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Karen Martin Obituary
Karen Martin's friends say she was not just a Type A personality, she was a Type A+. Competitive. Organized. In charge. On the stick to a fault.
She did her Christmas shopping during the summer, had it all wrapped up and out of the way by first frost.
When water skiing, she would dip and slip a little lower than most people. On snow, she always took the steeper, riskier route down. Golfing? She hit from the men's tee.
Back in the 1980's, Ms. Martin, from Danvers, Mass., worked for a while as a bartender at the Hard Rock Cafe in Boston — a Type A+ bartender. She set up her glasses and bottles just so, kept a precise inventory of everything and ragged on all the other bartenders to do likewise. They grumbled. But it was good-natured grumbling because at heart they liked Karen Martin's style. They went along.
In 1989, Ms. Martin became an American Airlines flight attendant and, jumping up onto a chair, proclaimed to her friends: "There is now something special in the air." She liked to work the long, hard hauls, especially the coast-to-coast "transcons."
On Sept. 11, she was the head attendant on American Flight 11, bound out of Boston for Los Angeles. She was 40 years old.
292 Entries
Laine Dyck
August 16, 2024
I am watching a show about the attacks and feel so sad for the loss of this wonderful woman. Even after all these years I think it is good to remember her. Karen sounds so lovely.
Norm Hawn
September 25, 2023
Still think about you ...
Deodatta Shenai-Khatkhate
September 22, 2023
Even after 22 years, on every 9/11 day we think of the sacrifices made by Karen Martin. All Danvers and Massachusetts residents are proud of Karen, and we salute her for her remarkable bravery. It will never be forgotten.
A Danvers resident
January 26, 2023
Always in our thoughts
How you can show support
Peter witwicki
October 30, 2022
Karen it's hard to be that over 20 yrs have passed since u.were sadly taken you were reunited with Gertrude who
I just loved then my very dear friend Wally your baby brother followed I still think about Wally often I miss him terribly and I just received some devastating news now Johnny is reunited with you Wally and Gert Susan is the only one left so said it seems like yesterday life was full of excitement I remember you used to borrow my old caddy to skip one of your classes it's really hard to wrap my head around how things worked out rest in peace give Wally a big hug for me
Steve Guichard
July 10, 2022
Think of you often. Still picture you up sitting on the jump seat during your break on the transcons. RIP.
Wes
September 12, 2020
Always remember ....
JOAN GREENER
September 12, 2020
Karen it may be 19 years since you have left us, but our memories of you are still so strong. Your friends and family still feel the void of your presence. You were a ray of sunshine in our lives. Forever strong and forever
a wonderful thoughts of fun and laughter with you. Never forget you Karen!
Jennifer Dabrieo
September 11, 2020
We will never forget.....
Charlene Jones
September 12, 2019
Dear Joan..there are a couple other pictures..the name of Karen on the memorial I sent did not go thru..I will try tomorrow..there is a picture of me and captain Beverley bass retired captain American Airlines..lovely woman..we had all flown on the dc-10 with captain Beverley several times in the late 80 and early 90's..she remembers Karen fondly..the other are a 2 bouquet of flowers from guy and me in NYC at the 9/11 museum yesterday. September 11 2019..Karen will not ever be forgotten..god bless you Joan and your family love Charlene
Captain Beverley bass retired captain for American airlines her husband tom Sept 11 2019 grapevine tx
Charlene Jones
September 12, 2019
Charlene and captain Beverley bass grapevine tx September 11 2019
Charlene Jones
September 12, 2019
Charlene Jones
September 12, 2019
Bouquet of roses from guy and me at the 9/11 museum yesterda September 11 2019 NYC
Charlene Jones
September 12, 2019
Charlene Jones
September 10, 2019
Dear Joan and your family..I tried to send a few picture's when I visited the DFW international airport memorial in July 2019..it was so peaceful..solace with serenity..I actually felt peace..Karen is probably saying what did you do to your hair..wind wind..I will text you the picture's in the next day or 2 Joan..remembering Karen on this sad day..God bless you and your family prayers always..my email is actually working..love Charlene
Karen's name seen real good here DFW international airport memorial July 2019
Charlene Jones
September 10, 2019
