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Mary Kimelman Obituary
Whenever friends or friends of friends came to town, Mary Jo Kimelman eagerly became their tour guide. She knew so much about happenings in New York City that her mother once called her "Time Out New York," after the magazine.
Ms. Kimelman, 34, was always a taker when people had an extra ticket to concerts or sporting events. She often read poetry at clubs in Greenwich Village and ran up on stage when bands invited audience members to sing. About two years ago, Ms. Kimelman impressed her friends by belting out a Melissa Etheridge tune at a bar near Wall Street. "At the beginning she was a little nervous," said her friend Carolynn Kutz. "But once she started going, she let it rip. The band helped her along and she shined."
Ms. Kimelman was passionate about photography and travel and was particularly smitten with Paris. She mused about getting executives at Cantor Fitzgerald, where she worked as a volume control clerk, to transfer her there. "We always got a kick out of that," said her mother, Pat Kimelman. "I said, `Mary, maybe you should learn to speak French first. You should go to London.' But she happened to like Paris better."
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Carrie Helmer
July 16, 2019
Hanging in the City with SW! Miss you!
July 8, 2019
May God always bless Marys soul!
Dave Lloyd
September 11, 2016
Remembering you and your family every 9/11. May God bless you all.
S J. Friscia III
April 14, 2014
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Tracy Cody-James
October 25, 2011
Hey Mare,
It's October 25th, your birthday. I find myself here again. Sad, missing you wishing you were here. I cannot believe that it has been 10 years since you passed.
I have not written in a long time. In Sept 2003 I had a little girl. I named her Cassidy Jo. I wanted you to be a part of Cass's life. Over the years as Cass has grown I have shown her pictures of you & told her many stories. Of course some have been edited. :) She carries your name with pride. This past Sept 11th, she stood up in her class & told everyone about why her name is so special. That reason is because of you. I hope your love, humor & kindness rub off on my little girl.
Mare, I still think of you constantly & miss you terribly. Hoping you are at Peace & we will meet again one day my dear friend.
Love you forever,
Cody
Bertie Tabor
September 15, 2011
Miss Mary, this year at AT&T Park in San Francisco before the Giants game they passed out American Flag cards with names on them in rememberance of those lost on 9-11. My card has your name on it. I am sorry I never had a chance to meet you in New York for one of your famous tours. I know you are sorely missed by those who loved you. You will always now be in my heart, too. Rest in Peace.
kimmie trzepacz-meaney
May 1, 2011
May you find some bit of peace tonite sweetheart.... love you always....TREZ
Lisa Bowden
September 6, 2010
Hey Mary,
I was thinking about you tonight as another year passes without you. It still feels like yesterday since your death, I have to look back at old photos to see its now 2010.
You would be happy to know that I have passed on "doodle dust" term to another generation. I laugh every time I talk about spending New Year's Eve in DC/Boston/NYC with you & our crew.
I hope the younger members of your family remember you and know how much you cared about them. Thanx for bringing a smile to my face.
With love, Lis
Sheri Steinbrecher
November 16, 2009
I miss you Mary... every day.
October 21, 2009
Hey aunt mary, i wish i knew you better before you were gone but think of ya all the time
love ya
~livie
brittany berliner
September 11, 2009
by the way i'm gonna need some luck from above on my acts tomorrow. i love you so much mar and i'll never stop thinking about you
brittany berliner
September 11, 2009
Hey mar! it's britt! jst checking in and saying hi. i love you so much. haha ok well i'm going to sleep soon so sweet dreams
Carrie Helmer
September 11, 2009
Thinking about you alot today... Do I have anything on me? Are you sure. I love this song!
Miss you...
July 6, 2009
Hey Mare;
thought of you and doodle dust today. haha. always in my thoughts and prayers,
Frankie
September 13, 2008
Hey Mare:
I've been thinking of you a lot. I miss you very much. There was a wonderful happiness in you and the world seems much dimmer without you. Your smile, sweetness, and humor always made my day and made you totally unforgettable..I feel lucky to have known you and worked with you for 8 years. You are in my prayers. Love you, Mare.
God Bless
frankie
kathy francomano
Jeremy Deutsch
September 11, 2008
Hey, Mary, it looks like this is not a bad place for me to say that I am thinking about you today. Hopefully, you are in a place where you knew that anyway, but just the same, I have been lost in years and years of memories of growing up together.
Lots of love,
Jeremy
Carrie Helmer
September 11, 2007
Still to this day I am unable to think about you with out crying... we had so many good times and yes bad time too.. We where like sisters. World travelers always looking for a new adventure or a Phil Collin concert. I miss you everyday. We will meet again and I know my friend will be waiting for me at the pearly gates with Cody. Love you always!
P Tabbernor
November 24, 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.
Ashley
March 18, 2006
I love you soooooooooooooooooooooooo much and i miss you. love your niece, ashley
Frankie
August 13, 2005
Hey Mare:
Miss you and think of you with sadness, love and laughs. We had fun at cantor. God bless and I will see you and our other Cantor Cohorts soon. Till we meet again...
patricia schmidt
September 10, 2003
Thank you mary for being so kind to my two cats when i carted 'em over to you and scotty's apt many years ago..
