What is your first memory of Claribel? Share a favorite memory you have of Claribel. Tell us about a special moment you shared with Claribel. Describe a time when Claribel made you laugh or smile. What is something you will always remember about Claribel? Talk about a shared experience you had with Claribel. What is something you did together that you enjoyed? Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Claribel. Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Claribel. What is something you learned from Claribel?

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Obituary

120

Guest Book

Claribel Hernandez Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Oct. 12, 2001.

Claribel Hernandez, 31, of New York City, an administrative assistant with Sybase.

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

Sign Claribel Hernandez's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

Recent Activity

September 13, 2024

William Hernandez posted to the memorial.

September 11, 2024

Eddie Remache Clavijo posted to the memorial.

September 11, 2024

Rhonda Booker posted to the memorial.

120 Entries

William Hernandez

September 13, 2024

God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Eddie Remache Clavijo

September 11, 2024

WOW!!! Can't believe you are gone!!! You were my first girlfriend in JHS we both went to JHS 125 in woodside Queens. You had such a way to make people laugh with that big smile of yours always joking around we had a wonderful childhood and I will always love you and remember you Claribel.

Rhonda Booker

September 11, 2024

RIP, I worked with Claribel at Macys and she was truly a friend to everyone and will always remembered

William Hernandez

September 13, 2023

RIP CLARIBEL

How you can show support

Donate in Memory

Make a donation in memory of your loved one.

Add photos

Share their life with photo memories.

Plant trees

Honor them by planting trees in their memory.

Follow this page

Get email updates whenever changes are made.

Send flowers

Consider sending flowers.

Share this page

Invite other friends and family to visit the page.

Pammie

September 12, 2023

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you always till we meet again sis .

Nellie Arocho

September 12, 2023

It has been 22 years. Your legacy lives in your children, your twin sister and your nieces. We remember and honor you. God bless you Claribel ❤

July 2001

Eslyn Hernandez

September 11, 2023

To my loving late wife, Claribel,

It has been 22 years since you were taken from us too soon on September 11, 2001. I still miss you every day.

You were the most kind, loving, and compassionate person I have ever known. You always put others before yourself, and you always had a smile on your face. You were a wonderful wife and mother, and you made our lives so full.

I remember the day we met like it was yesterday. We were young and full of life. I was 18 and you were 16 years old. We were both at a park in Jackson Heights, I was playing basketball and you were chatting with friends. I was immediately drawn to your smile and kindness. I looked over in your direction and our eyes locked. Moments later, you walked by and waved hello. We introduced ourselves and exchanged numbers. We talked for hours on occasions, and I knew that I had found someone special.

We were married a few years later, and we had two beautiful children together, Joseph and Stephanie. You were the perfect mother to them, and they loved you so much. You were always there for them, no matter what. You taught them the importance of kindness, compassion, and hard work.

You finally found a good company for work and were working hard on your career. You worked hard to provide for our family, and we were always proud of your accomplishments. I knew that you would achieve great things.

On September 11, 2001, you were working in the North Tower of the World Trade Center when the planes hit. I still can't believe that you're gone.

I will never forget you, Claribel. You were my everything. You were my best friend, my lover, and the mother of my children. I will always cherish the memories we made together, like our first date, our wedding day, and the birth of our children. I will never forget the way you made me laugh, the way you always knew how to make me feel better, and the way you always put our family first.

I knew that you would want me to be strong for our children, and I did my best. They are kind, compassionate, and hardworking people, just like you. I am so proud of the people they have become. I know that you are now their guardian angel and are always watching over them.

I will never forget you, Claribel. You will always be in my heart, and your children will never forget you either. You will always live in their hearts.

Love always,
Eslyn

Annmarie Bondanza

September 11, 2022

Claribel and I worked together in Macys and became good friends going forward. She is unconditionally loving to her family and her friends. I often think of her With very fond memories Of her spirit and her loving heart!

William Hernandez

September 13, 2021

RIP my friend

Rhonda Bookee

September 12, 2021

Claribel and I worked in Macy’s, she was a beautiful person who cared for her family and others, our memories will always be remembered..

Bridgette Singh

September 11, 2021

Claribel and I work together at Macy´s of all places! She was such a beautiful person she was very kind I cannot believe its twenty years gone by.miss you my friend.

