Bob Costas, Tom Werner Recall Susan Saint James’ Strength After Death of Son Teddy at 14: ‘It Was Inspirational’ (Exclusive)

The passing of actress Susan Saint James, who died on October 26 at the age of 80, has prompted her close friends to reflect on the profound strength she exhibited following the tragic loss of her youngest son, Teddy. In 2004, Teddy, then just 14, died in a plane crash over Thanksgiving weekend, an accident that also left her husband, Dick Ebersol, and their eldest son, Charlie, with serious injuries.

Television producer Tom Werner, a longtime friend of the family, described how the actress demonstrated remarkable grace in the face of such heart-wrenching adversity. “It was inspirational,” he shared, recalling her ability to turn her grief into a celebration of life. According to Werner, whenever Saint James visited Fenway Park with Ebersol, she spoke fondly of Teddy, expressing gratitude for the brief time they shared. “She handled this terrible tragedy in such a life-affirming way,” he noted.

Werner further elaborated on Saint James’ recollections of her son, highlighting Teddy’s passion for the Boston Red Sox. “She just thought that the gift that he gave to that family, even though it was a short, short life, was something to be celebrated. So she did that,” he remarked, illustrating how she kept his spirit alive amidst her sorrow.

Fellow broadcaster Bob Costas, who grew close to Saint James through his friendship with Ebersol, was moved by the eulogy she delivered for Teddy. “The eulogy she delivered for him under that kind of duress was just magnificent,” he said. Costas described how, despite the circumstances, the speech managed to convey beauty alongside heartbreak. “You wouldn’t think that something that heartbreaking could also be so beautiful,” he reflected.

Sandy Montag, another family friend, commended Saint James for her ability to support those around her while consistently honouring Teddy’s memory. “The way she carried herself, and the way she was a rock for her family, is something that is so inspirational,” Montag explained. He added that the entire family continues to celebrate Teddy’s life, reinforcing their bond and dedication to one another.

Throughout her life, Saint James was admired not only for her resilience but also for her ability to make every individual feel valued. Costas remarked on this quality, recalling that during her peak in the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s, she never let her fame create a distance between herself and others. “The minute you met her, she was warm and friendly and appreciative,” he said, noting her genuine interest in those around her.

There was, Costas described, an enduring essence of the ‘60s and ‘70s flower child in Saint James. “The kindness, the empathy, the open-heartedness, the appreciation of others,” he noted, was something she carried with her throughout her life, remaining steadfast in her optimistic disposition.

Montag echoed this sentiment, recalling how she thrived on relationships and communication, and how her laughter was infectious. “She loved to talk. She loved to laugh. She was inquisitive,” he reminisced, affirming how Saint James had the unique ability to create a warm atmosphere that enveloped those she spent time with.

For Montag, who lost his own mother over two decades ago, the kindness and affection shown by Saint James provided a source of comfort and reminded him of familial bonds. “When I would talk to Susan, I felt like I had a mum again,” he shared, highlighting the deep emotional connection they shared.

As friends gather to remember Susan Saint James, it is clear that her legacy will not only endure through her artistic achievements but also through the indelible mark she left on the hearts of those who knew her. Their stories remind us that through love, resilience, and kindness, it is possible to transform sorrow into a celebration of life.