When several grannies were standing outside together, I asked the group… so Who do you think was the first Granny Groupie? Four people who had been around as long as I all said in unison “It was David Cheney.” We had never discussed this, but it was amazing that we all said it with one breath.

Nan Cheney was the one who introduced me to the grannies in 2007. One could not fail to notice that where Nan was singing, David was not far behind. He parked the car, carried the bags, and generally made life easier for Nan and for many of us. He hardly ever missed a gig and seemed to always be in the right place when he was needed. When Nan suddenly fell ill, it was David who comforted the grannies and kept us informed. It was David who made the Grannies part of the annual celebration of their foundation which lives on to this day. Though now, David is gone. We will remember him as our first Granny Groupie.

But, the well-established award of Granny Groupie lives on with other candidates who have been granted this status and the Wearing of the Button.

- Raging Granny Suzy Bickley

Bob Park

Greg Lofgren

I would not be able to devote the time and energy I want without the support and love of my partner Greg. He helps me navigate where new gigs are, literally finding parking as close as available. When he is able he will drive and pick me up. That’s the least that he contributes. Greg takes over critter care Saturday mornings for Farmers Market and dinner feeding when I have meetings or other gigs. Having two birds, a puppy and a 20+ pound tortoise, that is not a small job. He also keeps our Granddaughter cared for and entertained on those mornings. Emotionally he is there for me and will listen to my concerns and my singing when needed. He loves spending time with the Grannies and their partners when he is able. I simply couldn’t be the Granny I am without his support. I love and honor him.

Deborah Lofgren

Fred Arnold

From the moment I joined the grannies in 2008, my husband Fred was a fan and thoroughly enjoyed granny events when his busy schedule allowed. He had always been a strong, vocal social justice and public education advocate in whatever role he played in the Madison community.

In 2015 Fred was diagnosed with Stage IV prostate cancer. From his diagnosis until he died in 2018, he supported me tenaciously and authentically as I cared for him.

One event stands out for me. In May 2017 the Raging Grannies launched their Listen to Your Grandmothers book and audio disc in the Madison Public Library. The event was well-attended and glorious. At times Fred struggled with public appearances because at that point he had biliary duct and gallbladder tubes protruding from his belly. We found a khaki blazer to cover these tubes; he really wanted to be at the book launch to support me. The photos let any observer know Fred was thrilled to be with the grannies and audience assembled that afternoon. We thanked all our granny groupies for their love and support.

When Fred died in March 2018 Sheila Plotkin wrote a final verse about Fred to the lyrics she had written for her song Lincoln’s Legacy, to the tune of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah. The Raging Grannies sang this song during the reception after Fred’s memorial service. The audience loved it. Fred loved it. He allowed me to thrive during a challenging time for both of us. I will be forever grateful.

Barbara Arnold

Mike Bertrand

Mike and I met in 2018. We were both widowed and each hoping to find someone to share our interests. He passed the initial interview by volunteering : “What? You’re a Raging Granny? I love the Raging Grannies.” The Grannies seldom perform without Mike in the audience, or

reading his book in the shade. As driving becomes an issue for some of us, Mike is the designated drive and drop off guy. You want to sing for a University class and there is no parking for miles around? Mike is your guy. It is amazing when you are a political junkie to find someone to share that passion. Anything that furthers the cause, Mike is there.

Suzy Bickley

Bob Block with Bonnie Block

Mike, John Lillethun, and Bob Block

Boris Matthews

From the moment Marjorie Matthews joined the Raging Grannies in 2011, her husband Boris was in her court all the way. He realized immediately how important these women were to her. She loved the music concept of creating satire by using familiar tunes to write words that addressed issues the grannies championed. When we would have gigs outside of Madison Boris always helped her schlepp her guitar, banners, and other paraphernalia.

Another way he was incredibly supportive was doing kitchen duty when we had annual gatherings/retreats for day-long song and conversation fests. He enjoyed playing this role. Both Marjorie and Boris were active members of First United Methodist Church, where many of our gatherings took place.

Boris supported Marjorie completely when she wanted to go to national conventions of Raging Grannies, called Un-Cons.

At Marjorie’s last gig with the grannies on October 1, 2023, Boris brought his wife to the event. It was that day that Marjorie decided that, when she died, she would like to have a green burial there on the Farley property. During the week that followed, Boris and Marjorie returned to the Farley property and arranged for both to be buried there; neither one of them realized how fortuitous the timing of this decision was.

Marjorie died unexpectedly on Saturday, October 7, 2023. Boris called me right away to share this news and ask that the grannies participate in her memorial service and that I say a few words about Marjorie before we sang. We were honored to do this. Boris was a thoughtful, kind husband who honored Marjorie’s feistiness, compassion, and creative skills. A granny groupie extraordinaire, Boris shared Marjorie’s and the grannies’ social justice focus.

With respect and affection always,

Granny Barbara Arnold

Patrick Sajbel

My Granny Groupie, Patrick, is an agreeable sort of fellow, always curious about life, new experiences and people. He says that I was his "groupie" for many years while I stayed home and raised our 3 children and he worked. So now, he's ok with being my groupie for a bit. When he drives me places, he's always happy to pick up another granny. He's contorted his body into strange shapes to get decent pictures of all of us singing at the Farmers Market. And he always helps me schlepp my stuff.

Ricki Sajbel

Gene Kain with Evelyn Kain

Greg Mickells

Granny Groupie Greg Mickells has been a dedicated fan of the Raging Grannies since his wife, Bev Mazur, joined the group in 2016. As the Madison Public Library Director, he secured the Central Library community space for the book debut of Listen to Your Grandmothers. He has been a faithful photographer of the Grannies —whether it was at sad memorials, the throes of protest, or at all manner of happy events. The Raging Grannies have been grateful for his support in their passion for peace and social justice.

Bev Mazur