For generations of television viewers, Susan Saint James will always be remembered for her warmth, infectious smile, natural charm, and memorable performances. The Emmy-winning actress brought laughter and entertainment into countless homes through some of television’s most beloved productions.

But beyond her successful Hollywood career, Saint James was also a devoted mother whose family experienced an unimaginable tragedy.

On November 28, 2004, her youngest son, Edward “Teddy” Ebersol, died at just 14 years old in a devastating private plane crash in Colorado. The accident also left her husband, television executive Dick Ebersol, and their older son Charlie seriously injured.

Years later, following Saint James’s death on October 26, 2026, at the age of 80, her family shared a deeply moving memory that revealed another side of the actress: her remarkable strength and compassion during one of the most difficult periods of her life.

In the weeks following Teddy’s death, she delivered his eulogy not simply as a farewell, but as a personal message intended to comfort her husband and children.

Her family remembered this gesture as one of the defining moments of her life.

A Thanksgiving Weekend That Changed Everything

The tragedy occurred during Thanksgiving weekend in 2004, when the Ebersol family was traveling aboard a private Canadair Challenger aircraft.

The family was making a journey from California, with plans to stop in Colorado before continuing toward Indiana.

Susan had been traveling with the family but was no longer aboard when the accident occurred. She had gotten off the aircraft in Colorado, while Dick, Charlie, and Teddy continued their journey.

On November 28, the aircraft attempted to take off from Montrose Regional Airport in snowy and freezing conditions.

The plane lost control during takeoff and crashed.

The consequences were devastating. Fourteen-year-old Teddy died, along with pilot Luis Alberto Polanco and flight attendant Warren Richardson III.

Dick Ebersol and Charlie survived, although both suffered serious injuries. Co-pilot Eric Wicksell also survived.

For Susan, the news brought a loss no parent should ever have to experience. Her youngest child was gone, while her husband and surviving son faced a difficult recovery.

The family was suddenly confronted with grief, uncertainty, and an entirely different future from the one they had imagined.

Charlie Ebersol’s Courage During the Accident

Charlie, who was 21 at the time, also faced an extraordinarily difficult experience.

According to accounts of the accident, he helped his injured father get away from the aircraft after the crash. He also attempted to reach his younger brother.

Although Dick and Charlie survived, the experience left a lasting emotional impact on the family.

Surviving a traumatic accident does not automatically make the emotional consequences disappear. The family had to navigate physical recovery while also coming to terms with Teddy’s death.

For Charlie, the loss of his younger brother became part of a deeply personal experience that would remain with him long after the accident.

Susan, meanwhile, faced the challenge of supporting her husband and children while processing her own grief.

The Eulogy That Became a Message of Love

In the weeks following Teddy’s death, Susan faced one of the most difficult responsibilities of her life.

She had lost her youngest son, yet she also understood that her husband and other children were experiencing their own profound grief.

According to the family’s statement shared after her death, Susan delivered Teddy’s eulogy as a personal message to each member of the family.

Rather than focusing only on saying goodbye, she used her words to offer comfort to the people she loved.

Her family later described the gesture as one of the clearest examples of her character, explaining that even during the deepest grief of her life, she put the needs of her loved ones first.

It was not that her own pain was less important. Rather, she found a way to acknowledge everyone’s loss while reminding them that they still had one another.

Her children remembered this moment as a defining expression of her compassion and strength.

Susan Saint James Spoke About Grief and Life After the Crash

In 2006, Susan and members of her family appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show to discuss the accident and its lasting impact.

The interview offered viewers a rare glimpse into the family’s private experience and the challenges of returning to everyday life after such a devastating loss.

Susan spoke about how difficult it had been to resume ordinary routines.

One particularly emotional subject involved Teddy’s bedroom and personal belongings.

She explained that she had found it difficult to touch his clothes or move his things. His belongings remained in place, preserving familiar reminders of the son she had lost.

For many grieving parents, everyday objects can carry powerful emotional meaning. A photograph, a favorite piece of clothing, or a familiar room can become a reminder of someone whose presence is deeply missed.

For Susan, changing Teddy’s room was not simply a practical decision. It was connected to accepting a reality that no parent would ever want to face.

The interview showed that grief does not follow a predictable schedule. Even after time has passed, memories can remain closely connected to ordinary places and objects.

The family did not suggest that everything had returned to normal. Instead, they spoke openly about remembering Teddy and learning to live with his absence.

Remembering Teddy Ebersol Beyond the Tragedy

Although Teddy’s life ended far too early, his family remembered him for much more than the circumstances of his death.

He was known as a lively young boy with a strong interest in sports, particularly baseball. He was also a devoted Boston Red Sox fan, something that became a memorable part of his family’s stories about him.

His love of the team was especially meaningful during the unforgettable 2004 baseball season, when the Red Sox won their first World Series championship in 86 years.

These personal memories helped preserve Teddy’s identity beyond the tragedy.

For his family, remembering him meant celebrating the interests, personality, and everyday moments that made him special.

Susan Saint James’s Legacy Beyond Hollywood

While many people first knew Susan Saint James through her television career, her family and charitable work were equally important parts of her life.

She became widely recognized for playing Sally McMillan alongside Rock Hudson in McMillan & Wife. Later, she starred as Kate McArdle in the popular sitcom Kate & Allie, earning additional recognition and Emmy nominations.

She also supported charitable causes, including Special Olympics, and remained involved in activities that reflected her interest in helping others.

Her family described her as generous, energetic, and attentive to the people around her. They recalled how she had a remarkable ability to make others feel valued, regardless of their background or position.

That description also helps explain why the story of Teddy’s eulogy resonated so strongly with those who knew her.

A Mother’s Love That Remains Part of Her Story

Susan Saint James died on October 26, 2026, at the age of 80, after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Her passing brought renewed attention to her remarkable career and the personal experiences that shaped her life.

For many viewers, she will remain the talented actress who brought warmth and humor to television.

For her family, however, her legacy includes something much more personal.

She was a mother who experienced profound loss and continued to show compassion toward the people she loved. The eulogy she delivered after Teddy’s death became a lasting reminder of the importance she placed on family.

Her story also highlights something that is often overlooked when people remember public figures: behind the familiar television performances and professional achievements are private lives filled with relationships, memories, and challenges.

Susan’s family will remember her not only for the happiness she brought to audiences, but also for the love, generosity, and strength she demonstrated at home.

Her career made her familiar to millions of viewers, but the way she cared for her family revealed the person they will remember most.