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.
