In memory: Marion "Mike" Broadus

Marion "Mike" Broadus passed away last month in Lexington, Kentucky, her home of the past 40 years. She was 85 years young.
A memorial service was held at her home yesterday, Sunday, October 7.
Mike, as she was known to her friends, was a staunch activist on the issues of civil rights, education and peace. She welcomed many into her home and was quick to ascertain their political orientation and artistic inclinations.
At her memorial yesterday, one friend related the following story:
Mike had been staying at a convalescent home in Lexington after a stint in the hospital. One day the director dropped in for a visit. Mike questioned his views on healthcare rights. He skated around any firm position on the issue. Mike then asked him, non-chalantly, what he thought of our current President. The director replied that he thought the President was a brave man. Mike hesitated briefly, then responded: "You know every Republican I've ever met has fallen into one of three categories of people. They were either stupid, mean or stingy and quite often, all three."

Mike inspired many people to take an active role in politics. Many of us are grateful to have known her and are grieved by her loss.

Obituary:
Broadus, Marian Stewart (Mike) View/Sign Guest Book


BROADUS Marian (Mike) Stewart, 85, died Mon after a brief hospitalization at St. Joseph's, but a long period of declining health. Her body wore out, but her mind and more importantly her loving heart remained strong to the end. She was the widow of the late James M. Broadus Jr., a professor for many years at Transylvania. She is survived by two daughters, Judith Broadus of Lexington and Anne Gadarowski of Cynthiana; a son-in-law, Mike Gadarowski; Judith's partner, Vincent Dummer; a daughter-in-law, Victoria Broadus; seven grandchildren: Rowe Johnston, Tyler Johnston, Claire Johnston, Marianne Stock, Matthew Broadus, Tory Broadus and Joseph Broadus; a brother, Albert Stewart; and a sister, Katherine McCowan. A son, James, died in 1994. Her passing is also mourned by a wide and devoted circle of friends and caregivers, including Bob Morgan, Jimmy Gordon, Danny Racke, and the many other friends she made in more than 40 years in Lexington, where her house on Third Street provided a welcoming comfort zone for many who felt society wanted no part of them, or vice-versa. She had what she called a high AQ - Appreciation Quotient - for artists, musicians and anyone who thought creatively and independently, and she was a loyal friend of Kentucky artists Henry Faulkner and Edgar Tolson. She found expression for her own creativity through photography, moviemaking and sculpture. Mike was born in Tuscaloosa, Ala., and graduated from the University of Alabama. She moved with her family to Lexington in 1962. She and her husband were committed to justice, civil rights and education throughout their lives. During the 1970s when her husband served on the Fayette County School Board, she closely followed every meeting, and she was also a full partner in many of his classes at Transy. She cared deeply about issues related to children and was an ardent and vocal opponent of the Republican agenda and the current war. She eagerly awaited the day when a Democrat would return to the White House. Contributions may be made to the James M. Broadus Scholarship Fund at Transylvania, Hospice of the Bluegrass or a charity of one's choice. There will be a memorial service at a later date.
Published in the Lexington Herald-Leader on 9/12/2007.