Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Melissa Doi Obituary
Beneath Melissa C. Doi's crisp Wall Street veneer beat the ebullient heart of a ballerina. Had her physique cooperated, Ms. Doi often said, she would have become a professional ballet dancer.
Instead, she followed her heart along a winding path of professional exploration. At Northwestern University she studied engineering, then switched to sociology. After graduation she took a job in public relations, then moved to banking. Four years ago she joined IQ Financial Systems, which develops financial software, and quickly became a manager.
She danced through it all. "She would get happy and just dance," said Lara Beth Metzger, a friend and former classmate. "Salsa, kick lines, everything."
Ms. Doi, 32, was an original thinker who questioned almost everything. "Whenever we had a staff meeting you could count on Melissa to ask the first question," said Eyal Altaras, her supervisor at IQ Financial.
Ms. Doi was especially close to her mother, Evelyn Alderete, and bought her a condo in the Bronx where they lived together. They were supposed to leave for a vacation in Italy on Sept. 14. "She could be a little pain in the neck," Ms. Alderete said. "But she was the best daughter anyone could have."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sheridan Smith
February 25, 2025
God Bless... with deepest sympathy from my heart.
john Liotta
February 20, 2025
Our hearts are with Melissa and her family forever
Mehreen
October 9, 2024
I can´t imagine what you´d been through, it must be very hard to tolerate something like that especially in a bad situation. Your beautiful voice will always be in my heart! Rest in peace beautiful young lady.
Patricia Sullivan
September 26, 2024
I heard your voice today. I could feel your terror. Tears streamed down my face immediately. I can't imagine what you went through. I'm so sorry. I'm sorry for your mom's terrible loss and your loss of life. There are no words.
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.
Derek
September 24, 2024
I love you hun, and I know you're in a better place now. I'll meet you one day.
Mary Bean
September 14, 2024
Your voice is a haunting reminder of the pain so many New Yorkers lived through that morning. Melissa Doi, you´re remembered by us near and far to you. I hope you are at peace and dancing among the stars.
Heather Key
September 12, 2024
God bless you, Ms. Doi! May you rest in peace with Jesus and Mother Mary in Heaven. May perpetual light shine upon you.
Laurel Hill
September 12, 2024
I heard your voice yesterday & I listened to it again today. I wish you could be here living the life you deserve. I´ve been crying. I hope I get to know you in Heaven. I will always remember you forever.
Judy M.Kelty
September 12, 2024
I heard your voice again yesterday. I cried even harder.
Michael
September 11, 2024
You are remembered this morning, your life, and your courage, celebrated. May the life, love, and joy you experienced and shared with others over 32 years, provide comfort and smiles today. You are forever remembered Melissa.
Fred
May 23, 2024
She was a very charming young lady.
Bruce G.
December 10, 2023
I had gotten my masters in music at Northwestern in '86. I think Melissa might have started toward her degree there in '87. I was still in Evanston working at the Evanston library and Leslee's Jazz club and restaurant until late summer of '88. I'm not sure if I crossed paths with her but I feel so very fortunate to have even been in the same city with her. She was such a beautiful, precious, gorgeous soul. God bless her and her family. I hope I can meet her in Heaven.
Cuppy
September 22, 2023
We will not forget. RIP our angel.
John Yarbrough
September 15, 2023
Melissa, for the first time in many years I found myself at the footprints of the WTC towers, and saw your name at the south pool. A number of others saw your name and talked about their memories of that day. I thought I would share a photo. God bless you, John Yarbrough
Krystal
September 14, 2023
My heart aches thinking about your passing Melissa Doi. I wish i could have done something to help. rip beautiful angel.
September 11, 2023
Remembered across the years by an ex-New Yorker.
Ellie
September 11, 2023
I wasn't born when the attacks happened. I'm not even american. But years ago when I heard Melissa's phone call it just stuck in my mind and a lot of times I think about her. Of course I thought of her today. From the little I read about her she seemed like a lovely person to know. Thank you for your bravery on that day, Melissa. And thank you for inspiring me to not take the days for granted. I hope you're in peace.
