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Karen Joyce Klitzman
Karen Joyce Klitzman
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Karen Klitzman Obituary
At 38, Karen Joyce Klitzman had seen more of the world than any 10 people do in a lifetime. After Princeton, she taught for several years in Macao, near Hong Kong. Living in a house wedged between a pig farm and a brothel, she escaped to Hong Kong on the weekends. Then she taught English in Beijing, where she lived in a hovel with a suspicious landlady, and where a bicycle ride to the public bathhouse was a luxury. "It was a completely exotic environment," said Joan Klitzman, her mother. "So far removed from the Upper West Side, where we lived."
After graduating from the Columbia University School of International Affairs and Public Policy, she began working at the New York Mercantile Exchange. An energy specialist, she traveled in Siberia and throughout the Middle East. Recently, she started at eSpeed, a division of Cantor Fitzgerald.
She was quick-witted and played a crackerjack tennis game, said Donna, her twin sister, a New Jersey doctor. "Like having a built-in best friend."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Maryanne Siefring
September 13, 2021
I always have thoughts and prayers for you and your loved ones at this time of year. I'm glad that it sounds like your life was full of adventures and excitement; although, I'm very sorry that your life was cut so short.
Gordon Bassett
September 12, 2021
Remembering you with fondness, Karen on this fateful day.
We had a memorial gathering at my local Museum where some of the steel from the WTC was manufactured , and is now stored and memorialized.
It was very well done and a very poignant moment when I saw your name on a US flag among the whole 2977 who died that tragic day.
Never forgotten.
Adriane S.
September 11, 2021
We were in high school band together, and I remember Karen´s beautiful smile, and nice personality. You were taken from us way too soon. Rest In Peace sweet Karen.
Ann-charlotte Johnsson
September 11, 2021
I know Karen from China 86, she visit my familly in Sweden July 1986. We will always remember you, warm and a great sence of humor.
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Maggie Rosario
September 11, 2021
20 years on, and I have not forgotten Karen.
She worked with me at the University in Macau and was a good friend.
I have a letter I received from her when I told her I was expecting twins ( now 32 years old)
She was so bright and intelligent. I have not forgotten and will never forget her.
Maggie Rosario .now back home in Scotland.
Alyssa L
September 11, 2020
I never knew her. I saw her name on a list of Princeton alum who were taken on 9/11 and noticed she was one of only two woman on the list and decided to google them and learn about them. this excerpt about karen has painted such a vivid image of a complete stranger. I am sorry that she and so many others were taken but holy crap, she seemed to have lived a BIG life.
Maryanne Siefring
September 11, 2020
Many years ago, I received two silk navy flowers, attached by a strip of fabric underneath. Karen's name is on the bottom of the fabric strip. I think of her every year on 9'11.
July 26, 2019
Karen will be awfully missed.
Remembering my old college friend, Karen
Colin Iosso
May 21, 2019
We weren't especially close at Princeton, but she always had a vivacious spirit.
Steve Peterson
September 13, 2018
Proud to be called your friend after serving with you on the NYMEX Refined Products Committee. I remember you coming to Houston to attend the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo with us - you pronounced it "ro DA yo" and were not sure what to expect, but you were a trooper and ready to go see. Rest in peace, see you again.
Karen Shumaker
September 12, 2018
17 years. And in her honor, as well as so the world will remember her, I wear her name on my 9/11 memory wrist band.
I am now living with Stage 4 Terminal Breast Cancer. And when I pass, this memory band will be passed down so her memory will live on for future generations.
She did not die in vain. She was a vibrant human being who will never be forgotten. May her memory continue to inspire me and others to make every day count, love one another and most of all, never surrender to darkness.
Jan Reckling
September 11, 2018
To the Family and Friends of Karen Joyce Klitzman
Today marks the 17th annual Day of this horrible tragedy and it's my first time in New York City so it came that my father and me visited the Memorial at around 11:00 pm, I mean it had to be fate that I was standing in front of your engraved name without even noticing it but then suddenly a Man stands right next to me. He just started talking to me with the words This was my Tennis Partner Right there
and I was shook so I said excuse me? As he repeated This was my tennis Partner as he touched your name... I responded I'm so sorry I could barely talk because at first I thought I don't belong here this man is grieving and I should let him alone as he keeps saying a very good tennis partner I didn't know what to say so I stroked his back as he seemed very sad. He whispered no roses for her
As he took off as there were no roses on her name.
I'm so touched and I feel bad for blocking his spot for memorising Karen Joyce Klitzman all alone.
It was my own personal Memorial Day Memory and I'm so thankful for life and this experience I will keep Karen's Name remembered as I would have known her personally.
I'm sorry for possible grammar mistakes as I am from Germany.
