Susan J. Brayman, a long-time credit union leader and pioneer who became the industry's first woman vice president of a state league, passed away on March 23, according to the Mountain West Credit Union Association.

She was 82.

Brayman launched her credit union career with the Colorado Credit Union League in 1973 and rose through the ranks to executive vice president, holding the distinction of becoming the first woman vice president of a state league in the country, MWCUA said.

Under her leadership, Brayman directed the growth of the Service Corporation to a $14 million organization that was nationally known for its business excellence.  The former executive also lent her expertise at the national level leading several committees and initiatives for the American Association of Credit Union Leagues and CUNA.

“Sue always stayed focused on what was best for credit unions and their members, Scott Earl, president/CEO of MWCUA said. “She was a friend and mentor and will be greatly missed.”

Brayman also spearheaded the creation of the Colorado Credit Union Foundation, the forerunner of today's Mountain West Credit Union Foundation.

“She saw a need and worked to make the foundation a reality,” Earl said. “Her heart was always focused on helping people.”

After retiring from the Colorado league in 1999, Brayman stayed involved as a board member of the $4 billion Bellco Credit Union in Greenwood Village, Colo., and she served as a consultant for various projects.

She is the namesake of the MWCUA foundation's Brayman-Beach scholarship, a $5,000 award given annually to a student who is a member of a Colorado-based credit union seeking a business degree from a four-year accredited institution.

A funeral mass will be held April 4 at 2 p.m. in the Shrine of St. Anne Catholic Church, 7555 Grant Place, Arvada, Colo., according to Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services of Colorado. On April 3, a rosary will be recited for Brayman at 7 p.m. at the church.