John Yarbrough
September 11, 2023
The moment your name was read this morning. God bless you Melissa, on this day and all days.
September 11, 2023
You are never forgotten. Your life and your memory are celebrated today. May the joy you brought to others during your years on earth, provide peace and comfort. Rest in peace
David Adler
September 1, 2023
My partner and I intend to write a book about Melissa Doi's life, based on the memory of family and friends. If you knew Melissa at any point of her life and you have anything to share about her, please do not hesitate to email us at this address:
[email protected]
Melissa deserves to be known for the beauty of her life, and not the barbarity of the 9/11 attacks. Please help out by sending us an email telling us about yourself and how you knew Melissa. We have many questions to ask you. Thank you so much for reaching out. This book cannot be completed without you. Melissa deserved so much more than the hand she was dealt in life. God bless Melissa Doi and her Mother Evelyn.
- David
September 11, 2022
Never forgotten. Your life is celebrated today. May the joy you brought to others during your years on earth, provide peace and comfort. Rest in peace
Mark Dargan
September 11, 2022
21 years since you passed Melissa Doi, I didnt know you but I saw a story today about you and it really touched my heart, I went to send a message to your mum but found out she passed herself this year, I hope you have both found each other again and send you love always xxx
Jacq
September 1, 2022
Bronx loves you and we love you more than life! See you on the other side my darling friend. Thank you for loving me, guiding me, for yelling at me to clean my dishes.
Alef Costa
February 4, 2022
Dear Melissa
As that song says "and I would've like to known you but I was just a kid", I was only 7 when you were gone and yet I still feel it! it's been a long time since I first heard about you and the record of your call and I think of you every single day since then. Your name and the image of your face and your goodness have always helped me through any difficult time. You are my hero. Wish I could go back in time and save you.
Everybody says you were such a gifted person and had a great heart. Indeed, I would've loved to known you! And I'll always carry you in my heart and in my life, Missy. Forever and after!
May you be resting in the most beautiful place in heaven. You are in my prayers everyday. You'll always have a great special place in my heart. Love you!
My condolences to Evelyn. May God comfort you and be with you every day!
Love;
Alef C.
Gabriel
January 10, 2022
...Wishes I could have rescued and comfort you om that terrible day.
Rest peacefully with harmony in peace - let's dance together beyond and far, fat away from the realms of fire, pain and death!
With LOVE /Gabriel
Val Castro
November 7, 2021
We really miss you a lot...
Brando
November 1, 2021
Melissa , you have touched the lives of so many with your bravery on that awful day . Never had the pleasure to know you but from the last 20 years of comments what a beautiful soul Next time im in NYC ill make sure i leave a flower on your memorial
October 31, 2021
Melissa, I am so sorry about what happened to you 20 years ago. I never met you but I know that you were a wonderful and admirable person, who will never be forgotten.
I’ve cried so much listening to your phone call, but I know you are in a better place now.
God bless you, Melissa. R.I.P.
September 11, 2017
Remembered. God bless your family and friends with peace. Memories in the mind, fade in time, Memories of the heart, never part. Your life is celebrated. We will never forget
Daimler Medalla
September 14, 2016
I've never had the opportunity to meet Melissa but I've read enough articles about her on the web to know that she is a courageous and beautiful individual. I've never wanted to give a stranger such a warm hug so badly the way I do today. A lovely soul taken way too soon. God needed an angel.
To Melissa's mom and the family, I pray that you find the solace and peace you deserve. Melissa's a daughter you can all be proud of. I can picture her glancing down from heaven with her bright smile and dazzling eyes.
To Melissa, I was not fortunate enough to have crossed paths with you in this world but I pray that I get the chance to do so in my next lifetime. May your soul rest eternally in paradise. You are never forgotten.
R.I.P. Melissa Cándida Doi
Pamela
October 14, 2013
Dear Melissa,
You are an inspiration to me and so many others. The way you fought for your life that day and refused to give up. The way you stayed calm in the midst of the madness that happened that day -- you are a true hero. As I listen to your voice, I am reminded that we, as human beings, are really no different than one another. Although we never met in this earthly life, I know that your soul is one of beauty, creativity, intelligence, and courage. You will never, ever be forgotten.
