Laura Gilly, age 32, blonde, technical support at Cantor, was killed in the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
That’s the most common information available about her on the net. But that is not the sum of Laura Gilly. It isn’t even a very big part.
Steven Kretytak of Newsday wrote:
Raised in Bensonhurst, [a section of Brooklyn, New York City, ed.] Gilly was a cheerleader at Lafayette High School and always had “an effervescent personality,” her mother said. She went to Kingsborough Community College for two years before joining Tower Airlines, which is now defunct.
“She saw places you could never even think of,” her mother said.
Gilly spent nine years traveling to far-flung destinations such as Kuwait, Russia and Thailand. One of her favorite places was Israel, where she could lie on the beach, Fribourg said.
At one point, Gilly lived in Jakarta, Indonesia, for three months to work strictly on flights ferrying Muslims there on a holy pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
Gilly lived in Bay Ridge with her two cats. She often went out with the young staff at Cantor, usually on Thursday nights and often to Windows on the World, the restaurant on the 107th floor of Tower One.
And she always relished her times at the shore. There, Gilly would always cap a day in the sun with a night at the bars and clubs. Gilly and her two good friends – Fribourg and Danielle Hoffman – knew everybody, and rarely had to pay for anything, especially at Jenkinson’s, their favorite nightclub, they said.
Hoffman said she calls on Gilly’s constant optimism and happiness to get past some of the sadness of losing her.
“She had such a positive outlook. If you were worried about something stupid, she’d say, ‘Just get over it.’” Hoffman said. “She’d say, ‘I have a choice to be happy or not, and I am going to choose to be happy.’”
Laura Gilly had family who cared for her.
Her mother loved her and spoke of her to the NYTimes.
“She wanted a 9-to-5, so she could make plans without breaking them,” said Phyllis Gilly, her mother. “So many times she wasn’t home for Christmas or New Year’s. She was really looking forward to stability.”
And 16 months ago, she found it in a job working in technical support for Cantor Fitzgerald. Life was finally sweet and somewhat predictable, and Ms. Gilly, 32, was enjoying every minute of it, her mother said, recalling a phone conversation she had with her daughter weeks before Sept. 11.
The joy Mrs. Gilly heard in her daughter’s voice has made it all the more difficult accepting the irony of her death. “We spent so much time worrying about her flying here and there, and to have her go like this: killed by a plane as she sat in an office building. All she wanted was a real job at a desk in a building.”
She had an older brother who loved her and wrote her poetry.
A cousin spoke of her in Riverside.
David Wurtzel said his first cousin, once removed 32-year-old Laura Gilly, had been excited by getting out of the airline business – flying with Tower Airlines – in July and landing a job high above New York’s financial district.
It was – and is – a close-knit family centered in Brooklyn. “We always kept in touch. “(Laura) lived in an apartment two floors above her mom’s.” Mom is Wurtzel’s first cousin….
Laura Gilly had friends who miss her.
Laura was a beautiful, bubbly, fun to be around, as well as warm and whole hearted person. … She was the type of person that you did not have to see or talk to , just knowing that when you did, it would feel like it was only yesterday that you had spoken to each other.
And Michelle.
I miss you every day. …I have a son now and I wish everyday you were here to see him. I talk to him about Aunt Laura all the time. … just know how much I always valued our special friendship. There is a place in my heart just for you. I will love you and miss you forvever. Rest in peace precious girl and know that I am raising my chocolate martini to you in heaven.
And Patricia.
Laura was the most caring and giving person I know. … If I could see her one last time, I would thank her for being such a good friend, and for helping me through a hard time.
And Theresa.
Laura Gilly was and will always be a beautiful gift to this world. Her smile would light up the darkest room and her laugh would bring a smile to all in that room.
And Phyllis.
Former Tower Air flight attendant Phyllis Fribourg has heart-shaped piece of blue skirt that belonged to her best friend, Laura Gilly, sewn into bodice of her wedding dress; Gilly, flight attendant who later took desk job at Cantor Fitzgerald, died in attack on World Trade Center.
And Peggy.
Laura was an absolute angel from the very beggining! I cherish every memory I have of her!
Laura Gilly had coworkers who remember her fondly.
Like Gregg.
I trained with Laura at Tower Air and flew with her all over the world for years. What a joy she was and she is deeply missed.
And Monica.
She was very funny. There was an ease about her. It was easy to be her friend and it was easy to talk to her. With laura what you saw is what you got and that was my favorite thing about her. I wish everyone could have known her. I’m happy i did.
And Dawn-Michelle.
I worked/flew with Laura at Tower Air years ago. … Laura was a joyful spirit and probably still is. I think of her often over the years (4 years later, I know). I am sure she’s missed by tons more that were closer to her. It is a pleaure to have known her.
