Today, we remember Margaret Seeliger, a kind-hearted mother, sister, and wife, who tragically lost her life in the September 11, 2001, attacks at the World Trade Center. Her selflessness, love for her family, and devotion to others left a lasting impact, and her memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew her.
A Mother’s Generosity
Margaret Seeliger, 34, was known for her generosity and concern for others. On the morning of September 11, 2001, she made a selfless decision that reflected her nature. As she was leaving the 100th floor of 2 World Trade Center, she gave up her place on a crowded elevator to two colleagues, an act that surprised neither her husband, Bruce, nor her siblings. Margaret’s focus on the well-being of others was part of her very being, and her caring nature extended beyond her family.
A Loving Caregiver
Despite her demanding job as the head of the student health division at Aon Insurance, Margaret dedicated much of her time to her family. She and Bruce spent most weekends traveling, whether to Buffalo to visit her mother, who was in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease, or to cities like Rochester, Philadelphia, and California to attend the soccer games and plays of her 11 nieces and nephews.
Margaret’s devotion to her mother was unyielding. Alongside her sister, Beth Schlehr, who lived in Georgia, Margaret handled the smallest details of her mother’s care—manicures, shopping for clothes, and maintaining cherished family traditions. Her attention to her mother’s needs was so thorough that she was affectionately known as “grandma” by her nieces and nephews.
Family and Dreams Cut Short
Margaret was a dedicated family member, deeply involved in every aspect of her relatives’ lives. She even served as a delivery-room coach when her sister had her first child. Margaret’s desire to start a family of her own was evident, and in the months leading up to the tragedy, she and Bruce had planned to begin trying for children in November. Margaret had already begun preparing for this new chapter of her life, claiming cribs and baby clothes from her sister’s basement.
Her husband, Bruce, and sister, Beth, knew how much Margaret longed for a family, but the demands of their jobs in Manhattan had put this dream on hold. Tragically, Margaret’s life was cut short before she could fulfill this dream, leaving behind an immense void in the lives of her family and friends.
Legacy of Love and Care
Margaret Seeliger’s life was defined by her unwavering love for her family and her commitment to others. Her actions—both big and small—spoke to her character: a person who would sacrifice her own comfort to help those around her. Her legacy of selflessness and care continues to inspire all who knew her.
Margaret’s memory lives on, and as we pay tribute to her today, we honor a life lived with kindness, compassion, and a dedication to family. Margaret’s legacy is a reminder of the importance of generosity, love, and the connections that bind us all.
Closing
This tribute to Margaret Seeliger is a reflection of the lasting impact she had on her family and those who knew her. Her memory will always be cherished, and her story continues to resonate as a symbol of love, family, and selflessness in the face of unimaginable loss.
