Friends and acquaintances have paid tribute to Adelaide’s Stormy Summers after her death

Stormy in name and in nature, the famed madam of Adelaide’s infamous city boudoir is being remembered as a generous soul who was proud of what she achieved.

Stormy Summers in front of her portrait by student artist Lauren-Jade Ryan. Picture: Mark Brake

South Australia is paying tribute to the woman many consider Stormy by name and by nature.

Adelaide’s colourful and beloved Stormy Summers died on Sunday, aged 77 and just days shy of her 78th birthday.

Her death has sparked a flurry of tributes and fond memories of a woman many say had a heart of gold, a steely determination and a streak of loyalty that demanded respect.

“A colourful lady who inspired so many and fought vigorously for women’s rights,” Cindy said, mirroring many of the tributes posted as news sinks in.

Showgirl Vonni met Stormy in the mid-1970s when they were both working at Jeremiah’s strip club, a venue that would later inspire Stormy to open her own place.

Stormy’s death has sparked a flurry of tributes and fond memories of a woman many say had a heart of gold. Picture: Mark Brake

“She was a great performer and a great dancer,” Vonni recalled.

“Then I left Adelaide in 1978 and went to Sydney for 20 years, but when I came back to Adelaide and became the manager of Crazy Horse for 17 years, Stormy would pop in from time to time to say hello.”

Smoking regulations had come into effect by then, and Vonni recalled the moment she had to ask Stormy to butt out, earning a response Vonni maintained was unfit for publishing.

It was Vonni’s dress that Stormy borrowed for a portrait entered into the prestigious Archibald Prize – a frock fit for a six-foot frame that was pinned and fitted with pins at the back for Stormy’s slighter five-foot-four stature.

“She was a really straight shooter, had a heart of gold, and was a beautiful soul,” Vonni said.

“She would give you her last dollar; a really kind lady but if you crossed her, she would have it in for you.”

Stormy Summers ran for Lord Mayor of Adelaide. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Much has been – and will be – said about Stormy’s legacy and life, and it is one that the colourful identity would be humbled by.

“She was proud of what she wanted to do,” Vonni said of the infamous Stormy’s brothel.

“She should have written a book, it’s a shame.”

Independent MP Frank Pangallo described her as one of “Adelaide’s most notorious and colourful characters”.

“She could be villainous but at the same time, she actually was quite charming,” he told 7 News.

Stormy ran for Adelaide Lord Mayor in 2000, ultimately losing to Alfred Huang, but the aspiration to make change in the City of Churches is one that will continue to be her legacy.

“An amazing woman who cared about the industry she was involved in,” Irene Tsiros wrote.

“Show her respect and you would get it in return.

“Intelligent and articulate could have run this state.

“Farewell Stormy, keep your humour going.”