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Susan M. Getzendanner
Susan M. Getzendanner
Obituary
Guest Book
Susan Getzendanner Obituary
One does not often encounter a practical business person who is a spiritual seeker, but this was Susan M. Getzendanner. She was a vice president at Fiduciary Trust, but she also trekked all over the world, including the Himalayas, and was a serious student of Buddhism.
"I think it was the all-inclusiveness of it and the spirituality of Buddhism," said Fiona Fein, a longtime friend. "She had meetings with various Buddhist sages whom she found to be enormously spiritually powerful people. They were interested in something she wanted."
Ms. Getzendanner, 58, had a great grin, and silver-gray hair that she never dyed. She lived on the Upper East Side and worked behind the scenes for the Blue Hill Troupe, an amateur group of Gilbert and Sullivan players. On weekends, she went to her cottage at the foot of Mount Riga in Connecticut, which, like her apartment, was filled with handicrafts and art from her travels. Her brother Tom Getzendanner lamented the fact that a woman who spent her life traveling foreign lands and trusting others was killed in an act of international terrorism.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Richard Becker
September 12, 2024
I didn't know Susan, but we had a mutual friend, Tom, and I remember Tom telling me that she called him and his wife Kathy early that morning (they lived in Washington State) to say that she was safe: the plane hit the other tower
martha lingen
September 13, 2021
Big sister, Sue! Missing you. I went blueberry picking on 9/11 this year thinking of us strawberry picking way back when. Can you come back to us, please.
Jo
September 12, 2021
I´m still remembering fondly of Susan, on each 9/11 and randomly in between each anniversary. She´s always smiling.
With prayers for your soul,
Jo
Peggy Crane Wingstedt
September 11, 2021
I´ll always remember "Getz" as being fun, talented, creative, sportive and a good friend for several years, Bless you, dear Sue.
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Rosemary Cina Manley
September 13, 2020
Listening to a rebroadcast of the 9/11 Saying of the Names. They are on the E’s right now. Waiting for my college classmate’s name. May your soul continue to Rest In Peace, dear Susan Getzendanner. I can still see your face and smile clearly in my mind, Getz! You are always remembered and spoken fondly of at our class reunions.
Jean Li
September 11, 2018
Dear Susan, This is the first time I write you a note, although your smiles and your signature in my office baby shower card have been with me all those years. When first working in FTI, I didn't know even basic terms of the business , you'd always been there to teach & to share generously, professionally and graciously. You were that to all other colleagues old and young. We all respected you, and wished we had more time to know more about you. RIP.
Joey Abate
September 28, 2016
Recently visited the memorial for the first time, after wanting to for such a long time. Susan's name was the first that I saw upon visiting the memorial and so I wanted to pay respects especially to her, as a stranger and as an extra prayer.
God bless to her friends and family.
September 11, 2016
Today I think again, as I often do, our friend and buddy, Susan Getzendanner. I'm hoping the tree planted in her memory is thriving. I am grateful to have spent so many days, and nights working and playing with her. She remains forever young.
Jo
K.J. McIntyre
May 15, 2014
Today the 9/11 museum opens and I think anout Susan. I knew Susan from the Blue Hill Troupe and, for a time, was her next door neighbor on the East side. When 9/11 happened, I no longer worked on the 106th floor of the South tower; by then I lived & worked in the Hudson Valley. I mourned many I knew who worked in the Towers. But I did not know that Susan then worked at World Trade. I did not know that Susan died that horrific day until the fifth anniversary as I watched the scrolling names of victims. I cried for her that day. I cried again today as I remember her laugh, her warmth, and so many memories of time spent together.
Jean Wieler
September 11, 2011
Hail the poetry of your sterling spirit, Susan, which lives on. When I look in the mirror at my growing gray hair, I think of yours and its natural beauty. You are missed and you are well remembered.
