Westford, Massachusetts
A Dress Transformed
Susan MacKay, a vice president at the TJX Companies, a discount apparel and home fashion retailer, had been looking forward to her business trip to Los Angeles for weeks when she and some colleagues boarded American Airlines Flight 11 in Boston on Sept. 11. "She loved the travel part of the job, and had been looking forward to this California trip all summer," said her husband, Douglas. "They have a good time when they travel."
Ms. MacKay, 44, spent her entire professional life in retailing, first for Jordan Marsh, then for Marshalls, a retailer that was later bought by TJX. But she was much more than a working woman.
"She loved her job, but she was so excited about having children," said Nan Alphen, a longtime friend and neighbor in Westford, Mass., about 25 miles northwest of Boston. "They were the highlight of her life."
Ms. Alphen recalled that Ms. MacKay, an accomplished seamstress, transformed her wedding dress into a christening gown for Matthew, 13, and Lauren, her 8-year-old daughter. "She loved to sew," Mr. MacKay said. "Everything in the house, she made. The comforters, the pillows. Her youngest sister got married last fall. She made her wedding dress."
I found out about Susan today, since I am in a nonprofit organization called Project 351. Every year we do a 9/11 Service Project. This year I am making a rock and flower tribute garden in my community. Reading about Susan was so touching. I will attach photos later of the rocks me and my friends paint in memory of her with the completed garden.
Zoey Salvadore
August 14, 2025
Thinking of our beautiful Susan today and so many days throughout the year
nancy atchue
September 11, 2024 | Grafton, MA | Coworker
Susan was an amazing boss to me when I became her Assistant Buyer at Jordan Marsh. She was a patient and kind boss and trainer for me, and always a friend. I loved hearing about Matthew as a toddler, Lauren was not yet born when we worked together. She was fun, kind and an amazing mentor for me. I was in shock when I realized she was on the plane all those years ago, and have thought of her often over the years since. I hope that you have been able to find peace, and share wonderful...
Nancy Koch
December 22, 2023 | Work
Thinking of Susan today and so many days throughout the year ...so many reminders here at TJX of her talent.
Nancy Atchue
September 11, 2023 | GRAFTON, MA | Coworker
Thinking of the beautiful Susan today....beautiful wardrobe, beautiful office, beautiful friend to so many of us! We were so lucky Sending love to Doug, Lauren and Matt today Nancy Atchue TJX
nancy atchue
September 11, 2022 | Work
20 years and you are still missed! Wonderful years at Andover with Marshals !
Susan Belt
September 11, 2021 | Macedonia, OH | Coworker
Susan, I miss you so much. Remembering the fun we had as young women, young couples, our first kids. My amazing friend.
Cindy Lockwood
September 10, 2021 | Colorado Springs, CO | Friend
Always on my mind. Love you
20 years. I still remember how you treated me like a little sister.
Nancy Feeney
September 09, 2021 | Arlington, MA
It has been 20 years that you have been gone but your memory will live on always. Hard to believe it's been 46 years since we were in high school passing each other in the hall. That's how i would like to remember you ...always with a smile.
Paula Smith
September 08, 2021 | QUINCY, MA | Friend
