career in residential real estate in 1979, joining Russ Lyon Realty in 1984 where she remained for over 20 years. There she earned the love, admiration, and respect of her colleagues by her thorough knowledge of the ins and outs of the business. She was a member of Russ Lyon Realty’s President’s Club, MillionDollar Roundtable, and the Scottsdale Association of Realtors. In their later years Babs and Bob discovered cruising and traveled extensively from Alaska to Antarctica, the Caribbean to the Mediterranean. Their happiest moments were at sea, exploring the world from the ships they sailed upon. Even after Bob’s passing in early 2009, she continued to take cruises as long as she was able. Babs was proud of her family and would often say that she "managed to raise two fine sons who married two fine women," Richard Bram, photographer, of London, England and wife Monika; and Robert Bram, landman in the oil and gas industry, of Littleton, Colorado and wife Laura. Memorial donations may be made to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation http://sagaftra.foundation/ # , the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America https://www.alzfdn.org/Contribut etoAFA/makeadonation.html , or the Tanenbaum Center for Inter-religious Understanding, https://tanenbaum.org/donate/ Strawberry, Arizona. In 2005 Marie moved to Grand Junction to be near her brother, Lawrence Indergard, and his family. Her happiest years were the last twelve spent here. She became a member of the First Congregational UCC Church, where she sang in the choir and served with the Shepherds. She believe in exercising, so she made many friends at the Wellness Center. Always cheerful and enthusiastic, she will be sadly missed by family and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, and her brother, Lawrence. She is survived by numerous cousins, nephews, and a niece. Memorial funds may be made to HopeWest, 3090B N. 12th Street, Grand Junction, CO 81506. Passed away peacefully in her sleep at age 94, on February 11, 2017. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother and wonderful friend. Born on December 10, 1922 in Wynnewood, OK, the Carmichaels moved to Scottsdale, AZ during the 1930s Dustbowl. Juanita graduated from Scottsdale High School in 1941. She lived in Casa Grande, AZ for 15 years then moved to Phoenix in 1970. As Manager of Learning Services, Operations & Employee Development, she enjoyed a long career with U S West Telephone Co. With determination, starting at 50 years of age and taking one class per semester at night, she graduated from Arizona State University in 1994 at the age of 72 with a B.S. degree in Management. Her family cheered the loudest of all. Juanita was a member of First Baptist Church of Scottsdale, serving as their Personnel Chair for many years. She spent the last 8 years enjoying an active lifestyle and forming great friendships at The Terraces in Phoenix. World travel, helping others and an avid fan of the Golden State Warriors were some of her hobbies. Preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, William L. Crouch. Survived by her four children, William M. (Lisa) of Clovis, CA, Denise DiPaolo (Attilio) of Albuquerque, NM, Tobi Faile (John) of Bay Village, OH and Merrilyn Crouch of Los Angeles, CA. She had 8 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Arrangements were handled by Messinger Mortuary in Scottsdale. A private graveside service will be held on Saturday, April 15, with a Celebration of Life Memorial Service at 2:00 pm, open to all, at The Terraces. 7550 N. 16th St. and Morten, Phoenix 85020. Donations can be made to The Terraces Foundation, 7550 N. 16th St., Phoenix AZ. 85020, Attention: Brenda Burks.