And Niva.
It seems like yesterday we were flying together & getting extented somewhere “Awful” like Paris or Rome. Shopping in Okinawa for the best deals & hanging out on the US base somewhere out there. I miss your smile but carry it in my head & heart at all times. I sometimes still think you are going to call & catch up on old times.
And AnneMarie.
I flew with Laura at Tower Air. There were always good layovers with her on your crew.
Those memories make it like it was yesterday.
And Lisa S.
Tower Air was great because of friends like Laura Gilly. I will never forget her.
And Valerie.
I never saw Laura without a smile on her face. I have read the thoughts of those who knew her also, so I know she truly was happy in her life. This was in part due to her nature and,I’m sure, due to her family. She was surely blessed to have had such a loving family. … I sat 2 seats from here in our last Tower recurrent and that still remains with me. I can still picture her laughing there…….She must have been born with a smile on her face!!!! … She will not be forgotten.
And Lily.
No matter what they threw at us, she just found a way to have a good time. No matter how long the duty day or what far out place in the world we were sent.
And Jose.
I remember your bright smile on your face, your strength, your compassion for life and for whoever had a chance to know you.
Laura Gilly had old schoolmates who heard of her loss and grieved.
Like Gina.
You will always be remembered, I went to JR High School with you and just to know that one of my school mates went through that horror, breaks my heart. You are an Angel and will be in our herats forever.
And Lisa.
In H.S. I remember Laura always laughing and having a good time, just hanging out with friends. I haven’t seen Laura since H.S. but I will always remember what a kind person she was. She will be missed.
2,996 tributes.
One person remembered.
Laura Gilly.
September 6th, 2006 at 9:18 pm
A beautiful tribute! It’s so sad to see such a precious life cut short. Rest in peace, Laura.
September 7th, 2006 at 8:00 am
Thanks Suzi for giving me the chance to know Laura. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends who are adjusting to life without her presence.
Blessings,
Auntie Lyn
September 7th, 2006 at 1:21 pm
I am a participant in 2996 also. Lovely tribute to Laura!
September 7th, 2006 at 5:15 pm
Thank you.
September 7th, 2006 at 9:34 pm
I knew some real writers out there would blow the socks of us hobby bloggers! My post seems so puny now . . .
September 7th, 2006 at 10:58 pm
A lovely tribute … thanks
Mine are up.
September 8th, 2006 at 6:19 am
A beautiful tribute to Laura, I love how you were able to find comments from people close to her..
This is a wonderful experience that 2996 has given us, to go beyond our spatial boundaries of our blog worlds and unite in this celebration of life.
I am glad to be a part of it.
September 8th, 2006 at 3:41 pm
I found myself at a loss as to where to begin commneting. To sum it up in a word, extraordinary.
When you next go exploring the blogosphere perhaps you will visit Fear And Loathing – The Gonzo Papers. I will do a link exchnage if you are so inclined; otherwise I would add you as a “Blog Of Note”.
I have a 2996 tribute, by the way, if you wish to have a look.
September 8th, 2006 at 4:11 pm
Beautiful tribute! This is such a great project. I am doing one also, but it probably won’t post until Sunday night. Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my blog! Take Care.
September 8th, 2006 at 4:21 pm
Great job, Suzi.
I found that the more you seem the web of connections the people we lost on that day had with their friends and family, the more the truth of what we lost really hits home.
5 years later, it’s still a punch in the stomach.
September 8th, 2006 at 8:09 pm
Suzi, You have created a wonderful memorial to Laura. It will surely help keep her memory burning brightly. This is what 2996 is all about!
I appreciate you coming to view and comment on the Joseph Vincent Vigiano tribute I posted.
September 8th, 2006 at 10:18 pm
Thank you for the comment you wrote recognizing Elizabeth Claire Logler. My tribute is simple in nature. You have done an extraordinary job creating this celebration of Laura’s life. You should be proud of yourself.
May the 2996 never fade from our minds. There spirit should be celebrated.
September 8th, 2006 at 10:59 pm
OH HOW SOON WE FORGET
Like to invite you for a visit to the “OH HOW SOON WE FORGET” Website at
http://tibbsau.com/how.html
It is a support website for the Leaders of the Free World and our Military. It has a lot of interesting information on it plus a Forum where you can also have your say concerning matters on this.
September 9th, 2006 at 12:06 am
You went above and beyond! This was the best tribute I have read so far! GREAT job!
September 9th, 2006 at 12:45 am
Suzi; I’m a participant as well, and, like you, the experience has brought me face to face with the fact that each and every one of the 2,996 was a unique, special individual, who was loved and will be missed. Thanks for a wonderful tribute.
September 9th, 2006 at 8:35 am
So young, so tragic…..with so many gone I am at a loss for words.
