Rena Sam-Dinnoo

Family Tribute:'LIVE WELL FOR TODAY, FOR YESTERDAY IS A DREAM, AND TOMORROW A VISION. MAKE YESTERDAY A DREAM OF HAPPINESS, AND TOMORROW A VISION OF HOPE.'

IN REMEMBERANCE OF RENA A. SAM-DINNOO

By Andy Dinnoo and Gina R. Sam Born in Port of Spain, Trinidad on January 7, 1973, Rena Alanna Sam-Dinnoo spent much of her young life in Maraval where she attended La Seiva Roman Catholic School. She graduated from Belmont Junior Secondary School in 1988 and then attended Bishops Anstey High School and graduated in 1990. From 1990 to 1992, she studied Business Administration at the University of West Indies. In 1992, she studied one year at Lenore’s Business School in Port of Spain furthering her studies in business from where she then went on to study at Delta Soft Computer Training School in 1993.

On January 25, 1993, she got married to Andy Dinnoo, a professional jockey. Rena Sam-Dinnoo worked temporarily at Barbados Mutual Life, then moved on to Ancafe Printery as a Secretary. She migrated to the United States to join her family in January 1996. After being joined by her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Dinnoo began their new lives together in the United States. Rena’s new life in the US was always a challenge. She worked odd jobs, one of which included working as a cashier at a bakery in Brooklyn from 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. On her off days, she would spend time babysitting. Ever willing to improve herself, she was determined to pursue a degree in Business Administration.

At the end of 1996, she landed a job at Chase Manhattan Bank as a Customer Service Representative and by September 1998, she completed her Associates degree in Business Administration-Accounting from Berkeley College in NYC. She then began working at Bratique in 1998 as an Accounting Clerk.

In 1999, she embarked on a career at Marsh & McLennan as a Premium Accountant in the Premium division while continuing her studies for a degree in Business Administration at Pace University. In the spring of 2001, Rena graduated from Pace University with a bachelor’s degree. She also received a promotion in July 2001 as Financial Accountant of the New York Finance Center of Marsh & McLennan and also was in charge of the Global Brokering Bermuda Operations.

With her career now on the road, Rena was looking forward to starting a family. She was also intent on pursuing a master’s degree in accounting in the upcoming years. Aside from her immense devotion to her career and education, Rena was also very committed to her family. She was generous and always willing to help. “Rena was so energetic and full of life,” said her husband.

On the morning of September 11, 2001, Rena Sam-Dinnoo reported for work at the World Trade Center. Her family has not heard from her since. She is dearly missed by her loved ones: Andy Dinnoo, her husband, Clarence Sam, her father, Dhanmapee Sam, her mother, Gina and Lisa Sam, her younger sisters. May she rest in peace.Rena Sam-Dinnoo: A Full Life, Each Second

Her day would start at 4 a.m., when she would rise to make coffee for her husband before he left for work, and would not end until after she had watched the 10 o’clock news. In the intervening hours, Rena Sam-Dinnoo would study for her undergraduate degree at Pace University, cook some dinner for her husband, Andy, work a full day in the accounting division of Marsh & McLennan and attend classes at night. It was not that she was without help — except for the cooking, her husband, who races horses professionally, would do all the housework. It was simply that she 'was a very hardworking person,' in the words of her sister, Gina Sam. Originally from Trinidad, Ms. Sam-Dinnoo had just finished her degree and was looking forward to going on to a master’s and becoming an accountant, her relatives said.

'She was never a dull person,' Mr. Dinnoo said. 'She is well educated, and loved to talk, really about anything.' He said that he and his wife had not seen much of each other lately because he had been away on business for the six weeks before Labor Day, and then she had gone to Boston last weekend to pick apples with relatives. 'We went shopping together to buy groceries on Monday night,' he said. 'Monday night is the last time we went out together.'

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Tributes
My dearest sister Rena, I miss you so much. I love you so much. I am working hard to help your memory to continue.
Gina Sam, MD MPH, Family
Sep 12 2021 5:51PM
To the family and friends of Rena. I am neither friend, family or colleague. In fact, Rena and I never even knew each other, but each September 11th, I think of her. I was hired in December 2011 by Marsh as a premium accountant and I was given her accounts - Hartford and Stamford, CT. I had a tough time making inroads with her contacts because they all thought so highly of her. I hope I did her proud in offering the same type of work ethic, dedication and positive energy that I am certain she gave to everything she did. Although we never met, I still believe that Rena touched my life.
Monique Labat, Colleague
Sep 7 2011 4:58PM
Rena, Time goes on, Rena; but so does your memory. Peace to all of your family and friends! Take care. Roger.
Roger, Friend
Sep 11 2010 6:15AM
rena was in no way blood related to me and my family but yet still her husband and herself fought just to be called me their sister. after andy and rena got involved it was at my home that my parents kept a small reception to celebrate their marriage i did rena's hair and her make up and boy was i proud of her you see i am an only child so i appreciated her friendship whic we had through her husband andy. rena used to call my parents her own and she always made time for us even though we was not blood related that just goes to show the kind of person she was and hef life and memories will forever live on in our hearts rena we loved you when you were on the face of the earth and we will always love you now that you're in heaven.... love nisa and family....
nisa singh, Family
Apr 12 2010 11:50PM
To all who knew Rena, Life is short. Rena and I worked together at Bra-tique Fashions, Inc. She was a caring person. We used to talk on the phone about what was happening in our lives. I miss her. I hope her family is as well as can be. Take care. Roger Landau.
Roger Landau, Friend
Sep 11 2008 9:41AM
Rena, My friend, my colleague. I will never forget your kind heart, generous spirit and going to lunch with you. You were a dedicated hard working person who always strived to achieve the best for yourself and your family. I will never forget you and your determination. May your actions continue to live on in those who knew you. You will truly be missed. Love, Yvette Marsh (1995 - 2004)
Yvette Guidry-Robinson, Colleague
Sep 11 2006 9:32PM