September 13, 2020

The years may have passed us by, but your memory continues to live. You and your family will always be in my thoughts and prayers.

September 12, 2020

May god Bless you and your family

Andrea Headley

September 11, 2020

Clara & Gaby, a year has not gone by without remembering both of you, especially that amazing smile of Clara. You are missed.
My deepest sympathy to the families, as you continue to endure such a big loss.
- Fellow co-worker at Sybase/New Era of Networks

The Kindred Family

October 7, 2019

We send our deep sympathy to your family. Always may God give the help needed to cope and may your loving memories be of some comfort also. Claribel is still sadly missed and will always be remembered.

William Hernandez

September 12, 2019

May God bless you and your family

Talea Wufka

September 11, 2019

Time flies but someone as Special as you could never be forgotten. Girl , I think about you lots . It could be anything from Red lipstick to perfect eyeliner to a silly laugh that much sounds like you . Humor would be the bond, we laughed at the same Jokes . I miss you Claribel, never did I think for a second you would ever go, always expected to see you . We grew from the same circle. I

William Hernandez

September 12, 2018

This day will always be remember God bless your family and rest in peace my friend

MARITZA KOEHLER

September 12, 2018

Claribel, I think about you and your family every year and pray for all of you. I have visited the memorial and found your name among all the others and shed a tear for all of you, such a sad day for all the families and especially the children. God bless you all!

September 11, 2018

Hi Claribel
Another year has gone by and you are always in my thoughts, prayers go out to your family, i pray and hope some day to see your smile again .....

Rhonda Booker-Macys friend

Talea Wufka

January 31, 2018

They say true friendship never dies, I think this to be true, here it is 1/31/2018 and you pop in my mind. I saw an article on Twins- how could I not think of you. Girl, you & Maribel were the most stylish twins I ever met & the Prettiest. I visit your memorial at times and where you rest because although you are not here in body- you will always be here in Spirit! I love you Claribel & thank you for all the laughter we shared as kids-- Girl to know you was to love you! May you continue to soar in the Heavens ... Love always, Talea

Rhonda Booker

September 11, 2016

Claribel another year gone by that my prayers are with your family and you are truly missed k ow that your memory lives on...... C

September 11, 2016

Remembered

William Hernandez

September 12, 2015

God bless you and your family

Chiara Castilla-Brooks

September 12, 2015

Another year passed with me not understanding why this happened, wondering how your family is, and praying for all of you...

wendy windeler

September 11, 2015

I am the woman who took your children to find your picture on the wall in the pier and put roses on it god bless you I think of you many times and God bless your children who are now grown

David Gonzalez

September 11, 2015

May God bless. You and your family.
Rest in peace .

Erin Moore Zaretski

September 10, 2015

Dear Claribel - Still miss you and think of your beautiful family often. All my love to you and to them. You are with me everyday.

Janet Soukup

September 12, 2014

Claribel - You are missed and will never be forgotten!

Rhonda Booker

September 11, 2014

Claribel, you are highly missed, every 9/11 my heart is filled with sorrow for your lost, when we worked at MACY together, I begged you not to leave, but I know you wanted more in life for yourself and family, so you left, your laughter and bubbie personalty will never be forgotten, but I know God Must of had a special place for you and that is why he took you, I know your looking down at your friends and family, my prayers go out to your family, as we all know how close they were with u, R.i.P. We miss u .....

Chiara Castilla-Brooks

September 11, 2014

Dear Claribel,

You will always be remembered as fun-loving and smiling. Every year I remember our time together at Macy's, working the counters and inventory, and hearing about your family...we will never forget you.

Erin Moore Zaretski

September 10, 2014

Dear Claribel - I am, as always, keeping you and your family in my thoughts. Miss you very much.

September 12, 2013

Claribel,

You are truly missed and will never be forgotten!

- Janet Soukup

Erin Moore

September 10, 2013

Claribel: I can't believe its been so long since I have seen you, but you are never far from my thoughts...and never will be. Rest in peace, my friend.

Erin

Nellie Arocho-Powell

September 14, 2012

God Bless you Claribel and Gaby.

william hernandez

September 13, 2012

May God truly bless your family with peace and comfort, knowing an entire nation remembers you today,

Maritza Koehler

September 12, 2012

It does not seem possible that 11 years have passed since you left us....I will never forget you!

Yolanda Alemanu

September 12, 2012

Always in my thoughts and will never be forgotten...so miss you. I always pray for your kids and family may God protect them always..Te extrano mucho..

Janet Soukup

September 11, 2012

Claribel, you will never be forgotten!

Chiara Castilla-Brooks

September 11, 2012

Wow Claribel, another year has gone by. I'm sure you continue to watch over your babies and family every second of their lives. God bless you and your family. We will never forget you.

Erin Moore Zaretski

September 10, 2012

Still miss you, Claribel. You will always be in my heart.

Yolanda Alemany

September 11, 2011

I can't believe it's been 10years. I will always remember your beautiful smile and your Love for others..you will always have a special place in my Heart,,Until we meet again...Gone but will never be forgotten.

September 11, 2011

Dear Claribel, it has been ten years since the terrible day you were taken away from your family and friends. It seems like just yesterday. We miss you and think of you often. God bless your family. RIP.

Chiara Castilla-Brooks

September 11, 2011

Dear Claribel,

I cannot believe it has been ten years...It feels like just yesterday we were working in fine jewelry together. I hope that your family knows how loved you were by everyone. We were all so lucky to have known you. As always, I am certain that you are looking down on your family. God Bless You! You are missed by so many.

September 10, 2011

manana es sep 11 yo y mi familia resamos
por ti y tu familia

Nellie Arocho-Powell

August 19, 2011

Hello Claribel! I know that you are watching over your kids, your family and your friends. God Bless you, my family thinks of you everyday. Love, Nellie, Tyrone, Calvin and Alex. The Powells.

william hernandez

August 18, 2011

hi clariber God bless you and family

Zahra Karim

September 12, 2010

Hello Sweet Claribel
Each year as September approaches I feel heavy in heart and sick in my gut. I only spent a short time with you as classmates in our much much much younger years, but you are thought of with the sweetest glow and radiance. Rest in peace dear friend, I know you're one of God's dearest Angels. I can't even imagine how difficult it may be for your loved ones if I feel this as such a deep loss. May God protect your loved ones and continue to help them heal.

Love and Prayers for you and your family always,
Zahra Karim (maiden name Lila)
Canada

September 12, 2010

I worked at Macy's with claribel,Iknew her for a short time,and the very few times her and I would talk I could see what a sweet person she was,and that she always radiated such a positive energy.My heart and prayers go out to her family.God bless you and your family.

~Christina Davila, Houston,TX

Ann Jimenez

September 11, 2010

Never will Forget

Maritza Koehler

September 11, 2010

Dear Claribel: It is incredible that nine years have passed since the nightmare began. We always think of you with love. The many fun times we had at work. May God bless you and your family.

Chiara Castilla-Brooks

September 11, 2010

Here we are again,Claribel. I know that you are up there watching over your friends and family. I cannot believe that another year has passed. I hope that your family is well.God Bless You...

September 11, 2010

You are remembered today, and your spirit, and kindness, honored. May God truly bless your family with peace and comfort, knowing an entire nation remembers you today, and thanks you for your courage. God Bless your loved ones - and rest easy in the joyous presence of our Lord Jesus.
william hernandez

Erin Moore

September 10, 2010

Miss you, my friend. You will always be with me.

Gabriela Waisman and Claribel Hernandez

Erin Moore

September 10, 2010

Dear Claribel! God Bless you, our family remembers you with Love as we know you are in heaven, our Angel watching over us.
nellie arocho powell - putnam valley ny

joyce & hector hernandez

September 10, 2010

claibel, wish you were still here with us, we love and miss you very much xoxo

joyce & hector hernandez

Gail Ittelson

December 28, 2009

Thnking of the loss of Claribel Hernandez and hoping to find out how her family is doing. I was Stephanie's first grade teacher on that tragic day. Please contact me if you have any info you can share how I can contact them. Thank you

September 12, 2009

Miss you. Your kids are beautiful, sweet and growing. Just miss you. ~ Gianna ~

September 11, 2009

Hey Claribel,
Its been 8 years since the horrific tradgies occurred in NYC, PA, and at the Pentagon. Yet, it seems like yesterday we were standing outside our building on 73rd Street that faithful August afternoon talking away. I still recall your laughter and your smiling face when you hugged me and my family and teased me about having another baby (which I never did). I still have my two precious babies who are now almost 11 and 13 1/2 years of age. I wanted you to know that I recently got in touch with your babies (via Facebook) as well as Maribel's daughter, Nicole. Your children are beautiful!!!! Stephanie is your spitting image and Joseph's a big man now going to college....

I know you are watching over them and the rest of us...until a time when we will all meet again...

You and your family are still very much in my daily thougths and prayers...I love you lots and miss you greatly!

Saufy

Erin Moore

September 10, 2009

Dear Claribel:

I miss you and Gaby everyday still. I keep you with me always and share my lifes journey with you guys. Your smile still radiates in my dreams as it did back then. We will have much to catch up on when we meet again. Until then I will continue to keep you close by.

Love and miss you.

Pamela(Pammy) Tello

September 8, 2009

In a few days it'll be 9/11 again,... a few days ago you would of been 39...& next yr we all would turn 40... wow! times flies,yet it only seems like yesterday you just left our side...your babies are growing beautifully & your son's in college... yet we all miss you still dearly...just thinking of you & missing you...<3 Pammy

Zahra Karim (maiden name Lila)

September 15, 2008

Dear Claribel,
Yet another year goes by and you continue to still bring light to my heart. Saufy again jogged some of my memories of JHS 125, and it wouldn't be complete without sending you my thoughts. Hoping you are shining up there as you have always shined down here. May you always be surrounded by beautiful stars.
Zahra Karim (maiden name Lila)

Chiara Castilla-Brooks

September 12, 2008

Not a year goes by that I don't think of you. You were taken too soon from this world but I know that you are now able to take care of even more people where you are. God Bless You.

Jackie Rosa

September 11, 2008

Hey Clara.. 7 years and its still feels like yesterday... Your children are growing up to be just as amazing as you. I know you must be so proud. I am married now and not a day goes by that i don't wish that you could meet my partner. You were always like a big sis to me and i remember you telling me that one day things will be ok and i will be able to be me and that day finally came. I found a picture the other day that my mom had from when you worked in Macys. It brought tears to my eyes. I love you and will miss you always.

Juan Jaramillo

September 11, 2008

I was friends with Claribel since the fourth grade at P.S. 12. Always sweet, always the lady! Here is a quote from me to Claribel......"May The Lite Of Christ Shine Within And Guide Your Way Through Life, Amen!"

william hernandez

July 11, 2008

I keep you in my prayers God Bless! you

william hernandez

May 24, 2008

DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WOMAN TOO YOUNG TO DIE...MAY HER SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS...GOD BLESS

Dal Shindel

October 6, 2007

Even though I didnt know you, I cried when I was told that you were gone. Just to know that you were very close to my daughter and that you care very much for her was enough for me. I know that you are in heaven right now. Will you please do something for your half sister Gianna and send all the Angels to protect her. Thank you
namaste.

zahra karim (maiden name Lila)

September 11, 2007

Dear Claribel and her loved ones,
I think of you so often. Even though we weren't in touch, yet you've left a mark in my life. We went to PS 12, and JHS 125. I have never forgotten you. May your spirit rest in peace.
Love,
Zahra Karim (maiden name Lila)

Chiara Castilla-Brooks

September 11, 2007

Well Claribel, it has been six years since you went to heaven. I just want to send my prayers and thoughts to you and your family. I watched as they read your name today on television and I still cannot believe that this has happened. Working with you at Macy's was an unforgettable experience and I am so glad that I was fortunate enough to know you in your too brief time with us here. I know that you are watching over your friends and family. God Bless You!

Gianna Aleman

September 10, 2007

Happy Birthday Baby Girl. Miss you every day.

Love
G

Doug Abraham

September 7, 2007

Happy Birthday!!!

william hernandez

July 15, 2007

we will never forget god bless you

wendy

June 10, 2007

~We will never forget~ god bless

Adrienne

April 21, 2007

We will never forget....

Gianna Aleman

January 5, 2007

Well kid, I turned 40 two days ago. Don't feel much different. I keep hearing that the 40s are the best. We're done with all the crap we deal with as youths and know what we want. The way I feel, I guess I'm young enough to do everything, but old enough to appreciate it. Wish you were here to appreciate it with all of us. Moved to Vegas 3 months ago. You'd get a kick out of it I think. Lots of wacky people. (And that says a lot coming from a hard core NYer). Still miss ya, but NY was never the same for me after you left. You took a big chunk of me with you and the only way to get it back is to see you again. Someday kiddo, someday. Love you always lil sis, G.

Wendy Rodriguez

January 3, 2007

Merry Xmas & Happy New Year, god bless you always & you will never be forgotten...

P Tabbernor

November 7, 2006

In memory....

Kristine

November 6, 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.

Christine (Susie) Cervantes-Low

September 11, 2006

I'm just sitting here and can't believe that is has been 5 years. It feels like it just happened and wished it never had. I still miss you everyday and always remember you on your Birthday. You would've been 36 just like me. My prayers are with your family today and always. Miss you today and forever!

Gianna Aleman

September 7, 2006

Dear Claribel,

You're 36 today. The age difference doesn't seem so great any more. I'll be 40 in January. How I wish you could be here for that. For everything. We still miss you so much. It's been 5 years now, but it hasn't gotten any easier. If there's a heaven, I know you're right there looking over all of us.

My heart still aches for you.

I love you always sis,

saufia merally-merani

September 6, 2006

Happy 36th Birthday Claribel. I so wish you were here today with all of us but especially with your family. We all still miss you, love you and think of you A LOT! It's been five years since we lost you and I know it has not been an easy time for Maribel, Joseph, Stephanie, Eslyn or your parents. I think of you daily and your family is always in my heart and thoughts...

In honour of your birthday, my family and I will be standing outside and looking for that special star that you have become right above our house to the left so we can all wish you a beautiful 36th. I miss you lots and love you very much!!!!

Saufy

Gianna Aleman

May 1, 2006

Rhonda Booker

December 7, 2004

The Holidays are once again among us and I remember Claribel running around the mall and me like a fool running with her to find gifts for her family in between breaks ... My name is Rhonda and I worked with Claribel at Macys and I think of Claribel and her family often, and I just want to let her family Know that they will always be in my prayers.... Even though it seemed liked yesterday when Claribel was taken from us and I tell myself that God had a higher purpose for her and that someday we will all be together again laughing...

Pammie Tello

August 11, 2004

My b-day just passed and I was a little sad cause I know your and Maribels' b-day is exactly a month away... I feel sad cause you're not around to celebrate with us . We all miss you...yet one day we'll all celebrate again together ... I'll talk to you in my prayers ~love Pammie~

William Silva

October 25, 2003

My regards to her sister and the family. She was a beautiful person. I have not seen her since 8th grade at JHS 125. I alwas remember all the boys chasing after her. She was always smiling. She was always there for you. She always gave me great advice with my girl problems. Rest in peace, Claribel.

Willie

Saufia Merally-Merani

September 12, 2003

It's another that has passed since the horrific attacks to the United States for which the world can not forget...

We, as individuals who either have lived in NYC, had loved ones there or as part of human mankind have not forgotten the loss of human lives or each family's pain in having to move forward with their lives...

Claribel, you are still in my heart and thoughts and I do not think that one day has gone by that I do not think of you or your children or your family...I visit this tribute to your life quite regularly and it makes me proud to know that there are others like me who knew you and cared for you as deeply as they did (and still do)

As I am writing this entry one year later, I still can hear your sweet voice and laughter from the last time we spoke in August 2001...I see your beautiful smile and the pride of your family in your eyes...that is a memory I will cherish forever...

I wanted to let you know that for the last two years (rain or shine), I have seen your sparkling image shining over our home in Canada every night as you are looking down on us from above. And beside you, I see my mom and I feel solace in knowing that you two are together and are looking after each other....

Yesterday, as our family was watching the tribute to all the individuals who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, I was quite emotional and sad at the memory of two years prior...However, my daughters, Inaara and Alyssah-Jasmine turned my tears in to a small smile...both of them said that they had gone to school and told their classroom teachers that "my mom's sister died at the WTC." I was speechless when they told me this and I explained to them that Claribel was my childhood friend;however, my daughter, Alyssah-Jasmine argued and said that "No mum, you are a lonely (only) child so god made Aunty Claribel your sister...and she and Nani are together". Her words left a permanent imprint in my mind...

I am so proud to say that when our family visited NYC in 2001, meeting you outside our building while we were catching up has had an impact on their lives. They have a memory of meeting you, of you walking to our car and hugging them and also of you talking to them. Alyssah-Jasmine still remembers that you told her that she used to bring Stephanie to her nani's house every so often to play...You are forever going to be their "Aunty Claribel"...

We miss you greatly and love you very much...

Love

Saufy

Saufia Merally-Merani

September 12, 2003

It's another that has passed and already I cannot believe that it is already two years since the tradegy of which the world can not forget...

and we as individuals who either lived in NYC or had loved ones there have not forgotten either...

Claribel, you are still in my heart and thoughts and I do not think that one day has gone by that I do not think of you or your children or your family...I visit this tribute to your life quite regularly and it makes me proud to know that there are others like me who knew you and cared for you as deeply as they did (and still do)

As I am writing this entry one year later, I still can hear your sweet voice and laughter from the last time we spoke in August 2001...I see your beautiful smile and the pride of your family in your eyes...that is a memory I will cherish forever...

I wanted to say that for the last two years (rain or shine), I see your sparkling image shining over home in Canada and looking down on us from above. Beside you I see my mom and I feel solace in knowing that you two are together and are looking after each other....

We miss you greatly and love you very much...

Love

Saufy

Margaret Montenegro-Silva

September 12, 2003

I thought to myself, as I watched the tribute to those who lost their lives on Sept 11th, if there could be someone else I didn't about. Over the years people marry, change their names, lose contact, so there was always that possibility. I mourned everyone who died that day but NY had a special place in my heart because I grew up in Woodside. I moved in 2000 to FL. I sat there and watched all the pictures. Mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and friends to someone. Then I saw Claribel's pictures. I went to PS12 and JHS125. When I saw her picture I immediately recognized her. Claribel and her sister were good friends with Mary Ching in JHS125. That's how I knew them because Mary and I grew up together in the same building in Woodside. I remember her being full of life and always happy. It's so nice to know that she turned out to be such a loved and beautiful person. It's impossible to make sense of all of this. I pray that Claribel's loved ones find some confort in knowing that she was loved by so many. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Claribel's family. God Bless and comfort you all.

September 11, 2003

Rest in Heavenly Peace Claribel, you dear lady.

Gina Hernandez

September 9, 2003

We will pray for you.

May God be with

you.

Gina Hernandez

February 13, 2003

I KNEW CLARIBEL WHEN I WAS IN FIRST GRADE BECAUSE HER SON JOESPH WAS IN MY CLASS.SHE WAS SO COOL.SHE WAS A LUNCH MOTHER UP UNTILL 4TH GRADE.SHE WAS REAL FUN. SHE ALSO HAD A TWIN SISTER WHICH I ALWAYS THOUGHT WAS HER. WHEN I FOUND OUT ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED IT JUST SHOCKED ME. I COULDNT BELIEVE IT. AFTER THE NEXT FEW DAYS I'VE BEEN PRAYING FOR HER FAMILY. THE HERNANDEZ FAMILY IS IN MY HEART. I WILL NEVER FORGET THEM. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

Jamal Jamison

November 16, 2002

I regret not finding this site a little sooner so that I could express my deepest sadness in the loss of Claribel. I didn't know her but I did know her husband Eslyn . I well understood the deep love he had for his wife.I pray that God is watching over Eslyn and his children to help them get through this loss a little easier.

