She was 24 years old and had a young daughter. She went to work on September 11, 2001, at Marsh & McLennan Cos. Inc. in the North Tower of the World Trade Center. She was killed that day as a victim of coordinated terrorist attacks against the United States.
I did not know Susan G. Santo, but I’ve been thinking of her almost constantly since I pledged to write a tribute to her as part of Project 2,996. I asked to be randomly assigned a name, and being a mother of young children myself, it was especially poignant to have the name of a young mother as my honoree. I’ve been able to find some information about her online, mere snippets of a full and rich life, but they begin to paint a picture of the woman whose life was taken that day.
In words from those who knew her, she is remembered for her goofiness, humor, strength, determination, and her devotion to her daughter. To some she was Sue, Susie, Susan. To online friends she was “mbossy” and her daughter “lil bossy.” She was a fan of the Mets (and especially Mike Piazza), Junior’s Cheesecake and the musical group Barenaked Ladies. I remember and mourn today for Susan, this woman I did not know, for the stolen life, the lost potential, the tragically premature separation of mother and child.
One friend, who chatted with Susan online, wrote in a tribute:
“I remember one of our last ‘talks’ together, how you told me you were worried your daughter would end up like you, without a mom. I told you not to think like that, you were young and had years with her.”
I pray for her daughter, father, brother, family and friends, that they might find comfort in their memories of Susan, and from each other in their common grief. It’s an honor to have this chance to commemorate her today. May we always remember Susan and the other victims who were murdered so horrifically that day.
nigelmoose 
Patty, this is a wonderful tribute! You have inspired me to post a tribute to someone as well. I have requested a name and hope to be able to honor that person as eloquently as you honored Susan.
Comment by Eva McGann — September 11, 2009 @ 1:47 pm |
Thanks, Eva. My words are inadequate in the face of what was lost that day, but we need to remember and celebrate the lives that were so senselessly taken.
Comment by nigelmoose — September 11, 2009 @ 1:58 pm |
After eight years, I still can’t find the words. Thanks for yours, Patty. Many blessings to Susan’s family, especially her daughter, and to the many lost souls and their families on this tragic day. May we all find peace.
Comment by Regina — September 11, 2009 @ 3:07 pm |
Thank you for the beautiful tribute and bringing us Susan’s story. How heartbreaking that she didn’t want her daughter to end up like her, without a Mom. This reminds us of how much we lost on 9/11. Today I honor two first responders, Sgt. John Coughlin, NYPD and Lt. Edward D’Atri, FDNY.
Comment by One Ticked Chick — September 11, 2009 @ 7:04 pm |
I did know Sue for YEARS! You captured her to a T! Thank you so much. She is unforgettable. Thank you thank you thank you!
Comment by rose papandrea — December 2, 2009 @ 5:02 pm |
Rose, thank you for your kind words. Obviously, I did not know Susan in real life, so I am glad to hear I got it right. She sounds like a wonderful person–I wish I had had the chance to know her.
Comment by nigelmoose — December 2, 2009 @ 7:00 pm |
She was light personified. I miss her to this day.
Comment by Anonymous — June 18, 2014 @ 3:08 am |
As a relative of Susan, thank you for this.
Comment by Anonymous — September 10, 2010 @ 11:21 am |
For days she has been on my mind I did not know her but years ago when my daughter was in grade school and they gave her a name of a victim of 9/11 I found out about her and her father was gracious enough to send us a picture and she has been apart of my life ever since I want her family to know she touched the lives of people from all around the world and she will never be forgotten thinking of her daughter and family God Bless you today and always
Comment by Sandra — September 18, 2010 @ 2:21 pm |
While I did not personally know Susan, I was one of her “chat buddies”. Your message touched my heart, made me laugh and cry at the same time. Today is a difficult day for so many, including myself. I think of Sue often and miss her spunk. She was like a little sister to me. She was online and in “chat’ that fateful day….those who had their “ears” on heard her say “What the ****?!” I do not understand why I was affected so strongly and deeply by the attacks or by Sue’s death; especially since I never physically met her. Maybe it was because our daughters were the same age or maybe because we both thought Mike Piazza was totally hot. Maybe it was just because as single parents we found a comradery in a chat room with other single parents which was our support group. The chat room was a place for us to relate with others like us, make friends around the world, from all walks of life and all ages. We could get advice at any time, we could laugh together, cry together, celebrate or mourn together.
Comment by MiChelle Reese — September 11, 2011 @ 2:26 am |
So very true, Michelle. There was something about that time, about our group, that I don’t think can be found online these days. “Bossy” made me laugh more times than not. We interacted as long lost friends, though it was only through group chat & private chats that we had grown to know one another. There was a raw honesty, & vulnerability about sharing our hopes & dreams, our disappointments & challenges, whilst we found a way to laugh our way through it all. I can scarcely imagine the void she left in her family’s lives. I pray for them often.
Thank you for posting this tribute & for your efforts to get to know our “Bossy” so that you could share her with the world. Blessings to you.
Wendy better known as “Halfie”
Comment by Wendy — September 11, 2012 @ 2:02 pm |
I think of her and her FAMILY so often my HEART just aches
Comment by Sandra San Miguel Stacey — September 11, 2011 @ 11:03 pm |
I knew Susan and found out she was in one of the towers a year after. Thank you for your kind words she was truly an amazing woman, mother, daughter and friend. Thank you again.
Comment by Olga Ramos — September 11, 2012 @ 11:11 am |
As The Anniversary of 911 approaches i was reading tributes on line and Saw your tribute to Susan, I knew Susan, we went to High school together, What a Sweet Girl she was!! So tragic What happened, She was a Beautiful person, we had a few classes together and i always remember her warm spirit , how smart she was and caring.Im so sad for her, her fam and friends and every yr i light a candle for the wonderful girl i knew. God Bless Susan and her Loved Ones…….
Comment by Tricia Gillespie — September 10, 2013 @ 10:39 pm |
So many years later your words ring true. I met Sue online, and her and I got to meet once, she visited Florida with her daughter Chrissy and I drove up to where she was vacationing. She was a true friend, her and I at the very least chatted online every single day. Meeting her I knew we would be life long friends. It was a little less than a week later that her life was taken from us all. Thank you for honoring her. God Bless
Comment by Allison — September 11, 2017 @ 7:34 pm |
[…] Owner Aptitude Level: Northern breed experience required Named for 9/11 Victim: I was named for Susan G. Santo. History: Running at large, I landed in a rural Virginia county shelter. The shelter knew who my […]
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