September 9th, 2006 at 12:27 pm
This is one of the most personal tributes I have seen. You have celebrated Laura’ memory! Keep the spirit of the 2,996 alive!!
FOR YOUR SUCCESS pays tribute to Thomas Sullivan
September 9th, 2006 at 12:41 pm
What a lovely remembrance. It sounds like she was a wonderful woman.
September 9th, 2006 at 3:46 pm
Thank you for sharing all the lasting memories of Laura.She is missed by all of us not just those you knew her.
Please stop by to my tribute post for Gilbert so that others will come here to read.
September 9th, 2006 at 9:29 pm
Beautiful tribute. Very moving. Thank you.
September 10th, 2006 at 1:50 am
Yours is a very touching tribute, thank you for introducing me to Laura.
My memorial to Joseph Lostrangio is up on my blog if you wish to drop by.
September 10th, 2006 at 4:29 am
What a wonderful tribute! I will be thinking about her on Monday. I hope her family and friends fills our arms hugging them on Monday. We will never forget them…
I honored Michael Haub, FDNY
September 10th, 2006 at 8:01 am
Wonderful tribute, very touching. Thank you!
September 10th, 2006 at 8:52 am
Thank you for this beautiful tribute to a woman who left behind more than her life, but the love and caring of so many others. Wonderful writing.
Thank you for reading my tribute for Gilbert and leaving a comment.
September 10th, 2006 at 12:06 pm
tribute to 911 victim stephen russell…
As mentioned in an earlier entry, the 2,996 Project is a simple but powerful project aimed to create a special tribute for each victim of 9/11, with each tribute being created by a different blogger. I am proud to……
September 10th, 2006 at 12:31 pm
May her memory always be a blessing!
I am touched by this beautiful tribute to Laura!
Thank you!
September 10th, 2006 at 2:32 pm
Most excellent tribute … thank you so much for Laura’s story.
September 10th, 2006 at 3:14 pm
Thank you so very much for letting me get to know Laura. So many people forget that these were real people with real lives and not some story from 5 years ago. Thank you for giving us insight to such a lovely lady!
Thank you for your visit to my site on Claudia Suzette Sutton, http://claudiasuzettesutton.blogspot.com/ who worked for Cantor Fitzgerald.
and for visiting my regular site that I share with my fiance, who did his tribute on Sara Elizabeth Low, a flight attendent on flight 11. http://ebyzandgunz.blogspot.com/
September 10th, 2006 at 3:34 pm
What a great tribute. You really did a fine job. Thanks for visiting and commenting on my tribute to John Tobin. Everyone who was lost that day will be sorely missed.
http://gulf-coast-hurricanes.blogspot.com/2006/09/september-11-tribute.html
September 10th, 2006 at 6:27 pm
Thank you so much for you eloquent tribute to one of the innocents that were felled on that day. To be loved and missed by so many… Truly a loss to this nation and all that were blessed with her personally!
September 10th, 2006 at 6:41 pm
Beautiful tribute.
September 10th, 2006 at 7:06 pm
Nicely done. An excellent tribute with lots of input from a lot of loved ones.
Thanks for peak into Laura’s life.
September 10th, 2006 at 11:50 pm
Wow. Truly a touching and very personal tribute. I love all the quotes from her friends and loved ones. You’re welcome to read my tribute to Charles Peter Lucania at
September 10th, 2006 at 11:51 pm
Sorry, my site URL didn’t come out. It’s http://gwenevere-69.livejournal.com/
September 11th, 2006 at 12:38 am
A beautiful tribute. How ironic can life be at times?
Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you for reading my tribute to Denis F. Lavelle.
September 11th, 2006 at 2:01 am
What a traveler Laura was! She lived quite a life, by the sounds of it, and was very much loved. You have done an outstanding job honoring her.
Rest in Peace, Laura…I’m sure you are flying with the angels in Heaven now! I will never forget.
My tribute is for Mr. Daniel Lugo. Thank you for stopping by!
September 11th, 2006 at 3:44 am
Suzi, this was a really beautiful tribute. So many friends and family members who left their wonderful thoughts and feeling about her.
Ironic isn’t it, that once see no longer flys all over the world then she is killed by a plane flown by terrorists?
So very Sad!
Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving such a nice comment.
September 11th, 2006 at 9:23 am
Very well done, Laura seems like a family member to me after reading your tribute. Very touching and emotional. Great job! You captured her story very well.
September 11th, 2006 at 10:26 am
we were kindred travel spirits. Thank you for the tribute.
September 11th, 2006 at 10:48 am
What a wonderful tribute to a sweet young woman. She was taken from her family and friends far too early.
