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Margaret Seeliger
Margaret Seeliger
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Margaret Seeliger Obituary
Margaret Seeliger gave up her place on a crowded elevator leaving the 100th floor of 2 World Trade Center to two colleagues, an act of generosity that surprised neither her husband nor the oldest of her eight siblings. Worrying about others was her way.
Mrs. Seeliger, 34, worked long hours as head of the student health division for Aon Insurance. Yet most weekends she and her husband, Bruce, were on a plane ‹ either to Buffalo to visit her mother, 64, who is in the advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease, or to Rochester, Philadelphia, Atlanta or California to see one of her 11 nieces and nephews ‹ whoever had a special soccer game or a role in a play.
With her 40-year-old sister, Beth Schlehr, who lives in Georgia, Mrs. Seeliger saw to the smallest details of her mother's care: manicure appointments, clothes shopping and maintaining family traditions. She so fully filled her mother's shoes ‹ and so resembled her ‹ that Mrs. Seeliger was known to her nieces and nephews as "grandma."
"She doted on those kids," Bruce Seeliger said.
She even served as delivery-room coach when Mrs. Schlehr had the first of her three children.
Mr. Seeliger said that he and his wife had not yet made "the kiddie decision" because of the demands of their jobs and the cost of life in Manhattan. But Mrs. Schlehr knew better. Margaret Seeliger, precise in all things, had intended to start trying to get pregnant in November and had already laid claim to the cribs and baby clothes in her sister's basement.
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Sheri D
January 9, 2022
I did not know Margaret and only learned about her after visiting the 911 Memorial with my daughter this past December of 2021. It was also the first time we traveled to the Memorial. The single white rose that was placed on Margaret's name drew us closer. After coming back home, I looked up her name and found her story. I have heard many heroic stories from 911 but do not remember Margaret's. Her compassion for others in giving up her place on the elevator saved another life. I am so sorry for her family's loss and wish them some peace in knowing that Margaret's name and the selflessness she exemplified will not be forgotten. She will continue to be a role model of the very best qualities in human beings.
N. Moy
September 22, 2021
I remembered setting up their network in the North Tower. The small company she worked for was purchased by Aon. Margaret was vivacious, thoughtful, humorous, extroverted, bubbly and kind. She told me she worked too much and needed to work on toning it down. Those words stuck in my mind. RIP Margaret. I didn't know alot about you but what I saw I liked. May your family find peace somehow.
Diane Pappas
September 7, 2021
Wow, I cannot believe it will be twenty years without my friend Margaret. She was not just a co-worker but a true friend that I miss so much and think of often.
Gina S
September 11, 2020
I didn't now Margaret personally. I am simply sitting on my couch, watching the news as they air live coverage of the 9/11 memorial service and heard her name. I thought to myself: these people are so much more than that day of tragedy, so I picked a few of the names I heard and searched their stories. Learning of Margaret's selflessness and heroism is inspiring. I feel so deeply for those who knew and loved her and am sending so much love and strength to continue life with the heaviness of this loss. It is evident Margaret touched the lives of everyone she met, and the world was simply a better place with her in it. May she rest in peace.
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Lisa Scolnick
September 12, 2012
I was just thinking about Margaret and our Latin Club trips in junior high. Margaret created the fun. She always got us in trouble every trip for staying up late and being loud. It was her laugh everytime! I think about her a lot. She's always in my heart. We miss you,Margaret.
Chris Tranchell
September 11, 2012
Although I never met you,I had the pleasure of knowing Helen and her daughter Mary. You will always be lovingly remembered.
Nina conroy
September 13, 2011
It seems like yesterday and at the same time a lifetime ago that the world lost a wonderful, kind and loving person. We will never forget Margaret and her zest for life. Nina Boston MA
Audrey C
September 12, 2011
I've been thinking a lot about Margaret today. She was the one person that I was confident would get out. Also thinkiong about Bruce, Beth, and the rest of her family.
Catherine Krasinski
September 11, 2011
I worked with Margaret at Blue Cross for several years back in the 90's. As I reflect on this 10 year anniversary, I think about and cherish our friendship. I will always remember your sense of humor, zest for life, and our many talks about the Bills and the Giants. You truly were a great friend and are dearly missed. God Bless you and your family.
