East New York
A tree for all time
Super-centenarian Susanna “Miss Susie” Mushatt Jones — a Standing O favorite, and the world’s oldest person until she passed away on May 12 at the ripe, old age of 116 years and 311 days — will live on joyously as one with Mother Nature, after her community planted a commemorative “tree for all seasons” outside her East New York nursing home.
Residents and staff at the Vandalia Avenue Houses, where Miss Susie lived for 30 years, joined relatives and area officials for the touching tribute, including Two Trees New York executive director Nelson Villarubia, who donated the forest pansy, New York Housing Authority chairwoman Shola Olatoye, Assemblyman Charles Barron (D–East New York), Councilwoman Inez Barron, (D–East Flatbush), and state Sen. Roxanne Persaud, (D–East New York).
The tree was planted on July 6, on what would have been Miss Susie’s 117th birthday, immortalizing her spirit, said Olatoye.
“Miss Susie was a tenacious and admirable woman who sought to improve others’ lives with love and positive energy,” she said. “She was an inspiration, beloved by all and this tree will stand for years to come, in tribute to Miss Susie’s commitment to strengthening her community for over more than a century.”
Standing O can’t think of a better honor for a special lady.
Vandalia Senior Center [47 Vandalia Ave. at Louisiana Avenue in East New York, (718) 272–3905].
