Chantal Vincelli

Chantal Vincelli

Chantal Vincelli Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Oct. 10, 2001.
A Thing About Cats
"She had this thing with cats; she'd pick up stray cats and she'd bring them home, and she'd make them into house pets," Daryl DiMiceli said about his friend Chantal Vincelli. "She'd keep them in the bathroom until they got used to her, and then take them out to meet the other cats. She'd kind of rotate them through."

Ms. Vincelli, 38, was at the World Trade Center setting up for a trade show for DataSynapse Inc., where she was director of member services. But there were two jobs she dreamed about, another friend, Barry Lamm, recalled: personal assistant for Bill Clinton, and talk-show host.

Mr. Lamm spent New Year's Eve 1999 with Ms. Vincelli in her native Montreal. "Everyone was screaming `Happy New Year,' but she carried around a big apple that read `Happy New Year, Times Square. We love you!' "

After Sept. 11, Ms. Vincelli's friends found homes for the 17 cats found in her Harlem apartment.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Chantal Vincelli's Guest Book

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September 11, 2024

Ginette Cournoyer posted to the memorial.

September 13, 2023

Lisa MacDonald posted to the memorial.

September 12, 2023

ralph silvestri posted to the memorial.

Ginette Cournoyer

September 11, 2024

Hi again Chantal. This year I made a trip to New York City on vacation and It was very important for me to visit you and find your name on the mural. Very touching moment. A few tears were shed, Well even though it has been that many years, i Will always remember you. Rest in Peace my friend

Lisa MacDonald

September 13, 2023

I remember you Chantal every time I make that same sound you made describing your cats, with mine. You are a unique soul that I imagine where you are caring for our beloved kitties, along with yours, until we all meet again. You are loved, and remembered.

ralph silvestri

September 12, 2023

My GUARDIAN ANGEL ...... I think of you everyday of my life. You saved my life and my best friends life ( Steven ) that day by telling us to leave at 8AM. Love you Chantal !!!!

Ginette Cournoyer

September 11, 2023

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Sherry

September 11, 2023

Remembering you today Chantal. Feeding the strays. I hope yours are all with you now. Your beautiful spirit is not forgotten.

Antonio vincelli

September 10, 2022

Every year I remember

Isabelle Rivas

September 12, 2021

Tu ne seras jamais oubliée. ❤ ta phrase magique que j'utilise encore: " And you are?" LOVE it.

antonio vincelli

September 12, 2021

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Ginette Cournoyer

September 11, 2021

20 years have past and you are still on my mind.
Saw your name on the wall yesterday on the news and I cried.
Still remember my 40th B'Day you were a riot.
You have touch lots of people in your short time but we could never forget you.
Rest in peace

James Kushon

September 11, 2021

I will be attending a reading of the names in LA in Chantal's honor today. I was giggling this morning about the last time I saw her, I was in Mew York with my girlfriend, as I was walking out of the hotel room she said to me "I can't believe I'm sending my man on a date"...she knew what an amazing woman Chantal was, her spirit, her kindness...20 years and my heart can still warm with just a thought of her

Susan Kelley

September 12, 2020

Chantal, 19years have passed. I only wish that I had known you as we are kindred spirits and feline lovers. Rest assured there are many of us who care deeply for cats and will carry on for you.

Isabelle Rivas

September 11, 2020

Never Forget 9/11. Chantale, je ne vais jamais t'oublier. J'ai adoré ta belle énergie quand j'ai travaillé avec toi (94-95). Nos belles soirées salsa. Et ta fameuse phrase: " And you are"? Ah...je parle de toi à mes enfants surtout malheureusement en cette journée maudite. Love toi

Ginette Cournoyer

September 11, 2020

!9 years has passed and i still think about you. Rest in peace my friend, just know that you were loved. Miss you until...

Ginette Cournoyer

September 11, 2019

The memory of a good person is a blessing.
Never forgotten - always in my heart.
I will always remember my 40th birthday - what a blast it was

Susan Kelley

September 11, 2019

While I never knew Chantal personally, as a kindred cat lover I just know she must have been special.

Linda Baker

September 10, 2019

My beautiful friend, tomorrow marks 18 years we have been with out your sweet soul! I love you and miss you so much! I talk about you often and you will always be in my heart! I love and miss you my girl! You were such a special person! God wanted you by his side!❤❤

Patrick Egan

October 11, 2018

My friend was in New York and taking a picture standing next to where the twin towers stood. I could see ur name in the picture. I googled ur name in remembrance of 911. I just wanted to say that we here in Chicago wont forget all the lives that parished on that day. Rest In Peace.

