“She made an often difficult and thankless job much more enjoyable for everyone in the office.”
DPW Director Pat Bower, on devoted co-worker Sue Kattar

After 33-plus years of working for the City of Methuen, Susan Kattar didn’t want a big retirement party; she didn’t want anything special Dec. 31 – her last day of work.

But Department of Public Works employees surprised their longtime office clerk anyways with a huge send-off the week prior to her last day.

A huge convoy of DPW employees did a wonderful drive-by at the Central Building where the DPW offices are located.
Susan thought something was wrong outside the building when she heard all the commotion.

She said, “The girls were rushing me out of the office saying, ‘We need to get out to the front of the building.’ ”

Once outside, she saw the trucks and the employees waving to her as well as her husband Kevin holding a large bouquet of flowers. Overcome with emotion, she burst into tears.

Susan started with the DPW in August 1991, giving 33 and a half years of dedicated service to the community.

“The best part of working here was working with the residents of the city. I can’t remember a bad part of this job because I had none,” she said. “Honestly working with Pat (Bower) and Ray (DiFiore, former director of the DPW), who was like a second father to me … Pat just wanted you to get your work done and you wanted to make him proud of us. Having worked with them was like working with my own family, especially when I faced a very challenging health issue. You just wanted to be around all of them; we never had a tough day working together.”

She continued, “Leaving was the hardest part of this job. I will miss everyone so very much.”

When asked how she dealt with residents upset about trash removal, snow plowing and the like, Sue said, “Honestly, with humor! Without making their situation any worse, but just trying to calm them down and showing them it would be taken of and I made sure it was. I always made sure to not sweat the small stuff.”

“Sue will be sorely missed, though we all feel better knowing that the friendships we’ve each developed with her will last,” DPW Director Bower said. “Many DPW employees don’t know what she did to make sure they were taken care of, regularly resolving issues with City Hall on their behalf. It didn’t matter how well she knew you, if you were a DPW employee she would protect you. She was the unofficial matriarch of the department. I’ve watched her for years manage angry residents with grace and always with a sense of humor. Even during the years when she was battling a significant illness.

“She made an often difficult and thankless job much more enjoyable for everyone in the office,” he continued. “She is the epitome of friendship and loyalty. Her friends and family and those who had the pleasure of working with her will understand exactly what I’m talking about. While we selfishly wish she would have never left, we are so happy that she can enjoy a much-deserved retirement.”

“I’m going to miss her so much at work. She kept us going,” said Jackie Lannon, Susan’s sister and co-worker. She is the best person to work with. If there was a problem, Sue fixed it. She is just so dependable. Not because she’s my sister but because this is how Sue is all the time.”
DPW secretary Karen Dowgiert added, “When (Sue) was at work, you know your day would be great.”

Jenny Jajuga, another co-worker, said, “Sue was a presence in the office. She was wonderful, just a pleasure to be around and to work with.”

Happy retirement, Sue. Enjoy it!