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Mary Boffa Obituary
Mary Boffa's hobby was her sprawling, close-knit family. She had 3 sisters and nearly 30 first cousins. They provided plenty to do on weekends. When she was growing up on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, there was always a cousin to play with. Her father was a blue-collar worker at Western Electric and her mother was a school cafeteria worker. At age 45, Ms. Boffa was an associate vice president for Marsh & McLennan, the financial services conglomerate in 1 World Trade Center. She had recently separated from her husband and moved into a two-bedroom apartment on Staten Island. It had a view of the Verazzano-Narrows Bridge. She had new furniture. "She was very excited," said her nephew, Michael Trudeau. "It was renewal for her."
Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on September 16, 2001.
BOFFA-Mary Catherine nee Murphy. Taken from her loving family at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Loving daughter of the late Anne and John Murphy, dear sister of Margaret Trudeau, Elizabeth Murphy and Diane and Charles Brierley, devoted aunt of Maureen and Michael Trudeau and Kristen and Jennifer Brierley. Former wife of John Boffa. Memorial service at Thomas M. Quinn and Sons Inc, 35-20 Broadway, L.I.C., NY. Visiting hours Friday 6 to 9 PM. Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Most Precious Blood RC Church, Sat. 11:15 AM. In lieu of flowers donations to the Twin Towers Fund, GPO, POB 26999, NYC 10087-6999 or The American Red Cross.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Tom Cuhaj
November 17, 2024
Thought of you today and time we shared
Kathy McGuire Carlo
September 11, 2024
Mary, every year I listen on TV for them to mention your name. It was just mentioned and hoping you are at peace. Hoping Diane and family are well.
Michael
September 11, 2024
Mary, your are remembered and your life is celebrated. May God bless your loved ones with peace and comfort.
September 11, 2023
Mary you are remembered. May the Lord surround your family and friends with peace and comfort.
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September 11, 2022
Remembering you today. May God provide family and friends peace
September 11, 2021
Remembered. May you rest in peace and God bless your family and friends with peace.
Cindy Roe
September 2, 2021
Remembering Mary on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...
September 11, 2020
Mary, you are remembered today and your life celebrated. May God bless your loved ones with continued peace.
September 11, 2019
I remember you.
September 11, 2018
Remembered ... today and always. May God continue blessing your family and friends and work through your memory to inspire new lives. God bless
Del Newberry
January 26, 2018
Praying for your friends and family today. We will never forget. With love from Texas,
September 10, 2017
Remembered. Blessing of peace and hope for family and friends.
Bevin Hicks
September 11, 2016
I recently had a friend visit the World Trade Center Memorial. He posted a photo of a name "Mary Catherine Murphy Boffa. This morning I saw the photo of her name and thought "I'm going to remember all of those we lost on 9-11 but I will especially think of Mary Catherine". I was watching Fox News later this afternoon and they showed a small clip of two women calling out the names of those that we lost. Of nearly 3000 people they only showed them speaking the names of 15-20 people. They called the name Mary Catherine Murphy Boffa. I could not believe it. I spent the rest of my evening doing what I could to find out more about this wonderful woman that I have thought about all day. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her loved ones- 15 years but never forgotten.
September 11, 2016
Remembered. May God bless your family and friends.
Teresa Finn
September 11, 2016
Fond memories of Mary from the happy days at Goldman Sachs, rest peacefully with the angels my friend. With love and friendship. Teresa A. Finn 9/11/16
September 11, 2015
You are remembered. May the wonderful memories family and friends have grow sweeter with time. May God bless all who are hurting
September 11, 2014
You are remembered, today and always. May The Lord bless your family with peace.
Gene Selbo
October 3, 2013
I rode in the 2 Million Bikers Ride to DC on 9/11/13 to honor and remember the people who died that day. Most people didn't hear that the riders were given the names of the victims. I'd like to let the family know I was given the name of Mary Catherine Boffa and wore it proudly on my vest.
September 11, 2013
Remembering you today. God bless your family and friends.
Barbara Boam
June 12, 2013
I walked a mile for you (mile #211) on 4/8/13 as a dedication to your life.
September 11, 2012
You are remembered today. May god continue blessing your family and friends with comfort and peace.