saufia merally-merani

September 16, 2002

I knew Claribel since I was 8 years old. We lived in the same apartment building in Woodside, Queens and walked to and from PS 12 together sharing secrets, dreams, hopes and crushes. My aunt lived with us and she babysat them for two years and while they were coming to my house, we formed a friendship that is still very much alive today. Our childhood consisted of playing games like manhunt, jaws, running bases 1-2-3 with the kids on our block and in our building. In our spare time, I spent many evenings at their house playing or rather harassing/chasing their cat (the cat hated me). Maribel and Claribel had a wonderful mother Carmen and step-father Carlos who welcomed me in to their home with open arms. I remember one Christmas (1978), Claribel and Maribel gave me a "Farrah Fawcett-Majors" doll and together with their barbies we played with the dolls and furniture for hours at a time. I remember one time when we were playing "grown-up"...our play centered around how we be like when when we grew up? As kids our aim in life at ages 9 and 10 was to live together one day like the cast of "Three's Company". We loved listening to the soundtrack to "Grease" and thanks to the two of them I learned to dance. We also fought as friends often do sometimes not talking together for days but then making up for the time we were angry at each other. Being friends with Maribel and Claribel taught me to be courageous and to take chances in life as well as to have fun to the maximum. As we entered JHS 125 and Bryant HS, we were still friends but that one year difference slightly separated us and I moved forward and made new friends, had different interests for my future. We were still friends but we had definitely drifted apart over the years. I remember when Claribel told me about Eslyn, it must have been either '87 or '88 and she was crazy in love with him. They eventually got married after HS and in April 1990, Joseph was born. She was one of the first of my friends to get married and begin have a family. I was still dating my husband at the time as well as going to school and so marriage seemed far away from me. I did get married and a few years later all three of us were expecting our daughters in the same year. My eldest daughter, Alyssah-Jasmine was born in February '96, Stephanie was born in June (Claribel) and Nicole was born in October (Maribel). We always used to say that we should get together and have the girls play together but unfortunately we always think that we have all the time in the world but in reality we do not. My mother used to babysit "AJ" for me and while I was at work my mum would tell me that she had chatted with Carmen and Claribel that day, or had seen Stephanie, or Claribel had brought Stephanie over to play with AJ for a few minutes, etc. I had my second daughter in September '98 and in November my mom passed away. Claribel and Carmen were both at the funeral and afterwards their kind words gave me some strength. That was the bleakest time in my life and I am so happy that I had the support of all our family and friends. I moved away from NY in December '99 to vancouver , BC (Canada) and I came back to NY in August 2001. I met Claribel, Maribel and Carmen on that trip. Claribel and I met outside the building and we were talking about our kids and careers, etc. She was a beautiful girl and a very loving mother and wife... all she wanted was to provided the best for her family that she could at the same time build a career for herself. It was funny, our conversation became deep and philosophical and she told me about the job she had with Sybase and how happy she was with life. Joseph was 11 and going to junior high and Stephanie was going to start kindergarten in the fall. Claribel and I also joked about me having a third child...she said I was just like sister Maribel who had had Michelle in May...we spent the time catching up and laughing...that was the last I saw of her....

September 11, 2001 changed everyone's destiny forever. When I heard from a friend (Lily) that she was one of many missing...I could not believe it!!! I telephoned and spoke with Carmen & Carlos, Eslyn and Maribel several times in that time frame. My father still lives in that building and updated me with new information about people who were lost. After the funeral, I shared a thought with Maribel to hang in there...Claribel and my mother were in one place and not to worry, my mother would be looking after her as any mother would of their child. I just wanted to share that no matter where we are or what has happened...Claribel lives on in my heart and do her children and family. I see Claribel everynight outside my house...she has become a star that shines down on our family as does my mother...I will never forget her or stop loving her......

Saufia Merally-Merani,

Vancouver, BC

Canada

PAMELA WECHSLER

September 13, 2002

I met Claribel in PS 12. We used to hang out together and go over each other's houses. We lived two blocks from each other. As we got older we drifted apart. I began a family and unfortunatley never kept in touch. I saw Claribel a few times at the Queens Center Mall over the years but that was it. I just found out about her being in the WTC about 2 weeks ago, I was devastated. I remember her and her sister being inseparable and how much fun it was to be with them. I will keep those happy memories always in my heart. My condolences to you Maribel (hope you remember who I was) and to your mother and Claribel's husband and children. Love to you all.

Jaime Laura

September 12, 2002

I met Claribel back in 1996 when we both worked at Macy's. I was so nervous when I started my job there but Claribel made me feel at ease. She even took me out on my very first lunch break to discuss the job. And even though we had no contact for a few years before this tragic attack, I was devastated to hear we had lost such a wonderful woman. Claribel, you made me laugh and I will never forget you.

R. Hernandez

September 12, 2002

We will always remember. She is next to God now. I envy her.

Showing 1 - 100 of 120 results