September 11, 2011
Susan Getzendanner was from Shaker Heights, Ohio. Her parents were very good friends with my family the William Warner family from Shaker Heights, Ohio.
She was my old babysitter and friend of my mother.
September 11, 2011
I remember so well the time we lived together in NYC right after college in 1965..now, decades later, and on this special day, I am remembering you anew.
Jean Beard
Adele Cobham
September 11, 2011
Resquiescat in pace.
Aileen
September 11, 2011
Hail Poetry, Susan, from a fellow Trouper.
Jacques
September 7, 2011
Remembering you Susan, my FTC colleague on this sad 10 year anniversary.
Beth Kemp
September 11, 2010
As in an earlier entry in this guest book, I also have a Mercy Band with Susan's name on it. I feel blessed to have drawn her name. She sounds like a wonderful person. I've been thinking about her so much today and wearing her name on my wrist proudly. God Bless Susan Getzendanner and all of the others who paid way too high a price on that awful day. My prayers are with the ones who knew Susan, it sounds like her loss has left a great void in the world.
Kevin Sutton
February 2, 2010
Susan and I worked together for years. great person, great zest for life. She constantly amazed me with her energy. She is sorely issed. God bless you Susan!
Kevin
Martha (Getzendanner) Lingen
October 23, 2008
WOW this is the first time I visited this Guest Book. I am Martha Getzendanner Lingen, Sue's youngest sister. I miss her deeply. My husband & daughter & I were at the ocean over the past week and I spent easy/quiet times walking along the ocean and the lagoon while just feeling her presence. Wish she were still moving through life with us as I sometimes feel lost without her older sister guidance, her never failing love of life, her ways of staying connected with people and facing challenges, and so much more. Well, thanks for all of your thoughts & your love. I'll pass this on to my Mom, who is 92 1/2 and living in a retirement home in PA. I am going to visit her next week, as I do several times a year. My brother, Tom and my sister, Lydia are both doing well.
Judy Jones
September 11, 2008
I did not know Susan Getzendanner, but I bought a bracelet in memory of those killed on 9/11. These bracelets are similar to those worn in remebrance of MIA-POW soldiers so many years ago. I received my bracelet with Susan's name on it and wear it proudly, praying for her and all others who died that awful day. I found she liked to travel and collect things from her trips. That is something we have in common. I'm sure she was a wonderful woman. Seven years later, I write this and am moved by the outpouring of emotions of the American people on this anniversary. My heart goes out to those who lost their loved ones in this tragedy. God Bless You.
Kristine
October 26, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
P Tabbernor
October 20, 2006
In memory....
Ginny McBride
October 8, 2002
While I knew Susan's brother from Malvern, I knew Susan from Wells. She was a serene senior when I was a lowly freshman, but being from the same home town, she always had a ready smile for me. I doubt that she ever realized how much that meant to me. From what I have read of her life after Wells, she certainly lived life fully and touched many people along the way. I am so saddened that her life was cut far too short.
Cheryl (Kempe) Haas
September 16, 2002
My sisters and I grew up with the Getzendanners in Shaker Heights, and one of my fondest memories was having a blue plastic cup with my name on it in black magic marker in Mrs. Getzendanner's kitchen window sill -- next to the 10 cups belonging to the other neighborhood kids. Sue was 8 or 9 years older than her sisters Martha and Lydia, who were my friends -- but her "older sister presence" was something we all felt. Sue's independence and ease in the world were qualities I have long admired, although I knew her best from stories relayed by Martha at our high school reunions. Martha, Tom and Lydia: please know that we all still care!
Chip Freund
September 11, 2002
I grew up next door to Sue. I regret that I knew Sue least well of the Getzendanner clan. As she was twenty years my senior she was well on her way by the time joined the neighborhood. I remember seeing the pictures and treasures and listening to the stories she brought back from her travels. See was independent yet eager to share her experiences. I sit here one year later listening to the roll call of the names of those who lost their lives on this day of tragedy and I feel both great sadness and renewed resolve. Sue's memory will live on in all of our hearts. God grant us peace and wisdom to know your plan for us.