September 27, 2013
Dear Melissa: Rest in peace.
Isaiah Batista
September 19, 2013
R.i.p Melissa. I am so sorry about what happen to you and everyone else that was a victim. R.i.p
jamie ball
September 16, 2013
god bless you melissa . xxx
abraham seye
September 11, 2013
R i p melissa
September 11, 2013
Melissa I still love you...your cousin Dianne
Catherine
September 11, 2013
RIP Melissa .... We will NEVER forget.
Judy Kelty
September 11, 2013
I want justice for you and until the day I take my last breath, I will not stop fighting for this.
Barb Pizzo
September 11, 2013
Melissa, 12 yrs!! and the world is not a good place anymore..I still think of you more than just this day. I lost my mom in June and I know you both are in a much better place..I will still pray for your family and know once again, We Will Never Forget!!
Millie M.
July 22, 2013
I had the honor of meeting your mom yesterday and know that you live in her. What a warm and loving person. Rest in peace. You will always be in my prayers.
Jody Lore
May 10, 2013
knowing that you are in heaven makes me happy..i know the way you died was VERY tragic...but im 9 years old and you taught me 2 always keep calm...and b brave no matter how scared at times in my life i maybe...thank you and you are in my thoughts and prayers Always....your friend Jody Lore
bob lore
May 6, 2013
glad u are safe in heaven now...watching over all of us....wish i would of knwn u...but u are a very brave soul and ill always remember the courage and strength you displayed on 911....and u will NEVER b forgotten.....god bless u
April 6, 2013
Melissa Doi, once a seemingly ordinary child of God who transcended evil to fill the hearts of millions with hope, love and inspiration. We all love you...miracle angel of divinity, Melissa.
Conrad
Diane B
January 30, 2013
Melissa, we have never met but after listening to your tape I wish I could have known such a brave person. I've cried so much after listening to what happened to you but know you're in a better place....I'm sure dancing your heart out in Heaven. May God bless you forever. I'll always remember you and how brave and beautiful you are and how your words have affected us all. I'll always remember how calm you were in such an unthinkable circumstance. I'll always think of you when life throws me a curve ball and will think of the courage you had.
Linda
September 19, 2012
I am very sorry this happened to you. R.I.P.
Carrie
September 11, 2012
Hearing your 911 call just breaks my heart. I pray for your family. God bless you Melissa! An American hero!
Barb Pizzo
September 11, 2012
Melissa, I think of you often although we never met, you have remained in my thoughts and prayers for 11 yrs now, and I will continue to come here e/yr and let you know how much I care ..God Bless you and your family always..
J.Z.
September 10, 2012
Thinking of you again and praying for your family. Rest in peace beautiful angel... from a friend in Texas.
Shannon
September 4, 2012
I never knew you but hearing your voice was heartbreaking. I wish you and your family peace
Dave McAlister
September 3, 2012
Never forget the terrible things that happened to all the Good People that terrible day. Your Smile Shines Forever!
Lily Winters
August 21, 2012
Even though I don't know u sound like a wonderful person. May the lord bless you
August 8, 2012
Melissa still so many who miss you and love you..So many who never knew you are recognozing you for the hero you were before 9/11 and after that tragic day you were taken from us...I know you are always with me...I am so grateful and blessed to have been your cousin...love Dianne
Jamie Beckford
July 29, 2012
Another beautiful flower for gods garden. Rest in Peace Melissa.
James
June 8, 2012
Your an Angel Melissa
carl mahoney
June 4, 2012
Words fail me to think what you went through. God bless sweetheart x
john wells
April 30, 2012
My god melissa i am sooo sorry. RIP
Jeff
February 16, 2012
Having never met her, never known her, or even of her, at anytime in my life before hearing her voice on the numerous 911 tapes. I, As with every American, to hear her voice, was filled with regret, from not being able to turn back time, and somehow protect her or help her. Just hearing those few words, I have no doubt you were an incredibly sweet lady, RIP
January 20, 2012
I never took the moment to tell you that you had a good heart. It took me awhile to get around to this but for some reason I will always feel sad for not taking the time to help you to look for a car when you visited us once. Never stop to think that people could be gone before you tell them how special they are. Missy you were a special person and sorry I never told you.
bonnie daniels
October 7, 2011
RIP Melissa. I listened to your phone call again. You have touched all of our hearts.