Beautiful tribute to American airlines flight 11 American Airlines flight 77 United Airlines flight 175 United Airlines flight 93 and paxs DFW interna
Charlene Jones
September 10, 2019
Charlene by Karen's name DFW international airport memorial July 2019
Charlene Jones
September 10, 2019
Karen's name clear here DFW international airport memorial July 2019
Charlene Jones
September 10, 2019
American airlines flight 11 Karen's crewmembers DFW international airport memorial July 2019
Charlene Jones
September 10, 2019
Charlene by betty name DFW international airport memorial July 2019
Charlene Jones
September 10, 2019
Flag soaring high in the sky for all our loved ones lost on September 11 2001. DFW international airport memorial July 2019
Charlene Jones
September 10, 2019
Tribute to flight 11 American Airlines DFW international airport memorial July 2019
Charlene Jones
September 10, 2019
Charlene at DFW international airport memorial July 2019
Charlene Jones
September 10, 2019
Charlene marie jones at the DFW international airport memorial July 2019
Charlene Jones
September 10, 2019
Charlene Jones
September 10, 2019
Dear Joan and family..thinking of Karen tonight with a moment of silence..prayers always for your family..god bless..a few picture's I took at the DFW international airport memorial..God bless you and your family love Charlene
Lee Stanechewski
July 28, 2019
Oh my God Karen I did not know you are always so nice to me I remember you coming to visit me at my house after my motorcycle accident I always thought you were a very nice person Rest in peace my sweet friend
Alex
June 30, 2019
I feel nothing but sorrow over your passing aboard Flight 11 in NYC.
May the Lord eternally bless you, Karen.
Charlene Jones
May 12, 2019
Dear Mr and Mrs Martin..happy mother's day..I do hope all is well..I have an update for you..I spoke to my friend and music collaborator peter Hume last night in LAX..we spoke for over 1 he..Peter mentioned that 4 months is not enough time to get a music venue nor get the singers and musicians..Melissa loves the idea just not enough time for the music industry..peter said for an event it takes 1-2 years of planning..to clear singers schedule..book venues..I am still going to NYC this September 11 2019..I have not been back since 2008..its time to pay my respects..captain Beverley is in Sydney Australia now for rehearsals for come from away..she will be there for about another month..I am in communication with her..also in communication with tony at the 9/11 museum and our APFA union..I am in the DFW area right now..my phone number is 617-369-2444..I look forward to seeing you in NYC in September 2019..god bless love Charlene American airlines flight attendant BOS Logan international airport BOS Massachusetts
Charlene Jones
May 7, 2019
Dear Mr and Mrs Martin and family..I was taught in elementary school once a friend always a friend..once a crewmember always a crewmember..we stick together no matter what..we are family..god bless love Charlene American airlines BOS Logan international airport BOS Massachusetts
Charlene Jones
May 7, 2019
Dear Mr and Mrs Martin..I have sent you some more pictures..more pictures of Karen are in my storage bldg..made so many moves in my career..I will find them and send them to you..music makes the world turn..on September 11 2001 the world stopped turning..I have NOT been back to NYC since 2008..I will be returning to see my friends crewmembers first responders..its time..peter is working on the music end captain Beverley bass come from away on Broadway about 9/11 will be in NYC on September 10 2019..we are hoping to see ALL of you if you can make it..I am aware BOS has their own ceremony..this year for me its NYC..the world is turning..we need to keep Karen bright light shining every morning and night forever..617-369-2444..my email isn't working.god bless love Charlene flight attendant American airlines BOS Logan international airport BOS Massachusetts
Tribute in my American Airlines APFA union magazine
Charlene Jones
May 7, 2019
Tribute to our family and crewmembers in DFW international airport
Charlene Jones
May 7, 2019
Tribute to American airlines and United airlines from my American Airlines APFA union magazine
Charlene Jones
May 7, 2019
Tribute to American airlines flight 11 American Airlines flight 77 United Airlines flight 93 United Airlines flight 175 from my American Airlines APFA
Charlene Jones
May 7, 2019
Charlene Jones
May 7, 2019
Dear Mr and Mrs Martin..more pictures to follow love Charlene marie flight attendant American airlines BOS Logan international airport BOS Massachusetts
Charlene Jones
May 7, 2019
