Meet the Models: Georgia, Sophie & Amelia Lubrano
The Lubrano Family have been forces for good on behalf of Runway for Recovery for years. It is a testament to Jean Lubrano, matriarch and warrior, who passed away from breast cancer in 1998. Her daughters- Beth Dwyer, Kathryn Robinson, Jenny Clayton and Stacy Lamson- have rocked the Runway Show stage, been cheerleaders in the audience, and generous donors of auction packages over the years. Along with their brother Steve, Jean’s only son, the Lubrano Family count on Runway to be a forum to publicly honor their mother annually.
Jean’s passing in 1998 meant that the next generation of Lubrano’s, toddlers at the time, were unable to grow up with their ‘Grammy.’ However, Steve’s three daughters- Georgia, Sophie and Amelia- feel they know their grandmother quite well, despite her not being physically present. This is in part, thanks to their father, who kept daily diaries well into adulthood. These stories serve as precious gifts to the Lubrano sisters, who feel his writing allows them to better understand their grandmother and realize the true impact she had on their entire family. Their aunts too, ensure that the next generation is fully aware of Jean’s legacy. From storytelling to picture sharing, it has remained a priority to incorporate Jean’s life into the tight knit strands of the family dynamic and Sophie notes that growing up, the annual Runway Show served as a cornerstone moment to honor their Grammy. They feel honored to partake virtually this year and in person in 2021.
The sister’s excitement for Runway is palpable and all three note that it will be a chance to honor their father, as well. His vocal determination to mirror his mother’s methods of raising children meant that he always let Georgia, Sophie and Amelia know it is his priority to raise women who are both tough and loving, a careful combination his mother mastered so well. Taking the stage in Jean’s honor will no doubt also be a tribute to the women they have become thanks to their father’s influence.
Despite not being an in-person event this year, the sisters’ were inspired by the community’s response to the decision to pivot to virtual. All three note it is further proof why organizations like Runway are so important because of their ability to connect those who may be lonely or struggling to something bigger than themselves. For the Lubrano sisters, it gives them the opportunity to honor their grandmother twice. While the memory of Jean continues partly because she was a “force of life,” it is also a nod to the dedication, commitment and love that their aunts/extended family have shown to shouting her legacy from the rooftops. Jean’s death has been framed so positively and her legacy remains one of love and liveliness. Indeed, Georgia notes, “I am so proud of our extended family, especially our aunts and father, for making that really hard part of life into something we can hold onto and love.”