Ruth
September 20, 2011
Listening to your last phone call really broke my heart. Although I never met you I feel like I lost a beloved family member. From now on you will always be in my heart and I will think of you every anniversary and more often. My deepest sympathy goes out to your family and especially to your mother.
Tammy Aleman Cazares
September 16, 2011
I am so sorry. Praying for your family.
Heartbroken
September 13, 2011
My heart ached listening to your last phone call. Such a devasting loss of a beautiful young life. I will never forget...you. RIP
Debbie R
September 13, 2011
Your phone call touched my heart. I hope that God was with you in your last moments and wrapped his arms around you to give you peace. I will never forget that heartbreaking phone call.
diane lowlavar
September 12, 2011
I as well didn't know Melissa. But I would have loved to have a friend like her. She looks like an angel and I hope today she is doing a ballerina dance with heavens angels. I will always remember you and I pray for your Mother.
Nereida Gonzalez
September 12, 2011
Not a year has passed that I dont remember the summer Melissa and I met and spent at the Hunter College Summer Camp. Her life's outlook was contagiously optismistic! I know you are beaming among the clouds. My thoughts are always with you, Evelyn.
Joseph Zarzano
September 12, 2011
I would have liked to know you. When I heard the your last phone call, my heart just broke. You were a beautiful woman with a bright future. I am another who will not forget. Rest Angel, and dance through heaven.
L Garrick
September 12, 2011
Ive heard the 911 call from that awful day.... I pray you are at peace now: "God, filled with mercy, dwelling in the heavens' heights, bring proper rest beneath the wings of your Shechinah, amid the ranks of the holy and the pure, illuminating like the brilliance of the skies the souls of our beloved and our blameless who went to their eternal place of rest. May You who are the source of mercy shelter them beneath Your wings eternally, and bind their souls among the living, that they may rest in peace. Amen."
pashao fay
September 12, 2011
MELISSA, I WISH I COULD HAVE SAVED YOU FROM THAT DAY. YOU WERE A VERY BRIGHT, BEAUTIFUL AND BRAVE YOUNG WOMAN. MAYBE WE WILL MEET ONE DAY. YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.
david mcalister
September 11, 2011
melissa i want to thank you for allowing us to be able to listen to your 911 call and help us understand more about you and what was going on inside those buildings. thank you & god bless you
June Erickson
September 11, 2011
Thinking of you and your family today Melissa. When I go to the site, I will look for your name and think of your smile.... I think the waterfalls are very appropriate to represent all the tears that have been shed for you and the other innocent victims of this cowardly act.
Veronica Nolan
September 11, 2011
My eyes see the girl I knew. You are dancing on the St. Joe's stage. I haven't listened to the tape, I can't. I already knew you beautiful Melissa and today more than ever my heart remembers.
Classmate and Friend, St. Joe's 83
Barb Pizzo
September 11, 2011
Melissa, Its been 10 years, and I still sit here in awe. I'm sitting at home and watching the memorial. I will hear your name called out, and I will remember and never ever forget. God bless and take care of your families as I know you are safe and in the Lords arms forever..Prayers and love to you, your family, and friends and to all that were involved..you are all missed..
Elise Keating
September 11, 2011
Melissa, I'm so sorry about what you went through. And what everyone in those buildings went through. Big hug and prayers, to you and to your family and friends.
September 10, 2011
Sweet Melissa your Mom,Aunt,cousins and friends miss you so very much. We will be there tomorrow to remember you and all those who lost your lives. You live forever in our hearts..your cousin Dianne
Kerry Couture
September 9, 2011
I'm so sorry this had to happen to you and everyone else that day. I hope that now you rest in peace and are dancing in heaven. Your voice will forever be imprinted in our minds. RIP.