Dear Mr and Mrs Martin and family..I hope you are doing well..thinking of Karen today..I have an update on September 11 2019..I have been in touch with tony at the 9/11 museum in NYC..he gave me the schedule of NYC ceremonies..I aware BOS has their own ceremony..I have not been back to NYC since 2008 and I cried for 1 he..during Karen betty and Amy flying on flight 11 BOS-LAX I was writing song lyrics..in my flying out of BOS..I went to berklee college of music in BOS Massachusetts..I received my master's degree in music..there my professor Jon David Aldrich a jingle writer and songwriter was my friend and mentor..he knew I needed a composer for my lyrics..he called Peter Hume in LAX Music director to Melissa manchester..we met and became music collaborator..I have been in touch with peter Hume in LAX a lot..we are trying to get music to the Sept 11 2019 ceremony..do you know what Karen's class song was when she graduated American airlines in 1989..just after betty and me..we all based at BOS Logan international airport and continued flying..I have Jeffery Collman class song..betty..mine..jean mum does not recall hers..the reason I am asking is for music to keep turning the world with love and peace and keep my family our crewmembers alive forever..peter is working on contacts he has in the music industry and its more than me..he is in contact with Melissa..we are hoping Melissa will agree to fly with peter from LAX-LGA to perform music for our families..the first responders firefighters DCA.shanksville PA..we also are in contact with Barry MANILOW..he has blocked off those days in LAS..no affirmative confirmation yet..the music industry is slow..that's why flight attendants are a step above in action..my phone number is 617-369-2444..please call me anytime with Karen's class song or just to talk..I have spoken t9 Jeffery Collman parents.. Jean roger parents..betty sister captain john..capt Thomas so far..god bless your family..hope to hear from you soon..and see you in NYC for September 11 2019 love Charlene marie flight attendant American airlines BOS Logan international airport BOS Massachusetts
Charlene Jones
April 27, 2019
Dear Mr and Mrs Martin..hi..I hope you guy's are well..I will be in NYC around Sept10 2019..til Sept13 2019..I know BOS has their own ceremony..I have been to DCA Pentagon when I lived in DCA in 2009-2010..this year its NYC for Karen..I spoke to tony yesterday at the 9/11 museum..he gave me the schedule..god bless 617-369-2444
Jeff Brown
April 24, 2019
I'm sorry to not have known an incredible person as Karin, but like Betty Ong and all courageous flight attendants women and men their spirits will live in all hearts forever.
Joan Greener
April 23, 2019
Karen barely a day that I don't think of you, a blue sky, song, laughter. Every family gathering you are a topic of conversation, & of course a good laugh! Your not forgotten, and never will be! You are an inspiration to us all, including the new generations that have been kissed down from heaven by you! I miss you &. We all love you! Forever
Charlene Jones
April 22, 2019
To the dear Martin family..HAPPY Easter to you and your family and friends..thinking of Karen..we all miss her..my good friend captain Beverley bass first female captain for American airlines has her Broadway show come from away in NYC..Beverley and myself want to honor our family and friends this September 11, 2019 in NYC..the bright light shines on Karen and your family every day..we honor Karen and our family and friends lost on September 11, 2001.come from away is in NYC Toronto..LHR and July will be opening in Sydney Australia..Beverley will be in Australia in July..we will be in NYC for our 18th anniversary to honor our fellow family members and friends..my phone number is 617-369-2444...may god always bless you..please give me a call..anytime..hope to see you in September 2019 LOVE Charlene flight attendant American airlines BOS Logan international airport BOS Massachusetts
Flight 93 and flight 175 from my American Airlines APFA union magazine
Charlene Jones
November 13, 2018
Charlene Jones
November 13, 2018
Dear Mr and Mrs Martin and family..I have a few pictures I have been carrying with me for years..its time I share them with you..I fly hundred of times with beautiful Karen on flight 11..Karen is deeply missed by all her friends and family..god bless your family today tomorrow and forever Charlene Marie Jones Flight attendant American airlines BOS Logan international airport BOS Massachusetts
Barbara Foley (Erbacher)
September 11, 2018
Always remember the good times and Karen's smile. She inspired me to be fearless!
Michelle Pare
September 11, 2018
It's a Karen Martin kind of day!