I fondly remember you tying a big red christmas ribbon around my cat lucy, and wanting to use her as a christmas ornament.
You are forever sweet.
Mike Quilfen
September 11, 2002
MJ, you left us a year ago... we miss you and are thinking of you today in Paris...
we will never forget you
Mike and Nicole
from Paris
Kathy Harmon
September 9, 2002
I didn't know Mary Jo. I just knew someone who loved her very much. Just wanted to express my great sorrow for her loss and to ensure my friend that we will never forget. Her spirit soars and is among us. With all my love, Kathy
Cheresa Calhoun
August 30, 2002
Althought it has been almost a year, it still feels like only yesterday when
I saw the second plane hit the tower. I was getting dressed for work, and it seemed unreal. My heart still mourns for the people who lost their lives, their families, and their friends. I will continue to pray for all of us.
Robert Waxman
July 20, 2002
I wish the Kimelman family all the best in this time of sorrow. May God bless you and yours.
Joseph Dodd
March 11, 2002
My heart goes out not only to Mary Jo, who I only knew as the skinny little girl hanging around her older brothers and sister on the farms in Wallkill, but to her family as well.
Six months later it is still hard to comprehend all that has occurred and I find myself unable to believe that this could have happened.
At a time like this it is hard to see positives but family and friends should not look at her passing with sadness but be thankful for the 34 years that you had her. God Bless.
February 11, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL YOUNG WOMAN MARY JO KIMELMAN 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 AND ST.MARY AND ST. JOSEPH GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN..AMEN
Metroplitan Foot Health Dr Mike Thaker & staff
January 2, 2002
We knew Mary as a patient and she turned out to become friends with us. She was a lovely person and one who loved to enjoy life. Spending time in her presence was always a pleasure We send our deepest sympathies and heartfelt regreets for her loss in September. God Bless Mary and God Bless America
Teresa Jahn
December 27, 2001
We are very sorry for your loss of Mary. May Mary's life and love live on in those who love you. Our hearts cry with you.
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
CHERYL PUPO
November 2, 2001
MARY , I WILL MISS YOU , AND MISS THE NEVER ENDING STORIES YOU WOULD TELL, CANTOR WILL NEVER BE THE SAME ....
CHERYL
Stephanie Birnbaum-Katz
November 1, 2001
I knew Mary because our dad's are best friends. Our families have been friends for three generations.
I have always lived in California,and about everytime I came to New York I would go to the Kimelmans and see Mary. Sometimes we would meet in the city. She was great because she included everyone and had no pretense. We would stand outside the apratment and smoke,
(the two kids) away from the parents. To hear her talk to her brothers and sister and mother and father was so much fun, they have the best sense of humor, fast snappy, dry and hilarious. I always wanted her to visit in California, and I will greatly miss her.
Steven Kutz
October 31, 2001
The day I met MJ she used the word doodle-dust, so I liked her immediately. We had been eating Jax cheese doodles and she spotted some of the cheesy granules that stain your fingers yellow on the pants of my mom's friend Gwen. "You've got some doodle-dust," she said, pointing to the sides of her black pant legs where she'd been wiping her hands. That was the first of many times she cracked us up.
She had joined my sister Carolynn on a trip to our house in Binghamton at the time; I was home from college. MJ grew up in Manhattan and loved being upstate in the "country." I can picture her riding in the back of my dad's pick-up truck and scooting around on our moped, wearing a smile, her shades and jean jacket. After knowing her for just two days I felt unusually close to her, as if she were family.
That was in 1989. Two years later, we got to know each other better when I moved to New York city. When I knew few others, MJ and Carolynn welcomed me into their circle of friends. And MJ and I started a tradition I really enjoyed. We went to the Raccoon Lodge in our upper east side neighborhood at least one night a week for a bowling match, beer and popcorn. MJ was excellent at that bar shuffleboard/bowling. I think I only beat her once in all the times we played. I loved her for taking me out like that after I'd just moved here.
MJ was always game for a road trip and she made them more fun with her laid-back and open and attitude. I remember going to Margaretsville with her and Carolynn and my then-girlfriend Lisa. To her brother's horse farm for New Year's eve. To Binghamton. And to Vermont for a ski trip.
And she was the best traveling mate you could have. As I look back over all those trips, the prevailing image is MJ smiling and upbeat, the prevailing sound her laugh. That choppy inhaleexhale full-bodied laugh.
When I think about MJ, realize that in the 12 years I knew her I never once remember her being angry or petty or anything but generous and a good friend. If she met one of my friends even once, she would ask sincerely about them the next time I saw her. "How's your friend Lauren? I really liked her," she would say. And she'd ask something specific about them so you knew it wasn't a platitude. And I remember after she met my cat for the first time, she loved her and offered to watch her the next time I went away.
MJ was sweet, generous. She made you feel good when you were with her. She wanted you to be happy. And she was unique. I remember on one trip to Binghamton she had a craving for some hearts of palms, which I'd never even heard of. So we went to the grocery story, and the only can they had was dented and all covered with dust. No biggie. She bought 'em anyway and ate the whole can, offering some to us as she did.
