[NOTE:  Susie Krey didn't ask me to post this, but she did ask me "How do I become a blogger on the classmate web page and post stories?."   So after receiveing her story in an email from Steve Barlow, I decided to post it for her in the Class of '63 Forum.  Susie...do you remember when you used to ask me about school homework?   <wink>   Uncle John D.]

To: The classmates of Clearfield High class of ‘63

From: Susan Krey Millward

RE: Tanya Stucki 1945-2012                                                   

Vogue 1962

                                                                            Tanya Stucki and Me!

We never really know if or how we may influence someone’s life. In some respects this is regrettable for if we could somehow determine the impact of our words and actions towards others, we could possibly rectify any negative effects or perhaps even feel glad we somehow were able to do or say something to help a person along life’s path.

 I really do not know if my little gesture in 1962 started Tanya Stucki on a journey of drama and glamour lasting her a life time or if she was potentially destined to utilize her God given gifts and find a fulfilling, exciting modeling career on her own? I have occasionally reflected on this question.

This is my story:

During 1962, I was a student attending Clearfield High School. I was 16 years old and in the 10^th grade. For several years I attended the same school and shared the same grade as Tanya Stucki. I can remember her now in the halls of our school, holding her head high and walking with such beautiful posture. As she walked she would toss her head and her straight, short hair would swish with each stride.  Even though at times, in silly fun, I would hear murmurings of some students, mostly boys, mimicking or teasing concerning Tanya’s thin appearance and quiet demeanor. I remember I admired her. Yes, it was true; she was skinny, aloof, and seemingly plain, however I could see her potential. She possessed many qualities I wished, at the time, were mine.

 Just like a lot of kids in their adolescence, I felt I did not fit in. I might have been similar or different from others, who knows, but I knew back then, there were some popular aspects of teenage life I did not want to fit into. I was always, from a small child, domestic, feminine, artistic and fussy about my appearance. At 3 years old, I cared intensely for my baby doll and I would not allow my mother to ever dress me in long pants. I insisted on the constant carrying of my baby and wearing dresses only. I can remember playing outside with friends and not wanting to ever get in the dirt or get dirty. As I grew older, I loved to draw, I loved to sew, I loved to cook and clean, I refused to wear bobby socks, penny loafers and ski parkas and as all of you who knew me then, know I avoided any type of schoolwork. I have never owned (and still don’t) a pair of denim pants, sweats, tee-shirts and, of course, high heels with nylons are still a must. As far back as I can remember my mother worked full time. I would bargain with her, if she would let me stay home from school, I would clean the house, do the wash, iron, fix dinner and care for my little sister. Needless to say by the examination of my grade point and attendance record, this arrangement occurred quite often. These are the life style dimensions forming my future life of becoming a wife and mother as we each have our own experiences influencing our futures.  

 During my adolescents I was extremely interested in high fashion. I had my own subscription to Vogue and Bazaar Magazines and each month when a new magazine would arrive I had my nose glued to the pages. I loved the clothes, the make-up, the advertisements. I loved the shoes, the jewelry, the hair styles, and of course the beautiful models. This obsession of mine is how Tanya and I merged in a moment of discovery and destiny.

There was a top professional model in the early 60’s whose picture was displayed numerous times in all the fashion magazines. I do not know her name, but she was beautiful. She was skinny, she had long legs and arms and her neck was 12 inches long. She had high cheek bones and beautiful eyes. It is a known fact, in the fashion industry, top models are very intelligent as it is a cut throat business and taking care of yourself is necessary for success. This is why, taking all of these qualities into account, every time I looked at this model’s picture I saw Tanya Stucki. These qualities were the exact opposite of me, and the perfect description of Tanya.  I greatly admired these qualities and this is why I admired Tanya. These qualities were hers.

One day, because it was driving me crazy, I cut up different pages of all my magazines capturing the images of this model. I carefully and artistically glued them all in a notebook. I carried this book to school and one day in the hallway I presented it to Tanya. I told her the pictures were her. She looked exactly like this model. I wish now I had a picture of the look on her face. I can still remember her expression. She stared intensely at the beautiful images in the book. Then I noticed an interesting look of awe fill her face. All of a sudden she was smiling. Her reaction was short as she swiftly closed the book, looked up at me and said, “Thanks” then quickly walked away. It was fun for me. I wanted her to know of her beauty and potential. There was never anything ever said between us again.

After reading several years ago of Tanya’s success as a professional model it made me smile. Maybe I had influenced her in this direction. Who will ever know? They say there are no coincidences in life. Maybe this is one rare occasion where a person can actually glean the joyous emotion when a well-intended deed influences another’s life for the good.  

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Note from John D:     Susie - You probably didn't know Tanya Stucki's older brother, Mishell Stucki.  In my eyes, Mishell Stucki was larger than life.  Mishell embodied the look, demeanor, and intellect of those revered screen stars of the movies we watched in the Admiral Theatre for the 15 cent cost of tickets (if that is possible for a 15 or 16 year old young man).  Anything Mishell Stucki was involved in was high adventure and a large cut above the rest of us in our lives.  Just his name alone was something to be admired!  So, as I attended grade school, jr. high, and CHS with the exceptionally capable and as you point out...beautiful Tanya, she was undeservably stuck with being merely the wonderful Mishell's baby sister in my mind.  Point is...when you ponder how someone like classmate Tanya aspires and accomplishes what she did and becomes who she was; wondering what influences came into play; perhaps it had to do, in part, with the Susie Krey's and Mishell Stucki's who she grew up around.  I enjoyed your story!