Nadine
September 9, 2011
10 years and still in my heart as a heavy sadness. Never will I forget.
Heidi
September 11, 2010
How could it be 9 years? I still think of Margaret often and feel very fortunate to have had such a wonderful person touch my heart. Your memories will always live on. ..
September 12, 2009
Margaret, Mary Lou and most recently, Penny, are so very much missed. People come, people go and some leave footprints on our hearts and we are never, ever the same. Much peace - it's well deserved!
Sondra Ginberg Whalen
September 12, 2009
It has been 8 years, but still it seems like yesterday when we found out you were missing. Thoughts of you always make me smile. I wish it was you making me smile and not just thoughts.
Lisa Jelenovic Scolnick
September 11, 2009
Margaret's laugh and genuine friendship will always be remembered. I think of her often; I'm so grateful to have known such a wonderful person. We love you, Margaret!
Paula Thornton
September 11, 2009
Although I hadn't seen Margaret since high school she is thought of and missed very much. She will always be remembered for her kindness and friendship.
Sue Langhans Plumb
September 11, 2009
Eight years have passed, yet the sadness of losing Margaret is still so great. Friends since we were four, she was such a presence in my life. She still is. I miss her today and everyday; her laughter, her voice, her zest for life. She was one-of-a-kind, and will live on in my heart always.
Susan Millet Reilly
September 11, 2008
It is seven years ago today that we lost Margaret. We met years ago at Empire and became close friends over the years. I still miss her as painfully as I did then.
Daniel Simonsohn
October 31, 2007
As a cousin of Bruce my most sincerest condolences to Margarets family she was a beautiful person and will be missed by all who knew her
Nadine Cook (Walty)
October 27, 2007
Margaret was one of my friends throughout junior high and high school. She always sat right in front of me in most of our classes, and I remember all the laughs we would have. Memories of her at my slumber party as a young girl will forever be in my mind. She was a wonderful human being, and I was so sad to find out about her death. I pray that the family will always find comfort in knowing she was a tremendous person both inside and out. We will never forget....
Lisa Scolnick (Jelenovic)
September 11, 2007
Margaret and I were friends throughout junior high and high school. She had a great sense of humor, a laugh that made everyone else laugh and the unique gift of being everyone's best friend. Margaret loved everyone - no matter where they lived, what their family status or what they wore. The room lit up with laughter when she walked in. I am deeply saddened that she's no longer with us, but am so greatful that I had the pleasure of being her friend. I think about her often and the great times we had on "Latin Club" trips and in classes. I hope that Margaret's family knows how much she was loved; I hope it brings them some peace knowing she truly lived an entire lifetime. Margaret will remain in my memories always.
mike kelly
September 11, 2007
hard not to think today about our friend and client who made work fun
kristine
June 9, 2007
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
March 5, 2007
In memory....
Paula Bugman-Thornton
September 12, 2006
Margaret you are deeply missed by everyone that had the pleasure of knowing you. I think of you and your family often. God Bless to all your loved ones.
Michael Selk
September 11, 2006
I knew Bruce, Steve and Nora and their parents from our neighborhood in Riverdale. Bruce's mom told me of Margaret's passing. Even though I didn't know Margaret, and haven't spoken to Bruce for many years, I can only imagine his anguish. In times like these, we are all brothers.
audrey c
September 11, 2006
I think of Margaret, Vinny and Mary Lou everytime I look out my bedroom window, which faces the WTC.
Bruce and Beth, I hope you are doing OK - or as well as you possibly can...
Lauren Kania
September 11, 2006
I never met Margaret, but my father Mike Kania knew her from childhood. I heard and read about her on September 11th 2001 and I think she is a true hero. I wish that I could have met her because I truly admire her. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. She will never be forgotten.
Mike Kelly
September 11, 2006
I spoke with Margaret just after the plane hit, she said they were gathering everyone for evacuation in her typical take charge voice. Margaret was our client. Her enthusiasm for her clients was very personal and almost maternal. I think of her often and specially today. My thoughts and prayers go out to her husband, family and friends.