As I sit on my porch and looked to the sky in reflective thoughts. I saw numerous hearts in the sky. Some broken like they were on this day 17 years ago. Some complete because of how those that died that day still make us feel when we think of them. I know why we call sunny days Karen Martin days. Her sunny dispostion and her love of life and people made her stand out in all our hearts. I think this sky today honors those who have touched our very hearts, by just knowing them, loving them, being loved by them, and just being in their presence. Today I honor those who died that day. By being kinder then I already am. Quick to love and laugh and live my life in a way that reflects God's love and character. I miss you Karen Martin.
Charlene Jones
September 10, 2018
To the dear Martin family..on the eve of September 11, 2018.I honor Karen in a moment of silence..Karen came to our flight 11 just 1 year after betty and myself..we came in 1988..Karen was a dear friend..its hard to think its been 17 year's seems like yesterday we were counting meals..hanging coats having FUN..Karen loved what she did being a flight attendant..Karen will always be remembered tonight tomorrow and forever by her family friends and crewmembers who love her..God bless..Charlene Marie Jones Flight attendant American airlines BOS Logan international airport BOS Massachusetts
Charlene Jones
July 12, 2018
To the dear Martin family of Karen..please forgive for it has taken me 17 years to write to you..I flew numerous times with our flight11 greatest crewmembers..we were more like family than friends..we all use to bring certain foods on our trip from BOS-LAX..we always hide the dunkin donuts muncheens..the paxs even found out where we hid them..I have fond memories of you Karen..I think and pray for your family every day..you graduated a year after me and betty..we were in 87-42.and 87-43.we all went to BOS..had GRAND days..your light shines bright every night..you are missed..god bless your family Karen..all my love Charlene Marie Jones..flight attendant American Airlines BOS Logan international airport.BOS Massachusetts
Mavis Deans
September 16, 2017
It has been 20 years but we have never forget. Miss you every day always remembered as the kind loving person that you were Love you Karen. You are not alone up there you have mom and dad, grandma and grandpa and many more.
Carol
September 14, 2017
Miss you Karen.
Never forget.
September 12, 2017
Still missed and will never be forgotten.
Barbara Foley
September 12, 2017
Think of you often my friend...never forget!
Jim Beaupre
September 12, 2017
I had several classes with her at North Shore Regional High School, she was certainly a very special person RIP Karen Martin.
Tom H
September 11, 2017
Today, 09/11/2017, our thoughts are with you Karen and your family members. We will never forget. With much regards.
September 11, 2017
Remembered. May God bless your family with peace
Donna (Andrews) Burgess
September 11, 2017
Karen was Aunt Jenny's grandaughter....I'm Annette Caron's(Andrews) grandaughter...we share the Caron gene's.I'm beyond proud of her courage,bravery and soul...She's made of strong, wonderful "Caron Stuff"...we share that,She from Aunt Jenny, me from Gram. I told my son..what Karen "used"that day..we have from Gram...cherish it and use it wisely...it's very special..RIP Karen...so very very sorry...
September 11, 2017
September 11, 2017
16 years later and it still seems like yesterday. Karen you will always be remembered. Keep em flying Karen forever young at heart and soul.
Joseph Marcus
Class of 76
Danvers High
Barbara Erbacher
April 13, 2017
Just was thinking about you again... miss you!
Mavis Deans
September 11, 2016
It's been15 years you may be gone but never forgotten miss you everyday
Michelle Pare
September 11, 2016
15 years have passed. You loved us all so well that not a day goes by that we dont think of you and smile. I was just thinking about something Its not how you died which was horrific, but how you lived that I think about all the time. You still make me smile and feel special. You still have that beautiful gift. We all miss and love you soooo much. Know we shall celebrate you today by living life to the fullest. Until we hug and laugh again...love Michelle.
We love and miss you sooo much.
Michelle Pare
September 11, 2016
Norm Hawn
September 11, 2016
I will always remember.
Karen Mills
September 11, 2016
To Karen's Family,
I worked in Provincetown in a pet things store the summer of 2001. On Sept. 11, liike the rest of the world, I was shocked and horrified by what happened in NYC. The following day, I headed down to Chatham to go on a seal watching trip, scheduled a few weeks earlier. The mood of the group was visibly downbeat from the events of the previous day as we headed toward the 12 person boat. The folks in charge took attendance. There was noticeably an empty seat.
