Scott and Sue: A Norwalk Love Story

Just over the bridge at the intersection of Washington and Water Streets is , home to many of Norwalk’s events including the Oyster Festival. In the beauty of this waterfront park, Sue Czel met Scott Ruther.

It was a summer day, flowers were in bloom and the air was filled with the scent of fresh-cut grass. Scott was wearing a T-shirt and jeans with sunglasses and Sue was wearing shorts and a T-shirt. “I met Scott and fell in love,” Sue recalled on a recent afternoon. A warm smile, caring eyes and personality attracted her to Scott instantly, she said.

The two began dating, and soon the pair were expecting a child. Sue gave birth to their son Robert one year later and the family lived happily together in Norwalk.

Typically, on Valentine's Day, Scott and Sue would go out to dinner and spend quality time together. Any chance the pair had to enjoy time together, even if it were just sitting on the couch watching TV, they would, Sue recalled.

On Sept. 26, 2011 Scott went to the hospital after being sick for roughly four years. Sue stayed with him at Stamford Hospital day in and day out. Sue hoped for the best and stuck by Scott’s side.

On Wednesday, Jan. 10, news came from hospital doctors that Scott’s kidneys had started to fail.

“I was lucky enough to spend the last 12 days of his life with him,” she said. Sue stayed with Scott until he passed away on Jan. 14—one month ago today. “He went in the hospital and never came home,” she said.

“All we said to each other is that we loved each other,” Sue said of the last week they shared together. “He was my life. I love him very much.”

They met in Norwalk, fell in love in Norwalk and continued to love each other, in Norwalk. Sue said she will forever love Scott and his memory and that she takes solace in the fact that she was able to tell the one she loves as much as she did.