Suzanne Kondratenko

Compassion for a Child
Suzanne Kondratenko, 27, of Chicago, was the third of eight daughters born over the course of 23 years. She had a sweet spot for her youngest sister, Paige, now 9, who has Down syndrome.

"Paige was, I think, one of Suzanne's greatest joys," said one of Ms. Kondratenko's older sisters, Aimée.

"She learned how to walk at the age of 8, right before Suzanne was killed," Aimée Kondratenko said. "That was just one of Suzanne's most exciting moments. When she learned from our parents that Paige had done certain things, she would dash around the office and tell her girlfriends."

Paige and Suzanne had deep similarities, including a silly sense of humor and a love of books. Family members enjoyed the loving and happy energy they shared, Aimée Kondratenko said.

Suzanne Kondratenko was a senior consultant with Keane Consulting Group, flying to New York weekly to work with Aon Corporation at the World Trade Center. Since Sept. 11, Paige has helped the family cope with their loss, Aimée said.

"To this day," she said, "she'll take your face in her hands and try to make you smile."