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Susan Schuler Obituary
Many Americans cherish a pampered, well-fed lawn; to Susan L. Schuler, a luxuriant patch of grass was a shameful waste of space. Over the years, Ms. Schuler gradually transformed her standard- issue, quarter-acre backyard in Allentown, N.J., into a dazzling botanical paradise. With help from her husband, Jim, she replaced most of the Kentucky bluegrass with raspberry and blackberry bushes, hordes of climbing roses and row upon row of savory vegetables.
"She was a great nurturer, and gardening was her passion," Mr. Schuler said. "She used me as a soil mover, and I was happy to do it."
A consultant to the securities industry, Ms. Schuler, 55, would put in a full day of work and then plunge into her yard, emerging with armfuls of cut flowers and the ingredients for an elaborate evening meal. On weekends, she would churn out strawberry jam, jalapeño jelly or sinus-clearing horseradish. An extra freezer held whatever produce the Schulers did not give away.
She would travel into the city most Tuesdays to see one of her clients, Sandler O'Neill, in the World Trade Center. For weeks after Sept. 11, Mr. Schuler could not bear to step into the garden, but as the air grew crisp, he knew he had a duty to fulfill. "I just couldn't let it go," he said. He has since pulled the last of the carrots, tilled the beds and blanketed the asparagus patch with a protective layer of straw.
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September 11, 2013
Mr. Schuler, Today is a very special day. Today is the day, I met your wife, Susan, through a mutual friend of ours. Our mutual friend's heart was very heavy today (9/11/13). I could see in her eyes that she shed many tears for Sue. Tears of hurt, sorrow and pain. I'm so glad I was able to be there to comfort her for a short while, short enough to acknowledge a beautiful SOUL, GONE but never FORGOTTEN, yet Long enough to shed a tear and to revisit a memory of a good soul, yet short enough to understand that our GOD holds all of us up, by his GRACE and MERCY, otherwise, we would just lose it. Remember, one of these old days, JOY DOES COME IN THE MORNING. Respectively, your new friend in the name of a dear dear friend, Tonie F.
S Rose
May 3, 2013
There's not a day that goes by when I don't think about Susie and Jim. Jim was my first real boss out of college, and I used to love riding the train with them to Jersey City. Jim was a good friend, a real mentor even after I left the company, and most of all, he adored and cherished his wife. The world was better because Susie was in it. RIP Susie and Jim. You are never NEVER forgotten.
Bryan Thibodeau
September 14, 2011
Schuler family,
It's been almost 10 years since I've posted last on this memorial, and not a year's gone by without your family in the forefront of my thoughts. A decade has certainly not provided clarity to me; but I hope that time has allowed for some form of closure for you, as well as time to celebrate, rather than only mourn, her amazing life. As always, you all have my deepest sympathies, hopes and prayers.
Andrea Kennedy
August 23, 2011
Dear Mr. Schuler
I have never met Susan, but on 911 2002 I participated with hundreds of others in the Rolling Requiem, a tribute wherein choirs all over the world performed Mozart's 'Requiem' at the same time. Here in Tucson, each of us wore a button with a name on it. I have posted a picture separately.
I know you still think of your wife-I hope you have arrived at the point where you can find happiness in your memories.
Andrea Kennedy
Tucson, Arizona
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My button from the Rolling Requiem in 2002. Each participant wore one with a name on it.
Andrea Kennedy
August 23, 2011
kristine
May 21, 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 4, 2007
In memory....
Maryan Schuler Nichols
September 11, 2006
Dear Mr. Schuler,
I did not know your wife, but am so sorry for your loss. We have had and will keep everyone who lost a loved one in this terrible event, in our prayers.
Love and comfort to you.
Sue Hoff
December 2, 2003
Dear Jim,
I'm not sure if you'll see this...hopefully you will. I've hoped to get in touch with you for a long time. I have thought of you and Susan often and hope you know that you will always hold a special place in my heart. My prayers are with you. Love ya.
Sue
Donna Ross
September 12, 2002
Mr. Schluler:
We never did get to offically meet, but I was just one of the many volunteers at the Family Assistance Center. What I wanted to say to you, but what I felt I couldn't say to you in my professional capacity was, how terribly sorry I am for your loss. My sister lives in Allentown and she, too, is a gardener and so I felt a very personal connection. I think of you often and I especially thought of you yesterday. I had Susan's "Portrait" displayed on a bulletin board at my desk and I said a little prayer for both of you. I hope that you are well and that you have found some comfort. May God Bless you.
Peggy Johnson
September 11, 2002
Jim, (TOP) It has been a year and this tragedy still tears through everyone's hearts. I just found out about the loss of your wife. Though I haven't seen you in years and never met Susan, my heart breaks for you. Keep the joyous memories in your heart and know that one day you two will be together again. My love and best wishes to you.
Angela & Anthony Clement
August 22, 2002
We did not know you or anyone else who passed away on the morning of September 11, 2001. We will never for get you or what happened. May you rest in God's loving peace forever more..........
Angie Campbell
May 16, 2002
May God bless you and watch over the family and friends that you left behind. May you rest in peace forever more.
Alexander Hehn
May 7, 2002
Dear Jim, a last try with another very warm hug from your support back in Berlin. It would be an honor to dedicate my Ph.D. to Sue, yours Alexander Hehn, M.D.
April 23, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL WOMAN..SUSAN L.SCHULER AND MAY SHE REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HER HUSBAND..FAMILY AND FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK...MAY GOD AND HIS ANGELS GREET YOU AT THE GARDENS IN HEAVEN...AMEN
Susan Oxley
March 15, 2002
Dear Jim,
I have just found out about Susan as I signed up to make her block on the tribute quilt. I am almost the same age and also a gardener, jam maker and love to grow things more than anything. I can't get over the coincidences here, I signed up before I knew anything about her!(I am not in British Columbia, but in the United Kingdom - that option wasn't there!)
Blessings and comfort to you and be sure that I will do the best patchwork block I can in her memory.
Susan
Suzanne & Dave Matthews
January 1, 2002
Our backyards meet & we shared the joy of gardening with the Schuler's, especially Susan. She seemed to have unlimited energy & took such pleasure in tilling the soil. For awhile our backyard seemed so sad without seeing Susan working in hers. It will always remain bittersweet, but we know that Susan would want us to go on planting & enjoying the beauty of nature. We will never forget her - a wonderful person - & we hope to give her a lovely view to look down on and will think of her as our special garden angel.
Kari Hawkins
December 13, 2001
Susie was one of my fellow commuters on the 6:38am train in the first car from Princeton Junction. We always greeted each other with a Good Morning & a smile. Although I didn't know her name until afterward I'm glad I 'knew' her. The train platform is very empty without her smiling face.
Teresa Jahn
December 13, 2001
We are sorry for your loss of Susan. 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
Bryan Thibodeau
December 8, 2001
To Jim:
I just want to express my sypathies for your loss. I am actually the son of Harry Thibodeau, nephew of your uncle, Henry "Bus" Schuler. We all mourn not only for the loss of blood, but also for the loss of a human being whose life touched yours and others in such an inexpressible way. Please take care, Jim.
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