Annemarie Germain
September 9, 2011
This week has been a reminder of what happened to you.. I know you rest in the arms of beauty and peace forever..comforting as I relive that day..I will take that earthly pain in your place
djta
September 7, 2011
I heard your call and feel your panic. I hope you have found peace. "goodnight sweet (princess) and may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."
September 6, 2011
I KNOW THE CUZ OF ALL THIS HAS MET HIS MAKER, BUT NO MATTER WHAT YOU ARE STILL NOT HERE, WE MISS YOU EVERYDAY AND I KNOW YOU TAKIN CARE OF YOUR MOM AND U ARE STILL WITH HER I WILL SEE YOU ON SUNDAY MAY YOU BE RESTING IN PIECE AND DANCING WITH THE ANGELS TITI GLORIA
Nesrine G.
September 4, 2011
Melissa, I'm thinkin' of you. I heart your voice, yesterday. You've make me cry.. I feel this need to tell you that I will never forget you.
Rest in peace, M. (a)
#Je penses que tu es bien là-haut, que tu as retrouvée une incroyable sérénité après ce que tu as vécue.. Je prie pour toi. Repose en paix. (a)
Steve
August 2, 2011
I have been looking at these names for 10 years now and Melissa stands out. Partly because of the phone call but mostly of the things that were written about her afterwards. She seems so special and come to find out they were that day.
Tracey P
July 8, 2011
I didn't know you or your Mother - but I often think of her and hope she's managed to find a way through this. I'm a Mother too and my daughter is my world...it was so clear how much you love your Mom. May peace be with you both. Tracey XXX
Robert Ramirez
May 29, 2011
Rest in Peace Melissa. I'm sorry you had to pass in such a horrible way. I wish you could have seen Black Swan since you were a ballet dancer! I'm sure you would have gotten a big kick out of it. Peace.
George Lewis
May 3, 2011
Melissa, we finally got him, I hope that you are resting in peace now, miss you, God's Angel!
j Z
May 2, 2011
Thinking of you again. I know you are at peace. Thank you for sharing the world with us.
Barb Pizzo
May 2, 2011
Melissa,
Justice was served yesterday. Tho it won't heal all the wounds, America got him! God Bless you and God Bless America!
James L
April 9, 2011
May you rest in peace Melissa. I know you are watching over us. You will always be remembered.
God bless your soul
Lexe
March 11, 2011
Melissa, I wish that you could tell us of that beautiful place that you are in now. How wonderful it must be! You are loved here.
J W
March 8, 2011
G-D bless your soul..may you be given eternal life..From 1975-1985, i worked at 2WTC Rm 7030.. No words can express my heartfelt thoughts to all who lost their lives that fateful day. Rest in peace, Melissa C. Doi...
Sweden
February 27, 2011
Rest In Peace, Melissa Doi
You will NEVER be forgotten. <3
Butterfly
January 3, 2011
Forever in our hearts xoxo
F. T.
November 25, 2010
I wish I had the honor of meeting you. You sounded like a person who stood strong in the face of fear, never dropping your radiant smile. I also read somewhere that you wanted to become a dancer. I an now certain that wherever you are now, you are dancing your heart out. Rest in peace, Ms. Doi.
Neil Caraccio
November 17, 2010
You have the face of an angel and the voice of a saint. You will never be forgotten. Be forever in peace.
Ryan Cole
September 15, 2010
You were so brave while staring death in the face. I hope to meet you some day.
E K
September 14, 2010
Your story touched me. I was only one year older than you. You were braver than I could ever imagine. I pray your mom is ok.
Nanci T
September 14, 2010
Rest In Peace Melissa . I know you are in Heaven where there is No pain.
Until I Return
Charles Kelly
September 14, 2010
In my deepest sincerity, I sorrow for the loss of our nation's people that day. Even years later I am filled with grief that can never compare to you and your loved ones, yet this grief still follows me today. May God's love be with you and your loved ones today and every day. i took this photo and wish to share it.
Showing 1 - 100 of 215 results
Make a Donation
in Melissa Doi's name
How to support Melissa 's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Melissa Doi's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored