Washington Crossing Post Office Renamed In Memory Of Flood Victim

WASHINGTON, DC — It’s official. This week, President Joseph Biden signed legislation renaming the Washington Crossing Post Office in honor of Susan C. Barnhart.

"This effort was not just about renaming a building," said Bucks County Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick who sponsored the legislation. "It was about preserving the legacy of an extraordinary individual whose compassion and service touched countless lives.

"Susan’s name will now serve as a daily reminder of the values she embodied and the impact one person can have on an entire community," he said. "I am humbled and honored to have played a role in ensuring that Susan’s spirit continues to inspire us and lives on in our community forever."

Barnhart was one of the seven victims who lost their lives in catastrophic flash flooding that struck Bucks County on July 15, 2023. A dedicated employee of the Washington Crossing Post Office and a resident of Titusville, New Jersey, Susan was beloved by the Bucks and Mercer County communities alike.

The legislation, sponsored by Fitzpatrick who represents the district where the post office is located and New Jersey Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), who represents the district where Barnhart lived in New Jersey, won approval from the House in June.

Watch Congressman Fitzpatrick’s Floor Speech in support of the legislation here.

“In 2023, our community was shaken to the core when a devastating flash flood claimed the lives of seven innocent individuals, including the remarkable Susan Barnhart. A true exemplar of public service and compassion, Susan brought joy to everyone she encountered," said Fitzpatrick.

"While her absence leaves an irreplaceable void, the Senate passage of this legislation to rename the Washington Crossing Post Office ensures her legacy will continue to inspire future generations. Thank you to Congresswoman Watson Coleman and my colleagues in the House and Senate for joining me to honor Susan and the memories of all those we lost that day,” said Fitzpatrick.

The Washington Crossing branch of the United States Postal Service has officially been renamed in memory of Susan Barnhart. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

Following House passage of the bill in June, Pennsylvania's two senators, Bob Casey and John Fetterman, sponsored companion legislation in the Senate. The Senate approved the legislation last week sending it to the desk of the President who signed it on Monday.

“This is not only a memorial of Susan’s death but a fond remembrance of her boundless passion and energy for life,” said Susan’s sister, Lynda Barnhart. “Susan’s joy was helping others, always with a warm smile, and she left a lasting impression on everyone she met."

Her sister continued, "She was devoted to her work at the Post Office and genuinely cared for her customers and co-workers — it was never just a job to her, and she consistently went above and beyond to help others. Still, almost a year later, people are sharing stories with us about how they would visit the Post Office just to experience her smile and service. Susie made everyone she encountered feel special and brightened their days—this dedication perfectly honors her memory and spirit.”