Thank you for visiting my tribute at http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/eyecorn
Michelle
September 11th, 2006 at 10:54 am
Wonderful tribute. So ironic that she left her flight attendant job for a desk job.
September 11th, 2006 at 11:14 am
Very beautifully done…
I lost it at “heart shaped blue skirt”…..
Will link at Emergiblog…..
September 11th, 2006 at 11:19 am
Hi Suzi,
Thanks for this wonderful tribute of Laura, who sounds like she was just a remarkable woman, full of vigor and spirit. Thanks for visiting my site and commenting on the tribute I posted to Stacey Leigh Sanders.
September 11th, 2006 at 11:34 am
Thank you for the beautiful tribute to Laura. Today, let’s celebrate her life!
Here’s my tribute to Jacqueline Young:
http://miller-insight.blogspot.com/
September 11th, 2006 at 11:46 am
What a fabulous tribute to such a wonderful young woman. Thank you for writing it and for visiting my tribute.
September 11th, 2006 at 11:46 am
Thank you.
September 11th, 2006 at 11:46 am
Suzi, thank you for the glimpse into this exceptional woman that everyone loved. You did a wonderful job honoring her!
September 11th, 2006 at 11:49 am
What a wonderful person. We had traveling in common but I also understand the want to have a 9 to 5 job. God bless her family.
September 11th, 2006 at 12:04 pm
Thank you for posting such a wonderful tribute and for stopping by mine. Such a tragedy.
September 11th, 2006 at 12:51 pm
My deepest sympathies go out to her friends and family….
Blessings,
Justice
In Memory of Edward York
September 11th, 2006 at 1:05 pm
Thank you for sharing some of her life with us. I’m glad to be a part of this project.
Faina’s tribute
September 11th, 2006 at 1:16 pm
You painted a wonderful and clear picture of yet another indivdual to remind us of more than just the blanket horror of that day. Thank you for sharing her life with us.
September 11th, 2006 at 1:41 pm
Every time I read a tribute to someone who worked at Cantor Fitzgerald, I wonder if he or she knew Christopher Paul Slattery. I feel connected to Chris, and I feel connected to Laura through him, and I am now connected to you.
Stunning.
September 11th, 2006 at 1:55 pm
Laura & I worked at S&J on 86 Street while we both attended Lafayette in the mid 80’s. Despite the fact I hadn’t seen her in over ten years I was overcome with sorrow to learn she perished on 9/11. In the two years we worked & went to school together I don’t recall Laura ever being in a bad mood. Her smile could light up a room. Pettiness didn’t exist in her vocabulary. You are sorely missed!
September 11th, 2006 at 2:38 pm
And now, through your eyes and your tribute, we will remember her for what she was: friend, daughter, sister. Thank you.
September 11th, 2006 at 2:47 pm
I’m so very touched.
What a wonderful tribute to a remarkable woman.
Thank you for visiting my site.
September 11th, 2006 at 3:37 pm
What an amazing tribute for Laura!
Thanks for stopping by my tribute to Thomas E. Sinton III.
http://graymama.blogspot.com/2006/09/2996-tribute-for-thomas-e-sinton-iii.html
September 11th, 2006 at 3:45 pm
What a wonderful tribute to an amazing young woman. She was loved by so many.
My tribute is to Sheila Hein
September 11th, 2006 at 6:47 pm
That was a wonderful tribute, thanks for participating in this amazing project. Thanks for stopping by my tribute to Marjorie C. Salamone.
September 11th, 2006 at 7:21 pm
[...] Home « Laura Gilly [...]
September 11th, 2006 at 7:30 pm
Wonderful and touching tribute for a talented woman!
Skye
In memory of Marcello Matricciano
September 11th, 2006 at 7:51 pm
What a beautiful tribute to a very special woman. I grew up in Brooklyn too, I went to Lincoln but many of my friends went to Lafayette.
I wish I had known Laura, she seems like someone I would have liked to be my friend.
September 11th, 2006 at 10:07 pm
What a beautiful tribute. Thank you so much for sharing.
September 11th, 2006 at 10:19 pm
Suzi it has meant a lot to meet Laura Gilly. Thank you for this wonderful Tribute to her. I love how you have shared things others have said about her. This was so very special.
November 28th, 2006 at 4:40 pm
[...] Laura Gilly will be honored by Suzi D [...]
September 11th, 2007 at 12:58 pm
Such a great tribute, and I love how you showed that there is so very much more than just name, age, place of employment to all of these names. Beautiful.
I’ve remembered Jean D Roger this year.
September 11th, 2007 at 10:59 pm
[...] Remember Laura Gilly. [...]
September 10th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
[...] And for the last few years I also celebrate the life that was Laura Gilly. [...]
June 14th, 2010 at 9:30 am
What a beautiful tribute. Thank you so much for sharing.