LISA MACDONALD

September 12, 2018

I imagine Chantal is with our furry little babies over the rainbow bridge. I can't imagine her anywhere else. I'll always remember that loving sound you made when you talked about your cats, or even my cat. You will always remain a very special memory in my heart.

Sherry

September 11, 2018

Thinking of you today, Chantal. I still save them and think of you. I know you watch over so many of them. I hope you are at peace.

Ginette Cournoyer

September 11, 2018

Chnatal 17 years has passed and the is not a year or through the year that you don not cross my mind.
You are as misse as never never forgotten
Rest in Peace Chantal

Susan Kelley

September 12, 2017

Chantal, Amid all the tragedy that Mother Nature has unleashed I am sure you would be so pleased to know that cats are being saved and loved. Sixteen years and you are not forgotten.

September 11, 2017

You will never be forgotten miss you your friend Ginette Montreal

Sherry

September 11, 2017

Thinking of you, Chantal!! Still savings cats in your honor. Remembering you today and your sacrifice. You are always in my thoughts...you live on. Blessings dear cat angel.

Sherry in Missouri

RALPH SILVESTRI

September 11, 2017

THANK YOU FOR SAVING MY LIFE !!!!
RIP AND I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU

Linda Baker

September 11, 2017

Another year without your beautiful soul! We miss and love you always my friend! ❤❤

September 14, 2016

remembered

Judith a Cartisano

September 12, 2016

Bless you Chantal, and your family.

Joseph Vincelli

September 12, 2016

It remains a awful Dayan horrific day, beyond comprehension. You and all that perished are forever in our minds.
In your memory I placed your picture on facebook

ron kennedy

September 11, 2016

Always remembered never forgotten

Silvana Amendola

September 11, 2016

Always in our thoughts ...

Ginette Cournoyer

September 11, 2016

Hello again my friend just know you will never be forgotten

Sherry Stewart

September 11, 2016

Remembering you today Chantal. Wishing none of you had to have gone through this. I rescue cats and volunteer at a shelter. I do this in your memory. Thinking of your family today, because you no longer know pain. Headbumps and purrs always Chantal.

Sherry in Missouri

Michelle L

September 11, 2016

I gave blood in your memory today. And in a couple weeks my son will put in the uniform of the U S Marine Corp to defend our freedom so this doesn't happen again.

Susan

September 11, 2016

Chantal, I've been thinking of you frequently as I'm having a "cat" year and it makes me sad to think of the cats who missed out because you aren't here.

Lisa MacDonald

September 14, 2015

Chantal,
Our meeting was brief, but memorable, and our friendship felt long. My sweet Mocha, whom you knew about, passed last year, and I now have a new best friend. With both kitties, I make a special love sound that I remember you also made when talking about the kitties. I always think of you when I make this sound, and hope it resonates through the tiers of spirit that it reaches you. You've gone ahead to where we'll be one day. Love to you through the years and give a scratch to the kitties.

Anthony Vincelli

September 13, 2015

My prayers go out to the family

September 13, 2015

Chantal,
Time flows indeed seems like yesterday when a despicable crime against humanity was perpetrated against so many like you.
You will always shine and will always inspire us by your love and kindness you shared with so many
We send you love
Joseph A Vincelli

Sherry

September 12, 2015

Still saving cats in your memory Chantal. They are such loving, complex creatures - so full of love. Thinking of you today and always.

Susan Kelley

September 12, 2015

14 years on and somewhere there are cats living happy lives because of you and your kindness.

Joe Herman

September 11, 2015

I listened for your name this morning, Next year someone should be there to say more about what an amazing human you were.
Love, Joe

Ginette Cournoyer

September 11, 2015

It is already that time again. You will always be missed

Isabelle Rivas

September 11, 2015

Allo '' And you are '' aka Chantal

Je pense souvent à toi et chaque fois cela me fait sourire.

Isabelle xxx

linda baker

September 11, 2015

My buddy my friend it's so hard to believe it's been so long since you left us! I miss you my friend! You were and still are very important to me! Love you pal...always will. I hope you are holding and squishing my Angel face! I'm sure she's giving kisses! Love you buddy!

Judith A Cartisano

September 13, 2014

Another year has gone by but it seems like only yesterday. Thank you for your beauty, grace and caring, Chantal.

Joseph A. Vincelli

September 12, 2014

I always will think of you and especially when I visit my daughter Amanda in NY

Stephen Roy

September 11, 2014

I know you're still funkin' it up somewhere.....

