Nancy Mauro
She concocted the gourmet spreads at home in Forest Hills, Queens ; he chopped the ingredients. She cultivated the flower garden in Dutchess County; he whacked the weeds. Compatibility was the essence of Don and Nancy Mauro's 18- year marriage. Mr. Mauro recalls falling in love with his future wife at first sight. Introduced by her sister one wintry Friday during happy hour at a Manhattan bar, they became an item in the course of an evening that ended with him walking her to the subway and kissing her good night — but not goodbye — beneath the twin towers.
Nancy Mauro, 51, studied fashion design and spent two years on Seventh Avenue, then switched to computer technology after realizing that she did not enjoy the clothing trade backbiting (though she never lost her radar for a good sample sale). Mr. and Mrs. Mauro both worked for Marsh & McLennan; he at Marsh Aviation in Midtown, where his office windows faced downtown toward hers on the 97th floor of 1 World Trade Center. His office provided a grotesque vantage point on Sept. 11; he watched as the unspeakable happened, the whole time surrounded by screaming colleagues.
Early on they agreed that theirs would be a childless marriage. Both city kids who had never known anything but apartment living, they fulfilled a dual dream two years ago by buying a weekend house in Red Hook. Naturally, both fell in love with the same place at the same moment. 'The second one we looked at,' said Mr. Mauro. He has trouble going there now. 'That house is really her.'
Copyright (c) 2001 by The New York Times Co. Reprinted by permission.
Add Your Tribute
Tributes
Still thinking fondly of the time I spent working as a consultant for Nancy. I am grateful that I had a chance to get to know her. She will not be forgotten.
Chris McPhee, Colleague
Nancy and I worked together at British Airways. We became close friends when er worked togrther on the Rate desk. She loved fashion and made her own close. I was in the process of opening a boutique in Jamaica with my husband. i was taking classes at the fashion Institute and encouraged Nancy to register for Fashion Design as she was so talented. I asked her if she would make some samples of her designs for the store. she was so excited and did several samples and created the patterns for the factory. She was so talented and her designs were the first dresses we sold out of the store. We closed the store after the political and economic climate got worse on Jamaica. I transferred to the Miami Sales office in 1985 and eventually left for good in 1987 to start my own business in 1987. I lost contact with Nancy and all my BA friends until just the other day,when one of them found me on FB . It has been over 25 years since I have seen or spoken to Nancy. I can only say that I will never forget her and the kindness and help she gave me. Nancy was a wonderful person and so talented. I am so sad to hear that she was lost on that horrific day. There are no words to express how terrible I feel that I never was able to pay my respect before today to this wonderful lady. May she rest in peace.
Brigid Campbell, Colleague
I attended a 911 Memorial Service yesterday in Tempe, Arizona. They have an American Flag for each person lost that day and at the end of the service they asked us to place our candle at one of the flags. I chose 1 flag and saw the name on the flag was Nancy Mauro. I personally don't know Nancy Mauro, but feel honored to read and learn about her and what a wonderful person she was. Although I do not know Nancy's family, please know my thoughts and prayers are with you. We will never forget.God Bless.
Rachel, Friend
There are a few people you meet in life that you know are special. Always smiling, a pleasure to be around. I worked at British Airways but was 'upstairs' In Marketing. But whenever I came to Res to say hello, Nancy always greeted me with a warm smile and big hello. I cannot fathom what Nancy's close friends and family have gone through, especially your poor husband who was able to see first hand the horrors that occurred. Even all these years later, my heart misses a beat when I think of that terrible day. Just wanted to pay respect to a lovely lady who was taken way too early. And to send my love to Don and her family. We will never forget.
Rona Klein, Colleague
Nancy, Just want to say that you will continue live in our thoughts.
Jim T, Colleague
You don't know me, but when I was new to British Airways res in 1977, Nancy was always so kind helping me navigate the fare structures and the terminology. I was sorry when she left to pursue a career in fashion. I am apartment sitting in NYC and I just happened to see her name today when I came across the memorial in mid-town. After Sept. 11, she was fondly remembered by many at BA and I just wanted you to know that.
Theresa Dietrich, Colleague
I briefly worked with you while I was at MMC (1995-1998). I will always pay my respects. May you rest in peace.
Dino, Colleague
Don, Nancy and I were neighbors in Forest Hills. The pain of her loss will never heal for all of us. And, she and Don will be reunited one day in eternity. May God bless all of her loved ones who have mourned her loss for the last 10 years.
pat woods, Friend
I never met you nor knew you - I only joined Mercer recently and clicked on your name amongst the many as my way of marking respect for those people that would have been my MMC colleagues had I been working for Mercer ten years ago. The story of yours and your husband's meeting is wonderful and very touching; my deepest condolences go to your family.
Mark Moorton, Colleague
I worked with Nancy at Marsh - Every conversation that I had with her left me more enriched than the last. She was a sweet sweet person. My deepest sympathies go out to Don. Atul
Atul Moghe, Colleague
You will always be remembered.
Ed Lawrence, Colleague
I worked with Nancy at Marsh - we both loved to read mystery novels and shared them. My deepest sympathies go out to Don.
Mary zenorini (calhoun), Colleague
To have been married to Don all of these years must have been a truly marvelous woman!! I know only Don, but I can only imagine from his eyes they had a truly strong relationship and marriage. My heart and sympathy goes out to this entire family at the point, even far removed from 9/11, as I cannot fathom the tragic loss of someone so dear to this family. - Charlie Tooley/Just an Aviation Colleague
Charlie Tooley, Friend
I worked with Nancy for about 3 years in the early 90’s at MMC. Her intelligence, wit, and common sense made her a wonderful colleague. Her beautiful aesthetic sensibility and her appreciation of art and music further enhanced her down-to-earth qualities as a person. Her death is a tragic loss. I send my deepest sympathy to her husband Don and to her family.
Marla Berman, Colleague
I worked with Nancy in the '90's at Marsh for a few years. We talked about work, about life, about so much. She also was my 'consultant' in my chocolate business - her aesthetic eye and suggestions made my creations even more beautiful. I miss her terribly. Knowing that this wise, funny, and wonderful person is gone in unthinkable. It hurts. Don, my deepest sympathy to you.
Carolyn Szala, Colleague
My soul mate and best friend for 20 years. Saying goodbye is the toughest thing I've ever had to do. Wherever you are, save a seat for me. Love beyond words.
Don Mauro, Family
I miss my sister more than I can say.
Judy Koch, Family
I met Nancy just once - the day I sent a memo to Personnel w/her resume. I remember thinking how nice she was and what a great asset she would be to Marsh - technologically experienced, positive attitude,intelligent. Knowing her husband Don and having had many conversations with her sister Judy, I know my first impression was right. She loved and she was loved. Always remember that.
Merle P Millman, Colleague