Karen Barrett
September 3, 2012
Dear Mary and family,
My name is Karen. I lost my aunt in the south tower on September 11th. I"ll be participating in this year's ceremony and I'm honored to read Mary's name. I'm so terribly sorry for your loss. You will forever be in my thoughts and prayers. I wish you eternal peace.
Kindly,
Karen
jaclynn st. john-boffa
September 11, 2011
to mary's family,
my name is jaclynn and i am the widow of joseph boffa. i'm sorry i never got the chance to meet mary, but my husband certainly had fond memories and respect for her. I hope you're able to find peace. know that my thoughts are with you today.
Kathy McGuire Carlo
September 11, 2011
Mary,
Every 9/11 I think of you and say a prayer and hope you are at peace. You really will never be forgotten.
September 11, 2010
Mary,
Your kind spirit is remembered today with honor and respect. May God continue providing your loved ones peace - and may you know you will never be forgotten. God bless
September 11, 2009
On this date I hope you are having a Happy Anniversary Mary - I just know you are spreading happiness wherever you are. Thinking of you always, Joanne DeWitt Borzomati
Gary Pfaff
September 11, 2009
Mary, Since I've met your sister's Diane, Margret and Betty Anne, I can only imagine what a joy it would have been to meet you. You have left a loving legacy. Thoughts and prayers for you and your extended family.
Kenny Rogers
September 10, 2009
Margret, Betty Anne, Diane, Michael, Maureen and family
As Tina and I prepare to be married on this special day my thoughts and prayers are with Mary and all of you. I feel she would have enjoyed our celebration of love with family and freinds.
Ray Ruiz
May 2, 2009
To Margaret,Betty Anne,Diane and family my
heart and prayers will always be with Mary and your family.I have great memories of our time at St Francis De Sales back in the day. Well I came across
this while reading and thought it was a nice sentiment to write for you."The Lord Watch Between Me and Thee When We Are Absent One From Another." May you all find Peace,Love and Tranquility.
Ray
Doug Abraham
March 29, 2009
Happy Birthday!!!
Kristen Brierley
October 14, 2008
xoxo
joanne DeWitt Borzomati
August 15, 2008
Betty Ann and Family: I can't believe i just found out about Mary now. I am so sorry for your loss. I have some of the best memories of Mary and I at goldman sachs - boy did we have fun together - sometimes too much fun. We would love to go out and party together. I actually still have a present she gave me once, a small satin jewelry pouch. I will always think of her when i look at it. I am sure she is organizing a party every night in heaven, and everyone hopes they are invited. We kept in touch after i married, and then lost touch. She will be in my thoughts, and i will keep her in my heart. Hope you are well. Love Joanne DeWitt borzomati
Doug Abraham
April 24, 2008
Happy belated Birthday!!!
Christine Stabile
September 11, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with Mary and the Murphy's today. May God's perpetual light shine upon her.
Heather Anderson
September 11, 2007
We are thinking of Mary today especially.Lots of hugs to all. xxxxoooo Heather,Brian,& Grace Anne.
debbie
April 17, 2007
i am writing to tell you how sorry i am about the loss of mary. i had a note at my cousins website, united 93, donald greene was my cousin. theresa i believe wrote to us awhile back. thank you for your thoughts and concerns. our thoughts are with you too.
debbie
Kristine
October 18, 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.
Trisha Herrity
September 11, 2006
Gone but not forgotten..... Mary had a smile and a zest for life that lit a room when she entered. Everyone that knew Mary loved her.
Jennifer Brierley
September 11, 2006
Aunt Mary,
The thought of five years breaks my heart. Life is not the same without you. To say that we miss you is the understatement of the century. I love you.
P Tabbernor
August 25, 2006
In memory....
Michael Trudeau
September 9, 2005
We miss you...
Michele Rivellini
September 12, 2003
Two years later my heart and prayers go to each of you! I have kept each and everyone of you in my prayers and that God will give you the strength and courage during this time. I pray that Mary is at peace watching over each one. I got the chance to meet Mary once, before her and John were married. She was such a sweet lady. May God bless you and keep you safe. My thoughts and prayers always~Michele Rivellini
Debbie Vesey
September 11, 2003
To the Murphy Family,
I thought this poem would be comforting on the second anniversary of Mary's passing...she's always in my thoughts.
Afterglow
We'd like the memories of us to be happy ones, we'd like to leave an Afterglow of smiles when day is done. We'd like to leave an echo...Whispering softly down the ways of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days. We'd like the tears of those who grieve to dry before the sun of happy memories that we leave behind when day is done.
Love,
Debbie
Patricia Grande
September 11, 2003
I always knew Mary, a former co-worker at Goldman Sachs as a person with a ready laugh, a good word, and a bright spirit - always ready to enjoy life. I am sure she is brightening the heavens with her smile. Peace and love to all her family, especially my wonderful friend, her sister Margaret. Blessings to you.
Michael Trudeau
September 11, 2003
NO SURRENDER
Bruce Springsteen
Live 1975-85 version
We busted out of class had to get away from those fools
We learned more from a three-minute record than we ever learned in school
Tonight I hear the neighborhood drummer sound
I can feel my heart begin to pound
You say you're tired and you just want to close your eyes and follow your dreams down
We made a promise we swore we'd always remember
No retreat no surrender
Like soldiers in the winter's night with a vow to defend
No retreat no surrender
Now young faces grow sad and old and hearts of fire grow cold
We swore blood brothers against the wind
Now I'm ready to grow young again
And hear your sister's voice calling us home
Across the open yards
Believin' we could cut some place of our own
With these drums and these guitars
Blood brothers on a summer's night with a vow to defend
No retreat no surrender
Now on the street tonight the lights grow dim
The walls of my room are closing in
But it's good to see your smiling face
And to hear your voice again
We could sleep in the twilight
By the river bed
With a wide open country in our hearts
and these romantic dreams in our heads
David Martinelli
September 11, 2002
To the Murphy/Boffa family; may you feel consoled to know that Mary has gone to a better place. Recently, I wrote a poem on the heroes of September 11th, and know that many people even those who did not know her will remember the courage and strength she faced that day.
Heroes of September 11
Look up at the heavens, and you will find;
three thousand twinkling stars by God were made.
Each star is unique, every facet eternal;
grazing the skies every evening.
As every day pushes onward,
let us remember the bravery, courage, and the vitality,
which helped many nations through that awful day.
Time will of course move on,
but the lessons of that day will be
forever etched in one's memory.
Never to be forgotten.
Sabrina & Lindsey
September 11, 2002
Hello our names are Lindsey and Sabrina.
We are very sorry for your loss. We will be wearing Mary's name on our rolling requiem pins. We are greatly affected by the 9/11 attacks. Good luck in the Future we will always think of you.
Yours Truly,
Lindsey and Sabrina
( Springhouse Middle School Students P.A.)
Brittney
September 11, 2002
Dear Murphy Family,
It's been a year today since the tragedy of 9/11 and I hope the whole that has been left in your hearts isn't as sore as it used to be...and I also hope that Mary Catherine is resting in peace.
Sheila
August 25, 2002
It will be a year soon.
I just want to let Margaret know that I am always thinking of her and I pray for her sister Mary all the time.
Laura & Anthony Lucci
August 23, 2002
We met Mary in May 2001. She was very sweet. We are the ones that bought her home which she kept so beautiful. We think of her often.
God Bless you Mary and your family.
Mark Boffa
July 27, 2002
i saw mary's entry when i was looking for some family related material on the internet. I have no doubt that we would be related if we went back three or four generations. I am married to a murphy and one of my sisters in law is an elizabeth murphy.
the impact of sept 11 was felt all round the world, and the sacrifice of those like mary will not be forgotten.
my deepest sympathies go to her family and friends.
mark boffa
Michele Rivellini
March 11, 2002
My heart goes out to Mary' family and all those who lost their loved one's on this tradgic day. I am a relative of John Boffa and his family and got the chance to meet Mary before they married. What a wondeful person and kind heart. My prayers are with you and your family. May God keep us all safe and in His loving hands. God bless you all and America! Thoughts and prayers~Michele
Lillian Gonzalez
March 3, 2002
My heart goes out to each and everyone that were lost and to their families in this horrible day. May the Lord Bless you and keep you.