Sherry Stewart

September 11, 2014

Thinking of you today Chantal. Never forgetting the sacrifice you and the others made. I am rescuing cats today and am inspired by your memory.

Isabelle Rivas

September 11, 2014

Je ne t'oublie pas ;)

Tu fais le party en haut c'est certain <3

Susan

September 11, 2013

You are remembered. You are mourned. You inspire.

Princessa Pistache (one of Chantal's cats)

Alex

September 11, 2013

I have received an email about Chantal's cat Princessa Pistache that I adopted so I will post a picture. Princessa had been adopted by a friend of Chantal's who had adopted Princessa and then moved to Pennsylvania and was unable to keep her and my guess is Princessa was one of her closest cats. Princessa Pistache was a beautiful and very dramatic cat (like a little actress) who passed after two years with cancer in March,2012. See my other posting-I was told by a well known animal communicator that she was with a woman with curly hair who she knew.

Chantal Gratia

September 11, 2013

My name is Chantal Gratia, I was also in the North Tower on the 18th floor that dreadful day. I was one of the lucky ones who made it out. Every year whenever I hear them read your name I shed some tears and think about how it could have been my name being heard. Rest in peace Chantal.

Joe Herman

September 11, 2013

You live, Chantal. Every day in thousands of ways, through the lives of all those who were forever changed by you, pre-event. Your respect and love of all life inspires and moves me and others to be better people.
I loved reading that Miss Pastiche is with you.
I pray every day for Tony-the-Pony, Mario, and all of those missing you....it doesn't get easier but it helps to know that you are watching.
XXOO

Lisa B

September 11, 2013

I will always remember your courage and vivacity.

Sherry

September 11, 2013

Thinking of you and everyone else today Chantal. I know you have a few of my furrbabies with you now. I know they are in good hands. I volunteer at our local shelter - the cat room. "Not as many people like the cats," the director says. But you did. I honor you with each chinrub and headbump I share with these homeless furrbabies. Sending you love in Heaven. With people like you there, I know it will be a joyous place.

Lisa MacDonald

September 11, 2013

Chantal, another friend and fellow cat lover you charmed with your sweet stories and vivacious love of life. I envision you being the caretaker of the countless feline souls that pass on, extending them your love and compassion. You are missed here dearly, but I imagine you are much needed and quite busy there. God bless you and may your profoundly touching spirit be with us always.

Annie Kearns-Davidson

September 11, 2013

Its hard to believe that so much time has passed - 12 years! Dance, laugh out loud and shine on!

September 10, 2013

Well my friend its been 12 yrs still don't believe that ur not here.!We should be teasing each other about being 50 and laughing like we always did...I miss u my friend!I really do.! Hold my little Angelface & sqoosh her hard til I get there k? Love you buddy! ALWAYS!

Mark DeMarko Browne

September 9, 2013

I replay that morning in my head several times a year when I got that phone call just after 9:30 from Mario. All I could say is “Which Chantal - Chantal who?” I had barely just awaken, just back from my trip to Spain the night before when a friend called to see if I had arrived on a different plane and to see if I was safe. . . little did I know, none of us ever are safe. We no longer live in the world our parents lived in. In just a couple of days, will be 12 years that I no longer hear your voice, see all that cascading hair, the bigger than life humor and sparkle in your eye every time I saw you. I visited the memorial before I moved out of NYC last year, I have the stubs I saved for your brother Tony in case he has not been there yet. I know you are always around…I find the rubberbands you place at random where none should be and I know they are you making your presence know.. (thanks for the Blue one yesterday) Yes we miss you, but it feels like you're still here… I know you are!

Alex D

April 24, 2013

By way of someone else who initially did, I adopted Chantal's cat, Princessa Pistasche. Princessa was a beautiful cat who lived a long life and had developed cancer-with all that Chantal did for cats, I made sure that Princessa had the best treatment and she lived a quality life for 2 years with a rare cancer that had a median survival of 2-3 months. I know this seems odd but I have a friend who is a well known animal communicator who I have spoken with after Princessa died. She said Princessa is now with a woman who passed. She described Chantal's appearance very accurately.

Judith A Cartisano

September 15, 2012

Another year has gone by but to me 9/11 seems like yesterday. I visited the Memorial last year and said a prayer when I came to your name. This year I couldn't bring myself to go down to the Memorial site, so said prayers at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine for you and all the beautiful people lost on 9/11. I met up with our mutual friend and cat and dog rescuer, Dorie. She doesn't have a computer and asked me to tell you that she prays for you always and misses you.

Susan Kelley

September 14, 2012

Chantal, another cat lover here. So many cats have a better life because of your love. You brought a ray of sunshine to the kitties.

Donna Didgeon

September 13, 2012

Dear Chantal, I have been reading about you on your guest book...I'm sorry for not having been able to meet you. From all the memories ,you were and exceptional and loving woman and are greatly missed...I hope we meet in the afterlive...

The world misses YOU

Joseph Vincelli

September 13, 2012

Chantal, we will always remember you, it is September 2012 now more than ever we all miss YOU

Karen

September 11, 2012

Always in our thoughts.....

Sherry Stewart

September 11, 2012

Another year Chantal. Early morning after a long night of work, just relaxing with the kitties and thinking of each of you. I still can't fathom what you all went through. I cry for you but will always celebrate your memory. Beautiful stars out tonight, I hope you're sitting on one now. Wishing your family peace and love always.

Linda Baker

September 10, 2012

The 11th year without you my beautiful friend...still think of you all the time! I know u have my little Angelface with u now and I'm sure your squishing her hard! I miss u my friend today and everyday...til we meet again...I love u and save a special place for me!!!

Don

September 11, 2011

It is such a beautiful night in Montreal. It was so calm and peaceful as I walked around the neighbourhood. Who knows, we may have met in the past but it doesn't matter. The fact that you seem so kind touches me deeply and I want to know that tonight...10 years after you left us, we are thinking of you under a bright beautiful moon. Oh yes, my cat will get extra kittie-treats before I go to bed tonight...in your memory.

Sherry

September 11, 2011

Giving my kitties an extra squeeze in remembrance of you today Chantal. Your kind and loving spirit will always touch my life and so many others who never knew you. We only get a glimpse of what your life on Earth was like. Sending you peace and love...I'm sure there are furry ones in Heaven. There will be a Harvest Moon tonight Chantal..we share it with you. Rest in Peace you dear soul.

Susan

September 11, 2011

Thinking of you today and always. Still rescuing cats and so sad for all the cats left in the void created by your death. I promise I am a better person because of September 11. I am more patient, loving, and giving. I do not hate and have more compassion. I am not as fearful. I live my life with appreciation. I never want to be a part of anything that would cause the pain that the 9/11 attacks caused. No God, no country, no belief, no amount of money could ever justify that. I wish you eternal peace.

Lisa MacDonald

September 11, 2011

Chantal,
I remember trying to call you, over and over again, and then your office, to see how you were. No messages were bounced back and I was hopeful, until a few days later, your voicemail box was full and I couldn't leave messages anymore. I didn't want to think you were gone and I couldn't believe it until I heard your name called in memory. You were such a spirited person, a kindred cat friend, and though we were far apart, we connected ourselves through our business transitions. I still hold onto the overpriced stock I bought from your company, where our friendship started! I'm thinking of you on this day of remembrance. I think of you many times and feel very fortunate we were able to share cosmopolitans and cat stories over dinner and a long walk in the New York night. I will never forget. My prayers are with you.

Judith A Cartisano

September 7, 2011

Chantal, I didn't know you but I heard from my friend Dorie, who did know you, that you were a very lovely and special person. She showed me your photo. She said she worked with you to rescue cats and that is really all I need to know to understand what a wonderful person you were. I plan to visit the 9/11 Memorial on September 16, 2011. I will pray for you there as I pray for you here.

Susan Kelley

September 28, 2010

Chantal, Kindred cat person here. Sadly, we said good bye to Reggie our remaining Burmese after 17 plus years . Tibetan prayer flags will be hung and we shall include thoughts of you in our message.

jen

September 27, 2010

i think of you always!

Julie Carter

September 12, 2010

Hey Chanti,

Miss you and think of you often.

"Orange Juice, no pulp, no pulp...you can drink it with one gulp"

Love Jules

Frosty Vincelli

September 12, 2010

Mamma,

Miss you! Love you!

Frosty

Sherry

September 12, 2010

Thinking of you today Chantal,
The kitties are happily enjoying a lovely day in the sun and healthy and shiny. I adopted Waldo this year from the parking lot at work. A skinny little Siamese mix of 7 weeks. I still smile when I think how selflessly you gave of yourself. So many people don't understand, others do. I didn't have the computer hooked up yesterday, so I'm honoring you one day later...but you were sooo in my thoughts, I had to do it. It's Sept. 12, but you are still and always will be in the hearts of those of us you have touched.

julie carter

September 11, 2009

Thinkin' of you tonight as I sit around the ring of fire. Tiki Torches enflamed around us.

present: Jules, Frosty, Jase, Stone (she is like scorpio cat) and Eli (is a younger version of Frosty with some Kari in him)

Sherry

September 11, 2009

Greetings in Heaven Chantal...Wow, it's been 8 years since you've left your earthly home. I know there is no sense of time there...just know,we are still carrying on your work. The kitties have been fed today and are purring happily. We rejoice in your memory. Please give the others hugs for us!

May 22, 2009

Never knew you, but saw you in the New York Times with so many other faces. The header was "A Thing About Cats" and I knew you were a kindred soul. I have the memorial on my wall and think of you often. I also think of all the cats who have needed you since you've been gone and that makes me so sad. I guess I'm thinking of you right now because I have another (there is always another) feral and her kitten outside and I've been trying to think of how to handle it. Anyway, just wanted to let someone know I was thinking of you.

Doug Abraham

March 31, 2009

Happy Birthday!!!

Joseph A Vincelli

March 14, 2009

I am saddened to know Chantal, such a wonderful person had perish in such a shameful cowardly way. You certainly earned your place in heaven in peace and tranquility, your life was brief yet you touched many lives... it seems like I know you... like a part of me. Know that God will see that justice is always done to those who caused this calamity an event beyond the description of words.

I pay homage to you and have placed your story front page on the Vincelli facebook group home page

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=7547204830&ref=nf

Peace joy will always be with you and know that many love you

Joseph A. Vincelli

Julie Carter

September 11, 2008

Frosty and I are thinking of you. We miss you!

Michael Iezzi

April 1, 2008

Chantal,
Happy Belated Birthday in Heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Doug Abraham

March 31, 2008

Happy Birthday!!!

This is me Gary Vincelli

gary vincelli

January 29, 2008

My name is Gary James Vincelli,I was born in PtPleasant NJ , My heart goes out to the family of Chantal,... GOD bless ....

Stephen Roy

September 11, 2007

Chantal: Gap Band, Planet Rock, Groove Your Blues Away, Funkin' For Jamaica, Square Biz, Heartbeat...Heaven is dancing to your playlist, I'm sure....

Sherry S

September 11, 2007

You are in my thoughts today Chantal. As I sit and listen to the patter of little furry feet in the kitchen doing "something." I am my neighborhood St. Francis of Asisi. Thank you for all that you did and for everyone you touched. Heaven doesn't seem like such a bad place with you and the others up there. God bless you and your loved ones.

Lise Noury

September 11, 2007

Rembering you always,

Susan Kelley

August 10, 2007

I have been thinking about you quite a bit lately Chantal. I have just successfully snagged another feral cat and within 24 hours of being inside he has turned into a couch potato. I had strong thoughts of you as I laid my plans.

P Tabbernor

April 11, 2007

In memory....

Michael Iezzi

April 2, 2007

Chantal,
Happy Belated Birthday in Heaven. May God hold you in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

susan Kelley

January 3, 2007

I never knew, until now, that I had the chance to express my thoughts about Chantal. I never knew her, except maybe spiritually...I'm not religious, but spiritual. Cats are a very big part of my life and when I read Chantal's story in the NY Times in 2001 I just felt a strong connect. Whenever I make donations to cat shelters I make them in Chantal's memory . I hope her family takes some comfort from the fact that Chantal has touched the lives of total strangers....I feel she is my kindred spirit

ron kennedy

November 26, 2006

Dear chantal, years have passed since i first signed this beautiful memoriam to you and today i find myself thinking alot about you.Just your laugh and your forever positive attitude when days were a bit blue, wish you were around to tell one of your crazy histerical stories!!! Miss ya always honey, and know that you are in good hands.Ron

jen

October 25, 2006

cv
i think of you always. i love you

Sheena

September 20, 2006

Meow :-) Cats in heaven now have their very own Guardian Angel....

5 years...........I will always be glad I had the pleasure of knowing u in this lifetime.......

Janet Carter

September 15, 2006

Every September 11 I light candles and put them on the front porch and remember Chantal. I will do this forever. Chantal was my daughter, Julie Marie's, friend. Chantal watched over Julie during her New York adventure like an older sister. Chantal's phone number was my security connection in case Julie didn't call me back in a reasonable amount of time. Frosty is our grandkitty and stays with us on occasion. We will always remember....

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September 11, 2024

Ginette Cournoyer posted to the memorial.

September 13, 2023

Lisa MacDonald posted to the memorial.

September 12, 2023

ralph silvestri posted to the memorial.