Connie Niesen
August 29, 2002
Today, in Las Vegas, I took part in a special blood drive which honored the American citizens who lost their lives in the WTC attack. I received a white ribbon with Susan's name on it and was told that I was donating on her behalf. This ribbon now has my name on the back and will become a link in a chain of life which will be part of a special presentation on 9/11/02 at Ground Zero. I am very proud and honored to be able to make this small gesture for such an honorable and obviously wonderful lady. Based on what I have read about her life, I would have liked to have known her.
January 23, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS
LOVELY LADY SUSAN M.GETZENDANNER AND
MAY SHE REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HER FAMILY AND
FRIENDS ..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW
YORK AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01.AMEN
Peggy (Crane) Wingstedt
January 17, 2002
I, too, attended Shaker Heights High with Sue, and although we lost contact after graduation, I'll always remember the fun we had together. Sue was a bright, capable, athletic young girl, who obviously developed into a lovely and accomplished woman. I'm sorry that I didn't keep up with her. What a nasty reminder of our own mortality September 11th was. My heart goes out to her family.
Elizabeth Kinney
January 16, 2002
I went to Shaker Heights High with Susan and our group had many wonderful times together. While I lost touch with her, it sure sounds like she had a rich life and that the intelligence and caring spirit that she displayed in school continued throughout her life. She is truly missed.
Teresa Jahn
December 30, 2001
We are very sorry for your loss of Susan. May her life and love live on in those who love her. Our hearts cry with you in your loss of Susan.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Joseph Blake
December 23, 2001
I went to Shaker Heights High School with Susan's brother Tom. I have lost touch with him but hope by adding a few words here I can express my sympathy to him and his family.
Mary Ella Jones
October 18, 2001
Susan's spirit will never be lost. As one of the group of Wells friends who gathered in NH 2 weeks after her death, it was comforting to know that she was definitely with us all but body. She was there in mind, spirit, and in our hearts, for she was--and is--that kind of person. As rarely as I saw her, I will still miss her greatly.
Betsy Kelly
October 17, 2001
We have wonderful memories of a true friend and strong woman. Our Wells group honored her a few weeks ago, and are united in hoping she is soaring somewhere where she can continue to enjoy the spiritual wonders she embraced.
We will miss her....
Betsy Kelly
Ces Garnsey
October 16, 2001
I join the friends from Wells College who will miss Sue so very much. I remember several visits we had while she was passing through Colorado on one of her world-wide adventures. Those precious moments of sharing our lives and ideas will be with me forever. What an incredible woman!
Betsy Wagner
October 16, 2001
A group of Sue's college roommates gathered two weekends after the tragedy for a long-planned reunion. Sue would have been with us there to climb Mt. Kearsarge in NH. But we might have had to find a tougher mountain! She will always have a spiritual place at our yearly get-togethers. We miss her more than words can ever say.
Betsy Wagner
Merryl Hoffman
October 14, 2001
What I remember most about Susan was her beautiful smile. I saw her most mornings on the world trade center express bus from the upper east side, and then again during many lunch hours spent at the executive fitness center gym. Susan always inquired about my little boys. I always listened with fascination about her trips. She was such a beautiful woman. I am so sorry.
Edward Brunner
October 12, 2001
I went to High School with Susan in Ohio. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. While I had not seen nor heard from her in years, my memory is of a sweet, caring, loving person who cared for all she encountered. Our world needs more people like Susan. She will be missed by all.
Ed Brunner
Richard and Sally Kastendieck
October 11, 2001
We so enjoyed our brief visits with Susan at her home in Connecticut. Our daughter, Molly, was so happy to share her photographs of Europe with Susan. And we loved swimming with her in the cold, cold pool behind Clementine Kastendieck's mill in Connecticut. We will miss Susan very much.
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