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Betty Ong Obituary
She was feminine, very humorous, very caring, and she loved people," said Cathie Ong, whose sister Betty was an attendant on Flight 11. "She saw the humor and loved to bring out the humor. And she just loved to laugh. She had this habit, when she laughed, it was just very distinct. She would slap her knees when she would laugh, yet on the plane she was very professional."
Passengers and crew members loved Ms. Ong, 45. "She made everybody feel like they knew her right away," Cathie Ong said. "She had a knack for making people feel at ease. But if you were out of line with her, she wouldn't hesitate to put you in place. She was tough when she had to be."
Recently, Betty Ong's parents and siblings listened to the tape of her speaking with her supervisor during the hijacking, describing what was happening. "She was outstanding, under those circumstances," Cathie Ong said. "It's hard for us all to imagine ever being in those shoes. My family and I, we cried. She was just exemplary in her performance, her attitude and everything."
"She was very take-charge, and we were very proud of her. She was very calm."
356 Entries
BETTY ANN ONG
ROXANNE CICCOZZI
April 25, 2025
WE MISS HER OS MUCH THAT BETTY ANN ONG GOOD TO PEOPLE ON FLIGHT 11
Charlene marie Jones
February 6, 2025
Dear Cathie Harry and Gloria..I do hope you and your family are fine..yesterday was betty's birthday ...so many good memories shall echo in my heart and soul about your sister and my best friend betty..God bless you and family..love. Charlene
Shannon-Lei Hickman
January 15, 2025
I don´t know you Betty, personally that is, but what I do know of you, is that you are a a courageous and brave soul, you helped a lot of individuals on that terrible day, and it´s horrific you we´re taken from us too soon. Rest in peace Betty
Elizabeth Pennington
November 2, 2024
I actually worked on a flight from DFW to LAX with Betty 4 months prior. We both shared Coach class duties. She was kind, gentle, soft spoken, and beautiful on the inside and outside. Rest in peace, my old friend. True American Hero, What Betty, Amy, and all the other flight attendants on 9/11 did that day was truly heroic.
How you can show support
Judy K. Smith
September 15, 2024
Of all the voices of that horrible day, it´s Betty Ong´s calm one that, I will always remember. Thank you, Miss Betty.
Lauren Ferreira
September 14, 2024
I think about you often. my daughter just turned 11 her bday is on 9/11 and every year she makes a wish to the people and their family and friends who lost someone dear to them. your beautiful soul will always be remembered.
ROXANNE CICCOZZI
September 13, 2024
Your heart soon will be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. OF FLIGHT 11 BETTY ANN ONG
Thankful American
September 11, 2024
Always remembered. Your life, your courage and your sacrifice, celebrated. May God richly bless your family and friends with peace and comfort. You are forever remembered
Charlene Marie Jones
September 11, 2024
Dear Cathie Harry and Gloria..I hope this day finds you all well..Another September 11 2024 is upon us as we all remember my best friend betty..A day does not ever go by without thinking about Betty..Thou the world keeps turning my life was changed 23 years ago today..Betty has been my Harbor In The Storm..Betty shows me the goodness of life each and everyday..Betty is my safety and she keeps me always on course..I can see her bright light from a far..As a lighthouse watching over everyone..God bless you Cathie Harry Gloria and your families..love Charlene
C Harley
April 12, 2024
The Courage she displayed her entire life, Betty, Living in SF Chinatown all her life, who decided to be an Airline stewardess. in 1987 around age 31, after years of working in her Parents store, she decided that she wanted more out of life, and she took the leap of faith, moving to the east coast, and building a life for herself, that took courage for starters. the rest of her courageous actions spoke for itself.