And it was on a ski trip to Vermont that I first heard MJ sing. We went to a bar after a day of skiing and there was a band setting up. She asked if she could sing a song with them, and they said sure. I had no idea she liked to sing or would want to in front of so many people. I can't remember what song she sang, but I think it was a James Taylor one. Maybe Fire and Rain. Something sweet. And she nailed it. And she felt so good about it and herself afterward.
Tracy Cody-James
October 25, 2001
I met Mary Kimelman when I started working at Cantor Fitzgerald in 1998. I left there in 1990 & we remained friends ever since. Unfortunately, people in this world get too busy to keep in contact & see their friends as often as they should. Mary & I were like that, we spoke as often as we could but no matter what happened we always called eachother for our birthdays. Mary's birthday is the day before my Mom's & my birthday is the day before Mary's Mom Pat's, so we always knew we would never forget eachother.. Today is Mary's birthday (10/25) & I am having a hard time coping with that. I want to speak with her & unfortunately I can no longer do that. I miss her terribly, especially on a day as important as this. I did not know how to deal with this pain & grief I've been feeling. My Mom recommended I call this place & have a tree planted in Israel from me to the memory of Mary Kimelman, I did so yesterday. That has definitely helped, it was my birthday gift to her... In my whole life for as long as I live, I know I will never meet such a unique, incredible woman as Mary. She was just awesome. I could sit here & write for days sharing our memories, but as long as I have those memories of Mary she will be alive in my heart.. I want to send my love & condolensces to Mary's family & let them know what an amazing person they were lucky enough to have in their family...
Mar, I Love Ya!!!!!
Tracy Cody-James
Mary Kimelman Landmark School 1984
Ruth Galmitz
October 16, 2001
Mary Kilelman LandMark School 1984
RUTH (Stefiny) Galmitz
October 12, 2001
Mary Was a friend that I lived and went to school with. She was a kind soul.
I cant think of any way to give a description of what it feels like not to have tomorrow with someone Iv known since I was 14 years old but I can say I regret not getting in touch with her for way to long. Even if it was just to say thank you for being such a good friend! Mary was a refreshing person to have around because she liked every one for who they were as long as they were nice. It may not sound like a big deal but it is. She was not caught up in the money bit or popularity's she was just a good person. I have now learned the second time this year from the loss of two Childhood friends that just cause we knew each other when we were young and invincible does not mean we have forever. Life is not guaranteed to any one. IM so lucky to have known Mary and IM sad I never had the ability to say that to her. My life has been blessed just to have had a friend like Mary Kimelman and I will remember her for the rest of my life. She was Misses New York City, She took me all over Studio, The Tunnel and many other places. Mostly though I spent time with her at school. She had a nice family and I am so sorry they lost her because I could tell by being around them all, that she played a big part in that family. I have many nice memories of Mary and this event has forced me to take care of other relationships. I have ended old fights and stopped making excuses up about I don't have any time to contact this or that person. This tragedy has gotten me to look at what is important. What I came away with is its important to say thank you to good friends before its too late. I send her Family my condolences and hope they can take comfort in remembering all the great things that Mary is and was.
Meg Nash
October 12, 2001
When I learned about Mary's death I was deeply saddened. I knew Mary in High School, and we spent many enjoyable times together.
She was a sweet kind person, I know she will be missed greatly.
I send my deepest sympathies and prayers to her family.
God Bless,
Meg McKenry-Nash
Frances Rosenfeld
October 12, 2001
My heart goes out to all of Mary's family and friends. I did not know her, but she is one of the "friends of friends" that I have learned about in recent weeks. It is horribly sad that this apparently so bright and vibrant person has lost their life so cruelly.
joan lipuscek
October 11, 2001
I met Mary when I was fourteen years old at Landmark School. She was one of the nicest, kindest and most caring people that I've known.
I really looked up to Mary as she was always reliable and genuine. I will always remember she wore a very cool black leather jacket and we occasionally bummed cigarettes from each other and hung out with the rest of the smokers (which was most of the small student body) at "The Rock". She had a clever sense of humor and always made me laugh.
I have great memories of Mary and will never forget what a wonderful human being she was. She will always be in my thoughts.
My deepest condolences go out to her parents, family, friends, co-workers and everyone that knew her.
Joan Lipuscek
Gregory Griswold
September 24, 2001
Wow! Mary was a High School buddy of mine, we travled in the same circles at Landmark Boarding School in Prides Crossing, MA.
Mary had many wonderful friends and was a caring and thoughtful person. She had a great laugh, the kind that made everyone laugh around her.
I miss her and pray that her family and friends can find peace. No doubt in my mind she is laughing right now and the fond memories I have of her will always be with me.
God Bless Mary and her family, she is dearly missed.
Greg Griswold '85
Barbara Bolin
September 24, 2001
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU ALL.MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
MARY MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.
KRI8STINA STROH GOMBEL
September 20, 2001
Deepest condolences to our upstairs neighbors, Mary's parents.
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