The woman in charge pointed out the seat. She talked about the person who was supposed to be sitting in the seat. "Her name was Karen, and she couldn't be here today. She was a flight attendant on Flight 11 that crashed into the World Trade Center yesterday. We all mourn her loss." The group was quiet. I whispered a prayer for her and her family.
It is 15 years since that happened. I have remembered it every year. This year, I looked up her obituary and found a photo. What a beautiful, vivacious woman she seemed to be.
I am so sorry for your loss. We missed your Karen on that trip. Her empty seat was a constant reminder of the sadness and loss that we all experienced on 9/11 but no one lost as much as the families.
I pray for your healing. I know she lives on in your hearts.
Deodatta Shenai-Khatkhate
September 10, 2016
Our respectful salute to Karen Martin, who bravely fought the terrorists and sacrificed her life for our nation. As the residents of Danvers, Massachusetts, we are proud of Karen's life and her exceptional sacrifice. Karen Martin will be remembered at all times. May God Bless Karen Martin and all 9/11 Heroes. - Deodatta Shenai-Khatkhate, Danvers, MA.
R M
September 10, 2016
I think of you often Karen, I will never forget the last time I saw you , all smiles.God blessyou and rest in peace. RM Danvers, MA
Lisa M..
September 22, 2015
I think of you every year. I'll never forget...
Dayna
September 20, 2015
Bless you and your family
September 19, 2015
Never to be forgotten.....
Del Newberry
September 17, 2015
It is evident from the comments by your co-workers that you were a disciplined, well-liked person. I pray today for those co-workers, your friends and especially your family, as the pain is always there, and so many daily details of life remind them of you and how much they miss you. We will never forget. With much love from Texas
Carol
September 14, 2015
Never forgotten.
Norm Hawn
September 12, 2015
You will always be missed ........
September 12, 2015
Think of you everyday. You will never be forgotten. Your wonderful smile your kind heart. Miss you lots
Kylee Francescon
September 11, 2015
I was in the class in front of Karen at AA Flight Attendant Training in 1990. She was always so sweet. She is the person I think of every 9/11. Karen, I am thankful to have met you. I promise you and the other flight crew members are forever in my heart and soul. I will NEVER FORGET. Until we meet again...
Joan Greener
July 12, 2015
Karen it touches my heart to know so many people still miss you, as each day you fill my thoughts of warm and wonderful moments of your life! You left such a large void in our family, but you still put a smile on our faces and smile in our hearts for knowing and loving you! Aunt Joan
Steve Guichard
July 11, 2015
Will always remember you coming up to sit on the jumpseat in the cockpit on the transcons. Have long since retired as a Captain for AA, but think of you often. Never forget 9/11, and especially you...the first of many exceptional people taken from us that morning.
Carol
September 12, 2014
Miss you always.
Mavis Deans
September 11, 2014
Never forgotten. Think of you very day Karen. Miss you.
September 11, 2014
You will never be forgotten and are remembered today, your life celebrated for the love and joy you provided others. May God bless those missing you today, with peace.
September 11, 2014
You are not forgotten.
michael mcgovern
September 11, 2014
God bless you and those who love you.
Joan & Bill Greener
September 10, 2014
Not a day goes by that we don't miss you! Your smiling face and your incredible laugh! Your time with us was to short Karen, but we treasure our memories of you and the times we shared! Someone always comes up with a moment& it keeps us laughing! We will miss you forever! Aunt Joan & Uncle Bill
AA class
September 8, 2014
We're thinking of you always, Karen
S J. Friscia III
August 18, 2014
In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
Tammy R
September 23, 2013
God Bless~
September 13, 2013
God bless
Frank Doyle
September 13, 2013
Karen, I still think of your gorgeously infectious smile every day
Aunt Joan
September 12, 2013
Karen I went to the beach today and felt your spirit there, in the warmth of the sun and the breeze that blew! You are a source of inspiration for me to enjoy each day and moment as you did! You faced every challenge boldly and always positive! I am proud of all you stood for and believed in! You were an amazing person and I am blessed to have loved you and known you! I miss you every day of my life!
Norman Hawn
September 12, 2013
I will remember you always ...
September 12, 2013
12 years have passed. I think of you every day. Yesterday was very hard Miss your smile.
September 11, 2013
Amen ....blessings to you forever...much love to your Family
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