Charlene Marie Jones
February 10, 2024
Hi Cathie Harry and Gloria..I am sending you a picture on betty birthday at the 9/11memorial...a BEAUTIFUL rose..love Charlene
Charlene Marie Jones
February 5, 2024
Dear Cathie Harry and Gloria..I hope all is good with you guy's....Thinking of betty the whole weekend..Today is Betty's birthday...Feb 5 2024...On Feb 3 2024 was betty anniversary day with American airlines class 87-42..How I remember that day!! Betty was so happy!! She was always happy this day was GRAND!! Betty's class sung their class song to my class 87-42.....Looking Thru The Eyes of Love...I remember crying...The singing was magnifying with her class....God bless you Cathie Harry and Gloria..On December 26 1987 was the day I met your sister betty..Happy birthday betty..love Charlene
Charlene Marie Jones
January 10, 2024
Charlene Marie Jones
January 10, 2024
Charlene Marie Jones
January 10, 2024
Dear Cathie Harry and Gloria..A New year of 2024 is upon us...Thinking of betty..These pictures were taken Christmas eve at the 9/11 memorial in NYC..In the spring of 2024 I will be going back to NYC...Maybe you guy's might be able to be there..I am not sure of the date...I will keep you posted..you can always call me 617-369-2444..God bless you Cathie Harry Gloria and your whole family..love Charlene
Hirbod
October 12, 2023
Professional to the end. Your memory will never be forgotten.
Blake Doll
October 7, 2023
Betty, I never knew you, but I've learned about you as your memory lives on. Thank you for being so courageous on that fateful day 22 years ago. I was just 7 years old on that day. 22 years later, I pray for you, and your family. I can tell you were a beautiful soul and were full of love. I pray that one day beyond this world we will meet. God bless your soul, and also your family. Rest easy love
———— —————
September 20, 2023
Rest easy, Betty. ❤
Valerie Valentine
September 11, 2023
I was based in Boston with Betty Ann and flew with her quite frequently. She was pleasant, classy and always such a positive person. My heart breaks every time I think about her and Amy.
September 11, 2023
Betty, the courage and service you exhibited 22 years ago remains so inspirational. We celebrate your life and honor you today. You will never be forgotten. May the Lord provide those you loved with peace and comfort. Rest in eternal peace.
Charlene Marie Jones
September 11, 2023
Dear Cathie harry and Gloria..these are beautiful flowers from the APFA in NYC at the 9/11 memorial..raining today September 10 2023...I pray for your family everyday...betty lives in all our hearts and souls. God bless you and your family Cathie. Love Charlene
Charlene Marie Jones
September 10, 2023
Charlene Marie Jones
September 10, 2023
Charlene Marie Jones
September 10, 2023
Dear Cathie harry and Gloria....hi..thinking of betty right now..here are a few pictures taken today at the 8/11 memorial in NYC...missing betty everyday...love Charlene
Greg Dinkel
August 3, 2023
I didn't know Betty, but I just wanted to send my condolences to her beautiful family. I'm so sorry for you all's loss.
Jeannine PavlikPavlik
February 19, 2023
She was warm and wonderful. We miss her very much
Benjamin
January 27, 2023
sorry for your sister's death
Charlene Marie Jones
January 18, 2023
Betty's class picture..American airlines class 87-42..Feb 3 1988
ROXANNE CICCOZZI
January 14, 2023
SHE WAS VERY-TAKE-CHARGE AND WE WERE VERY PROUD OF HER .SHE WAS VERY CALM. BETTY ANN ONG FLIGHT 11 ON SEPTEMBER 11 2001.
Charlene Marie Jones
September 12, 2022
Dear Cathie Harry and Gloria..I heard from Mrs Kay Collman today..she told me Mr Dwayne Collman passed away in ORD in March...Jeffery Collman father..Mrs Collman said this September 11 2022 was difficult for her..she said she found solace and peace knowing Mr Dwayne Collman and Jeffrey Collman are all together with our family and friends..God bless you Cathie Harry and Gloria..please call me Cathie anytime you want to..love Charlene
Charlene Marie Jones
September 11, 2022
Cathie Harry and Gloria...I hope this finds you all well...21 year's today...I miss betty everyday..I want to make a trip to TUL OK..that's where our employment records are..betty and myself had to sign our JOHN HANCOCK to my paperwork when I proffered for the pursor and galley on the 767 and DC-10...I believe Rosie lovejoy in BOS Logan international airport supervisor took our picture together and went into our employment record..those 6 months of chasing airline lingo were the best 6 months at BOS Logan international airport...I cherish those days..God bless you Cathie Harry and Gloria..love Charlene
Charlene Marie Jones
May 31, 2022