To the Friend of Karen who had spoken to me, I would appreciate it if you would contact me at [email protected] because I have always an open ear for you and I would like to get to know about you and Karen if you feel sad or lonely!
Maureen Crough
September 11, 2018
I knew Karen at Princeton. We worked together in dining services to earn some extra money. She was so funny and joyful that she made the time at work fly by. She was a wonderful person whose memory still makes me smile. Peace, Karen.
September 12, 2016
respectfully
Doreen Hanratty
September 11, 2016
Karen, remembering you today and through the years. My earliest memory is running around your house at a birthday party for you and Donna. We had to have been 6 or 7. Every year since that party, on Nov 2 I think of you and Donna, its a day after my bday. You lived an amazing life. I will always remember you smiling and laughing. Thoughts and prayers to Donna and your family.
Kerri Topping
September 11, 2015
Missing my sweet friend Karen today and every day. Sunday before 9/11 we played in our regular "ladies" tennis doubles game with Amy Tunis and our 4th, my husband. Karen brought my 6'6" husband a gift- a size 16 women's tennis skirt!! She was as dear, kind, warm and joyful soul.
Michele Fishkin
February 12, 2015
I will never forget you.
S J. Friscia III
April 16, 2014
In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
Gordon Bassett
September 11, 2013
I knew Karen when she worked at the NYMEX..she was such a genuinely fun loving lady with a great sense of humor, but mixed with a very strong sense of responsibility.
We had many good times at the various functions connected with the Exchange.
Seeing the beautiful picture of her radiant smiling face, I am saddened that her life was taken way too soon.
I found your name plaque at the Memorial site and was deeply moved by the whole experience there.
I will always remember you, Karen..
Christie Brown
April 3, 2012
I didn't know anyone who died in the 9-11 attacks, but like most Americans, was deeply touched by the events of that day. On Sunday, my husband and I returned from a trip to the Middle East and we visited the 9-11 Memorial Site during our long layover. The water of the memorial reminded me of the many tears that have been shed. I chose a name at random to learn more about and have read different internet entries on Karen and her zest for life. I am grieved by her loss and the continued existence of hatred and inhumanity that exists in our world. Just coming from Israel, the feeling of continued strife between peoples was very palpable. May Peace Prevail on Earth. Condolences to Karen's family.
Barbara Freeman ne Appelbaum
October 2, 2011
My son was laying on the carpet, laughing and playing the game of RISK with a friend. I had a very strong memory of playing RISK with friends Karen and Donna. It was such a strong and happy memory that I looked Karen up on the Internet in hope of getting in touch and sharing this memory. I am so saddened by what I found. Karen, your memory lives on in me. Donna, many hugs.
Melanie Lovatt
September 12, 2011
I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to Karen's family. I met Karen briefly when she was at NYMEX and I was reporting on commodities markets for Knight Ridder Financial News (which then became Bridge News). I saw the towers after the two planes hit when I exited the Park Place subway stop. I thought you would like to know that someone on the small Mediterranean island of Cyprus is thinking of Karen, and the other victims.
Karen Marinas
September 11, 2011
God Bless you Karen, from one Karen Joyce to another... We never met and I never heard your name at any of the ceremonies since 9/11, until this morning. I felt compelled to see if there was anything about you on the internet and found this page. I read some of the entries here and can see you were loved and admired very much. To your family and friends I want to say I am sorry that you are not here with them. I can see you brought them many wonderful memories and hope they can find happiness in those memories. Karen you will never be forgotten. God Bless.
Rachel Eisenman
September 11, 2011
I remember how happy I always was to see Karen's smiling face at the NYMEX fitness center. She was one of the few female members and I loved to chat with her about fitness, tennis, work and life. Karen was truly a ray of light and will never be forgotten.
karen shumaker
September 10, 2010
In honor of Karen, I have placed both a flag outside of my house and on my car. I have placed the bio from CNN on the back window so that anyone who wants to know why the flag is there, they will see Karen's smiling face with the 9/11 caption and realize that those that were murdered that day will never be forgotten.
Barbara McPartland
May 5, 2010
Donna and family. Not sure if you remember me, I worked for your sister Karen at the exchange. I can remember that day clearly and I was devastated to hear about Karen being killed. It's almost 9 years and I should of wrote this long ago. I am deeply sorry for your loss of Karen. I admired Karen, she was very smart, pretty, funny and always had a big smile on her face. I heard a saying that the prettiest flower is always picked first. To me, that is absolutely true. When I read in the papers after 9/11, I found out something new about Karen. Teaching english in beijing. After that, I knew why Karen was so interested in my daughter's education. On New Year's eve of 2001, I had a dream of Karen and I woked up crying. I dream of Karen pretty often and when I wake up I just have a smile of my face as if she was still here. I light a candle on her birthday every year. I just want to let you know that I was blessed on having the opportunity of knowing and working for Karen. She will never be forgotten.
Karen Shumaker
September 11, 2008
To the Klitzman Family:
I wear a Memory Band with Karen's name every day in honor of her and to remind myself to never forget her.
I selected her because she shared a smiliar background as myself. Therefore, as I go on, I do so in respect of her and to remind myself that it just as easily could have been me. I wear it proudly. I have worn one out and make sure I always have one.
Please know that as long as I live, I will honor and cherish your beloved daughter's memory. She will remain forever in my thoughts and heart.
P Tabbernor
November 26, 2006
In memory....
Kristine
November 7, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Sara Robb
September 11, 2004
Well, I never knew Karen, but I was shared the link to this tribute site today and I know what it's like to lose a loved one... and I just wanted to send out my sypathy to her family and friends today... It sounds like you lost a really great friend.
RIP Karen
Cassandra Brett
September 11, 2004
Someone shared this link with some of us today, and I just wanted to send my prayers out to you and your family!
Quincey
September 11, 2003
To the Klitzmans,
I knew Karen only because I worked the front desk at Tennisport where she loved to go to hit a few balls, and she always greeted me with a smile. I had the pleasure of meeting her and after reading her profile I was so sad as I never knew what a worldy and brilliant woman she was. We had a lot in common and I missed the chance to get to know her better. Best wishes on this 2nd anniversary of her death. My deepest sympathy.
Melissa Stewart
September 11, 2003
Donna,
I did not know your sister. I am one of many New Yorkers who did not lose a loved one that tragic day. I am writing to send you my heartfelt prayers for you and your family. Words alone cannot express the grief that those effected that day felt. But I wanted to let you know that your sister will forever be remembered in the heart of someone who was not fortunate enough to have known her. Someone who was touched by her portrait, by her smile. My prayers and condolences go to you and your family and your loved ones.
God Bless,
Melissa
Dan D'Allara
September 10, 2003
Dear Donna,
Words seem to fall short for what needs to be expressed during these trying times.
After reading Karens Legacy profile,I know that she was a woman of depth and central to her family.
At dinner this past week you listened to Greg and I as we opened up about our own twin loss and the difficult past two years.
We know how personal this loss has been to you and the other 9/11 twinless twins.
I owe you a thank you.
In your own quite and demure way you comforted us.
I will remember Karen in my thoughts and prayers this week and ask God to heal and watch over all of us.
Be well and be safe.
Robert Stasi
September 12, 2002
My deepest sympathy goes out to your entire family. I worked with Karen at NYMEX for many years. I had the good fortune of seeing Karen on September 10, 2001. I happen to be playing out the same golf outing that day and actually had breakfast together. Karen's foursome played in front of mine that day. On one hole I happen to find a golf club and called up ahead to Karen's group to see if it was there's, the club was Karen's and I could still here her say "Once again my NYMEX buddies come through for me". I wish that somehow one of us could have come through for her on September 11th.
Karen was in great spirits that day as she always was. I hold on to this memory and am glad that I have it.
God Bless you all!!
Rebecca Strom-Trenner
September 12, 2002
Dear Joan,
I know that my mother has been in touch since you lost Karen on that horrible day one year ago. I cannot even imagine your pain as you continue to endure the unendurable. As a mother of three myself, I can only grieve with you in my small removed way.
When we moved in in 1978, I remember Patrick the dog coming to our back door looking for Jane the dog. He kept coming back for years, never remembering or truley believing that she was gone. How lucky was he not to understand loss- how lucky to have optimism.
I wish you and Robert and Donna strength and offer my deepest condolensces from London and next door.
With sympathy,
Rebecca Strom-Trenner
Debby
September 11, 2002
Dear Donna,
It was only recently that I learned that Karen was lost so tragically last year. Although it has been many years since we have seen each other I have so many wonderful memories. Driving around Dix Hills belting out Billy Joel's "Harmony" at the top of our lungs, a Toga party, Band Camp, and my first trip to NYC with friends was with you and Karen. I still remember the words to the songs from the album of the Broadway Show "They're Paying Our Song", a gift from you and Karen. I will remember Karen with fondness and a smile. I can not begin to imagine how difficult this has been for you and your family. You remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Warm Regards, Debby
Ron & Pat Goldstein
September 11, 2002
To Dr. Donna Klitzman,
It was just today, the 1st anniversary of your sister's death, that we found out her name. Since we only know you on a professional level as our lovely, bright doctor, we did not want to intrude in your personal life. However, please know that our hearts break for you & your family on the loss of such an outstanding person as Karen seemed to be.
