Susan Tantow

Susan J. Tantow (nee Carino), age 83 of Wayne, NJ, died on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 in her home surrounded by her loved ones. Susan lived in Wayne for twenty-five years, having previously lived in West Orange, Ringwood & Waldwick, NJ.

Susan was a Registered Nurse throughout her professional career, working for decades at the Hackensack University Hospital, as well as at the Christian Healthcare Center in Wyckoff. She absolutely loved her occupation and was truly a nurse at heart.

Having grown up in Waldwick, NJ, Susan went on to graduate from Ramsey High School where she had been a JV Cheerleader and was dating her ‘high school sweetheart’ Karsten Sandsmark. They would marry and eventually build a home in Ringwood, NJ where they raised their two sons, Kirk and Eric. Her marriage to Karsten ended in the 1980’s, years later she met Henry Tantow at a “Parents Without Partners” gathering. They started dating and three years later were married. The two of them worked extremely hard at their professions, Susan would take on two jobs in order to enjoy worldwide travel. In Susan’s own words, they traveled everywhere sometimes two or three times except China. Susan and her husband, Henry particularly enjoyed river cruises and they went on many of them. For a number of years, Susan and Henry also kept a condo in Cape Coral, Florida, where they enjoyed themselves as snowbirds in the winter months. Almost twenty-five years ago, Susan and Henry moved to Four Seasons in Wayne, where they embraced the community. Susan always enjoyed socializing at the Four Seasons club house with her neighbors. Sadly, Henry passed away in 2018 after nearly thirty years of marriage, and Susan has missed him ever since.

Susan adored her family and her world revolved around her loved ones. She enjoyed doting on her sons, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren. She counted her beloved dogs as family members as well, and her favorite two favorite dogs were Tinker and Zoey. She was also a diehard METS fan and always rooted for the NY GIANTS.

Susan is survived by her two sons; Kirk D. Sandsmark and his wife Tara of Highland Lakes, NJ, and Eric Sandsmark of Highland Lakes, NJ, her step-son Jeff Tantow, six grandchildren; Kirk Sandsmark, Jr. (Sarah), Karley Sandsmark (Sean), Katelynn Sandsmark (Nick), Sarah Sandsmark (Ryan), Taylor Shearer (Josh), and Jeff Jr., ten great-grandchildren, a sister; Rosemary Klingen (Jack), one niece; Jill Hasting (Jon), one nephew; Jack Klingen (Stacey) and predeceased by her beloved parents Carmine and Rose Carino.

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In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital would be greatly appreciated.