Cathie Harry and Gloria..I hope this finds you guy's well in SFO...thinking always of betty..I was remembering when betty asked me to profer for the purser and galley position..I said why??..betty with her laugh said you will love it..plus I will be your teacher.we went to Rosie lovejoy my flight attendant manager at BOS Logan international airport and got the paperwork going..I believe those 6 months with you by my side was best 6 months at Logan!!..it was not work..we loved what we did..flying for our career..we then signed our John Hancock on the paperwork with Rosie which is in TUL OK..betty I could have not ever complete the purser or galley position with anyone but you..I miss you my friend betty..it gives me comfort knowing my sister Barbara is with you..you and Barbara are the 1st picture I see in the morning and the last picture I see in the evening..god bless you Cathie Harry and Gloria..love Charlene
Hector max vanguard class flight attendant picture American airlines 2016..max is by the mosaic plack in the right side if the picture
Charlene Marie Jones
February 5, 2022
Cathie Harry and Gloria..this is a picture of Hector vanguard MAX us his nickname..who interviewed me on FOX news for the 20th anniversary of September 11 2001..we miss you BETTY..happy birthday love Charlene
Charlene Marie visiting BETTY at the DFW international airport memorial
Charlene Marie Jones
February 5, 2022
Charlene Marie visiting BETTY at the DFW international airport memorial
Charlene Marie Jones
February 5, 2022
Charlene Marie visiting betty at the DFW international airport memorial
Charlene Marie Jones
February 5, 2022
Charlene Marie Jones
February 5, 2022
Dear Cathie Harry and Gloria..visiting BETTY at the DFW international airport memorial..love Charlene
Charlene Marie Jones
February 5, 2022
Dear Cathie Harry and Gloria..I pray you guy's and your families are staying well during this next year of covid..HAPPY BIRTHDAY BETTY!! Today you and I are the same age!!..thinking of you always.I received a phone call prior to the 20th anniversary of 9/11 . his name is Hector vanguard..senior travel correspondent for FOX news..max is also a flight attendant for American airlines..he asked a friend of mine for my phone number..Max asked me if he may interview me for the 20th anniversary..he knew you and I were BEST friends in training and we both went to BOS Logan international airport..I said only for BETTY..like I use to say to you when you said Charlene ..in your usual laughing way!! Yes BETTY I will take your SAN trip!! Only for BETTY!!..on your special day I say I miss you my friend and happy birthday..I have not moved to SFO yet Cathie..when I do I will let you know..please take care to you Harry and Gloria..God bless you all and your families..love Charlene
Ali
February 5, 2022
Happy birthday in heaven Betty. We will always remember your courage and heroism.
Ali
January 27, 2022
Dear Betty,
I've never knew you, but I know that you are an amazing hero. A very beautiful person, with a beautiful personality. Your heroism amazes me and inspires me. Your acted amazingly heroic that day. We will Never Forget.
Kathy Bowman
September 11, 2021
Thinking of you today So proud of you. We allllll miss you so much.
November 12, 2020
We all miss you so much. It's amazing how under all that pressure you found a way to be a hero.
September 11, 2020
Betty, you are remembered and your life celebrated. Thank you for your courage in the face of evil. May God continue blessing your family and friends with peace.
RUDY DEL AGUILA
March 25, 2020
LEI MUCHO SOBRE TI BETTY, ENSEÑASTE AL MUNDO TU ENTEREZA, VALENTIA Y ESPERANZA DIOS TE TENGA EN SU GLORIA
Think of you everyday betty..
Charlene Jones
January 14, 2020
Betty roses and flag with my name badge from my American airlines uniform Nov 11 2019 9/11 memorial NYC
Charlene Jones
November 19, 2019
My name badge with betty's name 9/11 memorial NYC Nov 11 2019
Charlene Jones
November 19, 2019
Betty with rose and my name badge from my uniform Nov 11 2019 9/11 memorial NYC
Charlene Jones
November 19, 2019
Roses for betty 9/11 memorial NYC Oct 26 2019
Charlene Jones
October 26, 2019
Roses for betty 9/11memorial NYC Oct 26 2019
Charlene Jones
October 26, 2019
Roses for betty 9/11 memorial. NYC October 26 2019
Charlene Jones
October 26, 2019
Rose for betty DFW international airport memorial September 28 2019
Charlene Jones
September 29, 2019
Betty Ann ong DFW international airport memorial September 28 2019
Charlene Jones
September 29, 2019
Maria Newcomer
September 12, 2019
Remembering Betty Ong today and praying for her, her family, and all the loved ones she left behind! We will never forget!
Guy put up roses from me and betty 9/11museum NYC September 11 2019
Charlene Jones
September 11, 2019
Guy made the beautiful calage he is putting up tonight and tomorrow September 11 2019
Charlene Jones
September 10, 2019
Roses from guy at 9/11 museum Aug 2019
Charlene Jones
September 5, 2019
Krista K
August 29, 2019
Betty Ong was a very intelligent, calm, and caring person. She was a brave women in a tough situation and she remained calm through it all so that everyone else could stay calm. She is a true woman of courage and strength. You will always be a true model of courage toward my classmates and I. Praying for you and your family always!
Betty....we miss you....
Charlene Jones
August 26, 2019
Charlene Marie Jones betty Ann ong on our layover
Charlene Jones
June 2, 2019
Madison Cullinan
May 23, 2019
RIP Betty, I hope you and everyone else who were murdered are resting in peace, those monsters are never going to harm anyone again. I will see you after I pass away and America will forever remember you and all others stolen that day.
Beautiful tribute to our family crewmembers..from my American Airlines APFA union magazine
Charlene Jones
April 24, 2019
Jeff Brown
April 22, 2019
Condolences to those most affected and closest to Betty
Jeff Brown
February 6, 2019
Never knew Betty except hearing about her in news almost two decades ago. Still seems like yesterday though because of leaving behind to whom all had most cherished in her. Which is probably why it makes it seem like always yesterday.
Guy Pappolla
February 5, 2019
Dear Betty, Today on your Birthday. Please know that we think of you often. You are truly missed by so many.
We Will Never Forget!
Michelle
September 30, 2018
To Betty Ann Ongs Family, I am very sorry for your Loss.I will "Never Forget" all Victims of American Airlines Flight 11.They are all "Angels" now and "Heroes" in my eyes.God Bless You and your Family.
Betty ong and our crewmembers flight 11 from my APFA union magazine
Charlene Jones
September 22, 2018
September 22, 2018
Rip
Gary
September 11, 2018
Auntie, Harry, Cathie & Gloria, Thinking of you on this 17th year. You are always in my thoughts and prayers! May Betty's spirit & life continue to be an influence on others... Love, Cousin Gary
My favorite picture of my dear friend betty omg
Charlene Jones
July 11, 2018
Amy and betty
Charlene Jones
July 11, 2018
eric wagner
February 21, 2018
RIP
Rachel Lane
February 11, 2018
An inspiration. Your bravery on that flight is a bravery I hope to take on all of mine. Thank you, Betty. I've been seeking advice from flight attendants to prepare myself for the day I become one... and your story demonstrates the essence of what it takes to be one. I can only hope that I can be as brave as you. I don't know what I would have done in that terrible situation... Your story is heard, and your story is remembered. Rest in peace, Betty.
For Betty on her birthday. We will never forget.
Guy Pappolla
February 5, 2018
Dawn Marie
November 14, 2017
Thank you for your bravery; you will never be forgotten.
Charlene Jones
September 17, 2017
My dear friend betty...I am sorry I didn't write on September 11, 2017.. I shall NOT ever forget your beautiful soul....YOU always made me laugh. Fabulous days..doc severson on our plane...he played for the pass...they were so happy...always know I pray for your family...I have been blessed to have YOU in my life. Thank YOU my dear friend betty...love Charlene Marie Jones Flight attendant American airlines BOS Logan international airport
julia anderocci
September 11, 2017
we will always remember betty ong for her courage and self sacrifice. her legacy lives on
Gary
September 11, 2017
Remembering you today Betty...thoughts and prayers to all those who miss you and love you. May the fun times and cherished memories always comfort your family. Cousin Gary
September 11, 2017
Remembered. May God bless your family with peace. You will never be forgotten
jayden whitaker
September 8, 2017
sorry betty r i p
Charlene Jones
February 5, 2017
Happy birthday my dear friend betty. .today would have been your 61st birthday. .we are now the same age. .i like to think 16 years young...today i remember you as my friend. .i remember how you always always made me laugh...your smile. .your devotion to your career and your family and friends.. thank you to your parents and friends. .they have known YOU all your life.. i was blessed and honored to call YOU my friend since December 26, 1987 at American airlines learning center in DFW. .then off to BOS you went on February 3, 1988...i followed on February 4, 1988...the happiest days of our lives. .many of my friends know you in spirit as i have told them about our friendship. .i was the lucky one meeting YOU. .happy happy birthday betty. YOU are missed...LOVE Charlene. .flight attendant American airlines. .BOS Logan international airport. .BOS Massachusetts
Oscar
October 19, 2016
Dear Betty
You where a hero and a loving daughter, sister, aunt and friend. You are my inspiration to take care of others before myself and to stay confident. You will always be remembered and always be missed.
Rest in peace Betty God bless you
R Su
September 17, 2016
You are a hero and may you rest in peace in the heaven.
Gary
September 11, 2016
Fifteen years pass and remembering you dear cousin Betty. Celebrating your life...you are not forgotten. Sending love to you Auntie, cousins and the ONG Family on this day of remembrance and may all the special family memories comfort you always. Special thoughts and prayers to you today. God bless you. Love, cousin Gary
helen wu
September 11, 2016
Dear Betty
Thank you for your courage & bravery.
Standing in front of my office building on West Broadway, I witnessed the twin towers collapsed right in front of my eyes, life has never been the same after this tragic day, we lost "sense of security", I think of the victims often, and I look over my shoulders when I am on Subway Trains...
May you RIP, May time heal the wounded hearts of your family & friends.
we'll never forget heroes or heroines like you.
Brian Ng
September 11, 2016
As I watched programs on the History Channel today on the 15th anniversary of 9/11, it struck me for the first time that Betty Ong and your family are from Chinatown, San Francisco. Even though I had visited the 9/11 Memorial in DC, I don't recall hearing that detail of her background before.
Hearing it today, I connected to it immediately, being born in 1954 to Chinese immigrant parents in the old Chinese Hospital in the heart of Chinatown, SF. Along with my four older siblings, we often went to nearby parks as a toddler. Now I wonder if my parents knew her parents. Could my siblings and I have crossed paths in those early years with the Ong family?
But it is the events of 9/11 and loss of Betty that ties us all together now. I may not have known Betty Ong and your family back in my early years in SF, but I now feel I am with you in your loss of Betty. In my future visits to SF from Houston, I will carry with me the memory of your loss of Betty as I wander through Chinatown.
My thoughts and prayers are with you now, as it will be in the years to come. Your establishment of the Betty Ong Foundation is a most worthwhile way to honor her memory. God bless your family and may God bless America.
Brian Ng
9/11/2016
Charlene Jones
September 11, 2016
My dear friend betty...15 years later....as 9/11 is upon us....i remember you and your family every day..especially today. ..you made my life better for having you as a friend. .i miss our LAX layovers...donuts..walking on the beach...i use to bring dunkin donuts munchkins on our trip..they didn't last long. .knowing you has given me a sense of true friendship. .your kindness showed 365 24-7 a year....bless your family and always always no i think of my friend betty ong.....tailwinds
Del Newberry
May 3, 2016
I am thinking of Betty's family and friends today and I hope that we all honor her memory by spreading joy and humor to those around us. Much love from Texas,
R P
April 3, 2016
A MOST BEAUTIFUL WOMAN. THANK YOU FOR BEING STRONG.
BLESS YOUR FAMILY.
toujours je t'aime Tu es, ma joie... Mon poème Mon illusion... Ma destinée, mon rêve le plus beau. †
Isabelle Avoyne
March 8, 2016
Thomas Kim
March 7, 2016
I touched your name at the park, it touched my heart, remembering your stand for goodness and all of us, a bright star falling from the sky, remembering Betty for a long long time...
Nick Birch
February 22, 2016
GOD bless betty Hero
February 6, 2016
No Day Shall Erase You From the Memory of Time. Virgil
Charlene Jones
February 5, 2016
Happy birthday betty my dear friend. .thinking of YOU on this day...your parents and friends always. Xc❤ Charlene BOS flight attendant American airlines
S J. Friscia III
January 14, 2016
In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
Charlene Jones
December 19, 2015
Merry Christmas to betty's family and friends. Filled with LOVE. .peace. .happiness and health. I will not ever forget my friend betty. .looking thru the eyes of love was betty's 87-42 class song which was sung to my class at American airlines flight attendant training center 87-43..we both headed to our first base BOS Logan international airport, Boston. Massachusetts. .tailwinds my friend. .Xco Charlene flight attendant American airlines. .Quincy, Massachusetts
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