Angela
August 9, 2002
Although I did not know Karen on a personal level, her loss really saddened me. Reading the NY Times I was amazed at how much she had accomplished in her life. It also made me realize how much there can be in a person that we are unaware of. I knew Karen through NYMEX, as did many people, and I wish I had really known what a great person she was and all that she had accomplished. On that horrible day, knowing that she worked at Cantor Fitzgerald I checked to see - hoping her name would not be on the missing list. But unfortunately at some point I did find it. I made a promise to myself that day, to live every day as if it really is my last and to enjoy my family as much as I can. May God bless Karen's family and may she rest in peace....
Ray Merritt
June 21, 2002
To the Klitzmans,
I had the good fortune of playing some terrific tennis with Karen in East Hampton last summer. Although I did not know her well, I did get a great sense of her spirit. She and I share a great respect for the elements of tennis we both admired and emulated – finesse, power, healthy competition, fun and teamwork.
I have played a few mixed doubles matches this year and have felt deeply saddened by the thought that Karen is gone from these courts. I express my sincerest condolences and sympathy for you, her loving family. For Karen’s sake, please try to live on and pass along all the wonderful talents you instilled in Karen to the rest of us.
I know Karen’s playing in God’s court now, and is probably winning with a smile on her face!
Ray Merritt
donna clokey
March 29, 2002
THE WORLD WILL MISS YOUR BRIGHT ACCOMPLISHED SISTER AND DAUGHTER...MY HEART BREAKS FOR YOU, IM SURE THE WORLD WAS A BETTER PLACE WITH HER IN IT..YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.
Susan Scherl
March 19, 2002
To Donna and the Klitzman Family:
I'm so sorry for your loss. You have my heartfelt condolences.
Susan Scherl, BUSM 87.
February 12, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS REMARKABLE WOMAN KAREN JOYCE KLITZMAN AND MAY HER SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..MAY GOD GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN..AMEN
dr. rudolph kassinger
January 15, 2002
i had the pleasure of meeting karen several times and speaking to her on the telephone a number of times when i was a member of the nymex petroleum products advisory committee. she was always perky but at the same time charming and gracious. i was saddened to hear of her loss.
after reading the nytimes remembrance i also now realize she was very modest considering her many accomplihments in her short life. she will be missed.
Teresa Jahn
December 26, 2001
We are very sorry for your loss of Karen. Such a heartwarming smile and gentle eyes can only be a reflection of her heart. May Karen's adventures for life, her life and love live on in those who love her. Our hearts cry with you in your loss of Karen.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Amity McCandlish
December 25, 2001
Wearing a mercyband bracelet bearing the name of "Karen J. Klitzman" a victim of September 11, 2001, sure does help keep things in perspective for me. Life is so precious and can be taken away from us at any moment. My heart goes out to all the victims family's.
Barry Saevitzon
December 15, 2001
As distant relatives of Karen, we send condolences to the Klitzman family and share in your grief. We wish you long life. Barry Hazel Samantha and Warren
Karen Pritchard
October 18, 2001
To Donna and all the Klitzmans. I have just learned of Renny's death. I can barely breathe. I cannot begin to say all that is in my heart. She was an incredibly person, as are all of you. Love, Karen P
allan eustis
October 15, 2001
While at NYMEX, Karen was a leading player in helping to create a new market for weather risk management. Her work lives on, but we at NOAA will miss her brilliance.
Our sincerest condolences to her family.
sara miller
October 3, 2001
Our condolnces go out to the Family&Friends of Karen Klitzman.
May you be spared further sorrow.
The Millers
Montreal,Canada
[email protected]
Oct3,2001
Judy Klotz
September 28, 2001
I came upon Karen's name by chance:
I used to go to school with Susan many years ago: we marched together on June 12th 1982.
Susan; i'm so sorry. May healing come with time and caring of friends and family.
judy
Barbara Bolin
September 24, 2001
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU ALL.MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
KAREN MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.
Christine Marini
September 19, 2001
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family and friends of Karen Klitzman
at this difficult time.
I was searching the Cantor site for details of the memorial service
of another friend when I saw Karen's name. We worked together at Beijing Normal University in 1985 - 1986. I remember the Karen of those days as brilliant, lively, and fully engaged by life. I am sure she was just the same way at the moment of her passing.
I also recall her devotion to her family. She was proud of the
Klitzman family's version of the American story and the American dream.
I hope that your memories provide you with some comfort.
Tim Joyner
September 19, 2001
Having ourselves lost a daughter, I realize there are no words of comfort to offer. Our family grieves with you.
J. H. Waters
September 18, 2001
To the Family of Karen Joyce Kiltzman, please accept my heartfelt condolences for this terrible loss. I know your heart is broken and the pain is insurmountable so I know you need support and encourage. So please know that I am praying to the Most High God for you and asking him to support and encourage you now and in the days to come.
Sincerely yours,
J. Waters
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