Shaun Scott
September 10, 2006
It wasn't until the second anniversary of this tragedy that I learned that Margaret died in the WTC on that fateful day. When I heard that she had given up her spot on the last elevator down to save a co-worker I was floored. Too many people talk of "heroes" when referring to their favorite athletes, movie stars or recording artists - this selflessness and sacrifice are what real heroism is about.
From a classmate who's privileged to have known you...
carlene noggle
August 22, 2006
I am so sorry for your loss and for this Nation's loss...From reading the tribute, Margaret was such a wonderful caring person.You can see it in her face, her smile, her eyes....Words escape me...the loss is so great...so please accept my heart felt sympathy and my prayers for your continued healing with comfort and peace...
sincerely,
carlene noggle
Nancy Gavin Koester
September 11, 2003
May God Bless your family on this anniversary. We will never forget.
Nancy Gavin Koester, Frontier Class of '81
Diane Bauman
September 11, 2003
Beth and family,
On this second anniversary I shed tears for you, for so many others, and for what happened to our beloved country on that terrible day. I pray that Margaret is at peace with our Lord and so many other angels. Please know that you, too, are in our thoughts and prayers. We hope things are well with you, Paul and the boys. We miss you in GA. Love, Diane and Sue
Jacob Ovak
September 11, 2003
My love for Margret and all the family is FOREVER,I will never forget!
Love Always Jacob & Debbie
Julie Marrara
September 11, 2003
Even though I didn't know Margaret. I know people who were close to her. The storys they've shared and tears. Margaret was/is a saint. Margaret you are in my thoughts and prayers, as is your family. I will light a candle for you tonight in your honor. Margaret you are a true hero and will be remembered in years to come. You will remain in my heart as a part of history.
May God bless you and your family.
Love,
Julie Marrara
& Family
ROSIE KELLY
December 24, 2002
TO BRUCE AND MARGARET'S FAMILY
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.
Donna Jelenovic
September 11, 2002
"What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal."
-Albert Pike
Linda Cantoni
September 11, 2002
For Bruce and all of Margaret's family: My thoughts are with you on this anniversary of Margaret's death. Although I didn't have the pleasure of knowing Margaret, I know from what you've said of her that she was a wonderful person. And her heroism on that dreadful day speaks volumes about her.
I hope the good memories will sustain you.
Julie Zaransky
August 15, 2002
For Bruce -
Although I did not know Margaret, I know her through Penny, Jaede, Bob and you. I know that she was not only a terrific employee, but a very special person in so many different ways.
I'm sorry that this happened to her, I worry about her mother, cause you see, my mother has Alzheimers too!
May God watch over Margaret's mother and keep her safe from harm.
And, God bless you to. Margaret will always be missed by her fellow Combined employees.
Marcia O'Neill
July 31, 2002
This is to Margaret and her Family: When the 9/11 disaster took place, I was 7 months pregnant with my second child. At the time, it was all about protecting my unborn child and my 2 year old daughter. It was only after I returned to work from maternity leave in February, 2002, that I learned about Margaret's fate at the WTC.
When everything was happening on 9/11, I thought of Margaret, but just assumed she was OK because so many employees who worked there got out. I was so sad to learn that Margaret was a victim of this terrible attack!
It has been several years since I worked with Margaret, but at one time, I was in touch with her on a daily basis. We were working on several student health insurance cases together. It was tough meeting the client's brochure deadline in time, but mmaking sure that the student insurance brochure was in compliance with state regulations. Margaret was very strict in making sure that all brochures were in compliance with state regulations. She was a perfectionist when it came to her job. Her high standards made us all strive to work at a higher level!
Margaret had the best sense of humor. I would call her on business, but we would a;ways end up chatting about our clients and peronal lives!
I am so sorry for Margaret's family, snd the loss of such a loved person. We will always remember Margaret, she is missed!
Again, I am very sorry for the loss to her family and co-workers. This was such a horrible event that happened on 9/11, that even 10 months later, I still cannot understand why it happened, and mourn the lives of so many lost!
My prayers are with Margaret and her family. especially her beloved husband, and her parents.
