Susie Henry, a shining beacon for individuality and a character for 36 years at Leo Burnett Sydney, has died.
She joined Leo Burnett in 1985 and was personal assistant to the CEO, the chairman and the CFO, before taking on front of house for the past 12 years.
"Today we lost the most beautiful human," the agency said in a Facebook post.
"Our hearts are broken. We're forever grateful for our Susie. She taught us so much and we continue to aspire to live more like her.
"When we can all get together again, we look forward to celebrating Susie with THE BEST Leo Burnett party ever ... she would have expected nothing less."
Tributes flowed:
Justin Graham: Such an outpouring of love for Susie. What a beautiful human. So special to so many people. There may never be another. God bless."
Glenys Carey: "So deeply saddened to hear one of the best ladies ever in advertising has left us. Susie, you were, and will always be, such an inspiration to me. There was Mad Men and you my friend, could have, and should have, written the book on Mad Women just liked we talked about. Rest In Peace beautiful Lady."
Jodi McLeod: "Saddest news. susie can’t wait to party for you with lots of colour, gin and half naked men just as you would have liked us too x susie brightened my day for 8 years at leo’s - every single day x"
Laura Sanders: "I remember walking in to Leo's for my first interview there and deciding I absolutely wanted to work there if this was the kind of people I'd be working with. What a hoot she was. Rest in peace Susie."
Last year her friends at Leo Burnett created a short film, Don’t Be Ridiculous, to celebrate her unique story.
In the video, she says: "I love clothes. I love boys ... did i mention I love working?"
Melinda Geertz, then CEO of Leo Burnett Australia, said at that time: “I’ve known Susie since the day I arrived in Australia, and she’s truly one-of-a-kind. Susie is passionate, insightful, loyal, kind and wildly creative – she’s synonymous with Leo Burnett.
Former CEO Todd Sampson: "She is one of the most beautiful souls I have ever met."
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