john PICONE
February 2, 2002
Rest in Peace...........John Picone
HEATHER MCNAMEE
January 17, 2002
TO THE MURPHY'S,
WE JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT THIS WEB SITE, SO WE WANTED TO WRITE AND SAY THERE'S NOT A DAY THAT'S GONE BY THAT WE HAVEN'T THOUGHT ABOUT MARY AND ALL THE SUFFERING ALL HAS BEEN THROUGH THESE PAST FEW MONTHS.. SHE'LL ALWAYS BE MISSED, AND WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN...ALL OUR LOVE, HEATHER AND BRIAN
brian mcnamee
January 12, 2002
TO THE MURPHY CLAN,
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND HAVE BEEN SINCE THIS TRAGIC DAY. I KNOW HOW MUCH SHE IS LOVED BY OUR FAMILY AND HOW DEEPLY SHE WILL BE MISSED, SHE IS IN A BETTER PLACE WITH SOME WONDERFUL PEOPLE.
GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU
LOVE,
BRIAN, AMY, ANSLEY AND BABY ?
Lisa (Kehoe) Manatakis
January 10, 2002
To the Murphy clan. I just recently found out about Mary I am truly sorry and very saddened by your loss I will never forget her and Aunt Ann my chilhood in Astoria will always be a memorable one because of them, they were my second family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers
Steve, Helene, Lisa & Tara Kehoe
January 10, 2002
To The Murphy Family; We just found out about Mary. Although we have not spoken to any of you. We shall keep her in our prayers always and ofcourse all of you as well.
Millie Stapelfeldt
January 9, 2002
My son, Mark, was Kristen Montanaro's boyfriend. As you know, Kristen was friend and co-worker to your sister, Mary Boffa. Our family sends yours our prayers and heartfelt sympathies in your suffering and sorrow over the loss of your beloved sister. Kristen loved her friend, Mary, and I do believe the two of them are in Heaven, making sure their loved ones are comforted and protected. Kristen's mother has already had that proven to her, recently, during her health crisis. Now, Mary and Kristen are still doing their "thing" with the Dear Lord. They've enabled me to "meet" your lovely sister, Betty Ann, online..new friends, who met in the midst of incomprehensible sorrow. I thank GOD..and I thank Kristen and Mary. May HE give you The Peace Which Passes All Understanding.
GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU, ALWAYS.
Millie, Bill, Mark & Frank Stapelfeldt
Teresa Jahn
January 8, 2002
We are deeply sorry for your loss of Mary. May Mary's life and love live on in those who love her. May warm memories of times shared with Mary lighten the sorrow in your hearts. 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
Thomas Herrity
January 2, 2002
May The Road Rise To Meet You,
May The Wind Be Always At Your Back,
May The Sun Shine Warm Upon Your Face,
May The Rain Fall Soft Upon Your Fields,
And Untill We Meet Again,
May God Hold You In The Palm Of His Hand,
May Eternal Rest Be Granted To You.
Uncle Tom
JAMIE MONTANARO
December 31, 2001
Mary and her sisters have been a constant thought in my family's thoughts and prayers. Like your family, we are taking some comfort,if there is any, knowing that my sister, Kristen Montanaro, was with Mary on that terrible September Day. We know they are together to guide each other.
Always in our prayers,
Jamie Montanaro
December 9, 2001
MAY GOD BLESS MARY CATHERINE (MURPHY) BOFFA AND MAY SHE REST IN
PEACE.GOD BLESS HER FAMILY AND
FRIENDS.GOD BLESS AMERICA AND MAY
WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01
Musser Hall @ Ursinus College
December 5, 2001
We as the international house of this college wanted to tell you that we all are in sorrow and believe that you are resting in peace.
Joseph Raso
November 27, 2001
Mary, you truly will be missed by all of us. May God bless you. My prayers are with all of your family - they are a remarkable group of people. Peace be with all of you.
Lori & Ryan Kennedy
November 27, 2001
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this horrible time. Although right now we tend to think of our lost loved ones with tears in our eyes and sadness in our hearts, we owe it to them and to ourselves to focus on the happy times we have shared with them. The tragedy of their loss is too horrible for words, but we must try with all our might to keep their spirit alive in our hearts and our minds. By doing this, they are with us always.
John T. Smith
November 14, 2001
My sincere sympathy to the Murphy family. For many years, I did business with Mary during her years at Marsh. We actually grew up in the same neighborhood (she from St. Francis deSales parish - I was from
Our Lady of Good Counsel parish).
It was always a pleasure to work with her. She will be missed.
Eileen Appelblatt
October 29, 2001
So sorry to hear about your loss and remember when she worked at Goldman Sachs. To her sister Margaret, may her memories & love bring her through this very difficult time
Mike Birnbaum
October 19, 2001
I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathies and condolences to my friend Michael Trudeau, as well as Mary's entire family. You are all in my thoughts.
Maureen kessler
October 16, 2001
As a co-worker of Betty Anne and Margaret, I express my sympathies for this incredibly tragic loss. I use the prayercard from Mary's funeral service as my prayer bookmark, so I see her beautiful face shine forth each day. Perpetual light does shine upon her. May God bless us all. With love, Maureen
Paul Birnbaum
October 13, 2001
My family and I would like to express our sadness and send our condolences to Mary's family. Having been friends with her nephew for 15 years, I know they are wonderful people and I am here if they ever need anything.
leslie miller
October 12, 2001
Please accept our heartfelt sympathies. Words cannot express our sadness. Just know you are not alone.
Dione Sackman
October 6, 2001
I am terribly sorry for your loss.
Christine Phillips
October 4, 2001
My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to all the families grieving at this time, especially Mary's family and friends. Although I did not know her personally, I know how much she meant to her family and I firmly believe that she is alive today--through the memories that are held in the hearts of so many who knew her. God, please grant strength and courage to those families suffering from losses due to the horrible tragedy that has recently taken place. God Bless.
Samantha Sullivan
October 4, 2001
I just want to say my thoughts and prayers have been with Mary and her entire family. I did not know her myself but from knowing some of her family I know she must have been a really great person.
Kelly Birmingham
October 4, 2001
My thoughts and prayers are with Mary and all those who lost their lives in this tragedy. Mary has a beautiful and loving family who will keep her legacy alive through her memories! God Bless!
Maria Bavaro
October 4, 2001
Mary Catherine and her entire family are in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you all and give you peace and comfort in your time of need. Enjoy your memories, they are what keep Mary Catherine in your hearts.
Nick Borzone
October 4, 2001
My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. Mary was a wonderful woman, and in the short time that I came to know her, I must say, she could could light up a room with just one smile. She possesed a natural ability to make everyone around her feel like they were special. If anyone, in this beautiful family should ever need a smile, call upon me, I am here.
God Bless,
Nick
Toni Kristensen
October 4, 2001
My heart goes out to everyone who is effected by this tragdey. May God give you all the strength to get through this difficult time. GOD BLESS!!! I love you all....
Sofija Litric
October 4, 2001
My heart goes out to the family of a woman I didn't know. May god rest your soul in peace.God Bless.
Eddie Wilders
October 3, 2001
May God bless the family of Mary Boffa. She will be in our prayers always.
Jodi Shivers
October 3, 2001
Many thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Mary Catherine (Murphy) Boffa.
Erica Pratico
October 3, 2001
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Mary Boffa. May you find comfort in the arms of those close to you and may you find strength in the arms of a nation that stands united forever. God bless...
Marisa Brillhart
October 3, 2001
As a coworker of Betty Anne, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. God bless you.
Annmarie McDonald
October 2, 2001
My heart goes out to all the loved ones of Mary, especially my co-worker and friend, Margaret Trudeau, Mary's sister.
Margaret, may you be able to find peace and strength during this extremely difficult time. As you know, I have lost my brother, Matt, in this terrible tragedy and I share your pain. May the Holy Spirit be with you...
Love,
Annmarie
Mary Catherine Moody-Perry
October 2, 2001
My heart felt sympathy to a family I've never met, but with whom I am drawn because of a name shared. May God sustain you in this time of grief as only He can. Mary Catherine Perry (Moody)
Kathie
September 28, 2001
May God bless you in this terrable time of sorrow.. rest assured all will be made right some day.
Mary Johnson
September 26, 2001
WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY OF MARY BOFFA.
DURING THE PAINS OF LIFE, GOD'S GRACE AND MERCY WILL CARRY YOU THROUGH! WITH HIM, YOU CAN MAKE IT!
D
Barbara Bolin
September 23, 2001
My thoughts and prayers go out to you all.May God bless you all.Mary may you rest in peace.
John Ralph
September 22, 2001
I would like to send my sincere condolences and sympathy to all the people affected by this tragedy, my heart shares a tear with you and America.
Love John from Scotland.
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