Sincerely,
Marcia Mann-O'Neill
The Chickering Group
Susan Munro
May 30, 2002
My heart goes out to Margaret's family, you will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
Susan Roth
May 27, 2002
To Margaret's family, Bruce, Nora (my dear future sister-in-law who I am blessed to know) and their family - Although I never got to meet Margaret - I was supposed to. She was supposed to be a relative of mine and I feel her loss as if I knew her. The Seeliger's I have met are wonderful people and I hope to meet you soon Bruce. My heart goes out to you and I hope these messages from people Margaret touched bring you some solice.
Dave's sister,
Susan Roth,
Phoenix, AZ
April 24, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL WOMAN...MARGARET SEELIGER AND MAY HER SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HER LOVING FAMILY ..HUSBAND AND MANY FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK...MAY JESUS AND ST.MARGARET GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
audrey c
March 30, 2002
Margaret, I just read that you were finally located.
I hope during this season celebrating the Exodus from Egypt and the Resurrection, your family finds comfort and peace.
LCDR Danelle Barrett
March 11, 2002
I was deeply saddened to learn only recently that Margaret was in the World Trade Center on 9/11. We went to Frontier High School together and I will always remember how much fun she added to school plays and sports. I lost touch with her after high school but will always remember her kindness and wonderful sense of humor. My thoughts and prayers are with her husband and family. She will be missed.
Shannon DeOca
February 4, 2002
My husband, Martin DeOca, grew up in the same neighborhood as Margaret and her siblings. We are so sorry for your loss. The entire family is in our thoughts and prayers. Stay strong and love one another.
Mona Hall
January 24, 2002
I have known Margaret since the early 90s when we both worked at Empire BCBS as peers. Recently we worked closely together as supervisor and employee. We worked many hours, some quite late, at Reliance and Combined/Aon. We accomplished much in those hours; we shared much in those hours. Mixed in with the work I learned Margaret's family stories...and she listened to many of mine. I know that Bruce and the Walier family, and Margaret's many friends have suffered a great loss. I miss you, too, Margaret. May God Bless and keep you.
Britt Pickrel
January 17, 2002
I met Margaret in April of 2001 through work. We ended up going to a convention in June together in Las Vegas and having a great time. I enjoyed Margaret's spirit and was looking forward to a long term working relationship, which included a friendship! There isn't a day that doesn't go by that I don't think of Margaret and want Bruce and her family to know I pray for all of you every day! Margaret will always live on in our hearts!
Britt
Marion Hernandez
January 16, 2002
Margaret, you are greatly missed. The spirit of giving always preceeded you. I'm sure that The Rewarder of all things will reward you with wonderful things in your new life.
Marion
Pam Christerson
December 20, 2001
To Beth and Family: I am one of Carl's teachers at preschool and just want you to know your sister and others of the tragedy will not be forgotten. I am so sorry for your loss ~ she was obviously someone who made our world a better place.
Leslie Blair
December 13, 2001
For Beth, your beautiful sister Margaret reminds me of my beautiful sister, Sue Blair. Sue also worked for Aon and also perished in the attacks. May you find the strength, particularly during the holidays, to care for your children and your mother and yourself. I will say a prayer for Margaret and for you. I know the devastation of losing a sister. God bless.
Teresa Jahn
December 13, 2001
We are very sorry for your loss of Margaret. The world will miss someone who was so caring. Our hearts cry with you.
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
Nina Conroy
December 4, 2001
I met Margaret four years ago through business. She was not only the ultimate business professional, but a friend. She showed her zest for life in her work and her love for her family and friends. I will never forget Margaret and her love of people. My prayers and thought are with Bruce and Margaret's family. Sincerely, Nina Conroy Koster Insurance
Mike Colhoun
November 12, 2001
I have known Margaret since 1989. She started with Empire Blue Cross the year after I did and we quickly became friends. What always struck me about Margaret was her excitement for life.
I last saw her one morning as we were arriving at the elevator. We talked of having lunch when worked slowed down for both of us.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Bruce and her entire family. You should all be very proud of the type of person Margaret is.
Rochelle
November 11, 2001
My thoughts and prayers are with you always.
Mike Hickey
November 10, 2001
My Kathy made it that morning. You, being a very early worker, did not. Our prayers are for you and family.
Jude Mertz
October 30, 2001
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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