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Karen Renda Obituary
Two years ago, Karen Renda decided it was too boring at home. With her two boys — Daniel, 19, and Matthew, 15 — pretty much grown up, she traded her full-time homemaking career in Staten Island for a job as a travel agent.
But working for American Express, arranging trips for executives at Marsh & McLennan on the 94th floor of 1 World Trade Center, did not mean Mrs. Renda, 52, forgot her crafty side, her husband said. She still made silk flower arrangements and wreaths for Christmas.
And last February, for her youngest son's Valentine's Day school dance, she was in charge of the centerpieces for the tables — stuffed bunnies in pink and white that needed to be decorated with hearts and bows and arrows.
"One day I come home and the whole table was full of these bunnies staring at me," said her husband, Charles Renda. "There were about 100 of them."
Mr. Renda said he knew she was the one the minute they met on a blind date in 1972. "We immediately hit it off," he said. "She was very ladylike, very different from the girls I met in New York."
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Sonya
September 12, 2023
Dear Karen. I knew some of your family. Watching " One Day In America, I saw the poster searching for you. God bless.
Guilherme da Silva Vicenti
September 11, 2023
i didnt know you, when everything happens i was a kid, living here, in brazil. Today i'm searching about that traggic day and your name just appears to me. I read every note that this beuatiful people wroten about you, Kenda. I'm sure you were a peaceful and beautiful soul. Rest in peace, darling.
Karen Farebrother
September 11, 2021
I am British - I share my name with you and my love of crafts (I make flowers and other objects out of felt). I visited the twin towers in 1999 and the 911 in NYC in 2017. I am sending LOVE to you and everyone who knows you on this Day . ONLY LOVE CAN CONQUER HATE
Elizabeth Monsees
September 11, 2019
Hello my name is Elizabeth,
Dear Karen, I know I didn't know you personally or anyone who lost their lives on 9/11 but My daughters knew someone who knew who did. That's less than six degrees of separation; for all we know we may have known and not realized maybe someone who we passed by who smiled our way at some point in our lives and brightened our day and never even knew their name who knows. We did used to live in New Jersey growing up and a lot of our family was from New York being amongst other things an Irish and Italian American I truly do believe we are all connected somehow good bad or indifferent.
Since that day all those years ago when they show the names on Fox News I decided to pick a name and I chose yours which goes by my tv screen always at 11:30 or so. I pray for you and your husband, sons and family every day, your names are above a small American flag on my fridge.
We had similar things in common albeit a slightly different dynamic. I got married right out of high school and am still married to the same husband, had two daughters close together, I am Catholic, I enjoy many hobbies and one of them iS making wreaths at Christmas as well. I always thought maybe I should go to work after my girls went to college but instead I got a chocolate lab Tink' (which we just lost to cancer) and then five years after we got her a black lab which was actually the older dogs niece. I am an aspiring writer and musician but my family friends, pets and all the beauty of Gods creation are the most important to me.
Anyways it could have been anyone of us Americans that day and I just wanted to say I'm sorry that you had to loose your life that day but learning about you and your life and your loss and the sacrifice your family has had to face has made me appreciate all my blessings all the more and live my life all the more fervently. God Bless your soul, God Bless your family and God Bless America.
Hope to meet you up in a Heaven someday.
Elizabeth
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I was at the 9/11 Memorial today, 2/8/2017, and it must have been her birthday.
Charles Sullivan
February 8, 2017
I was at the 9/11 Memorial today, 2/8/2017, and it must have been her birthday.
Charles Sullivan
February 8, 2017
Tom Deleo
September 11, 2011
Karen was my brother-in-law sister. We miss you. Rest in peace
September 10, 2011
Although I never met Karen, I worked with her husband in 2001. In the days following 9/11 his devotion and love for her was so poignant...and his hope for her rescue as he daily called her cell phone. I have always remembered her on the anniversary...and in a special way on the 10th anniversary, I remember both Karen and Charlie (and their sons). In honor of a beautiful love and a life taken too soon. I hope that you have found comfort and that you will all be blessed with peace, joy and love. You are always remembered!
Genevieve Sumner
September 16, 2009
Prior to 09-11-2002, the churches in the Tacoma, Wa., area had handouts with victims names in them. All they asked was that you do an act of kindness in that persons name. I had Karens name and information in the phamplet I picked up. I'm a quilter, and since that time I have put "In memory of Karen Renda, 09/11/01 WTC" on over 60 charity quilts and think of her all year as I complete them. She won't be forotten!
September 11, 2009
I worked with Karen at the travel agency on Staten Island. Her kindness and gentle spirit will always be with me. Her devotion to her family and her faith in God will always be remembered. Valerie Myers Staten Island
kristine
April 17, 2007
As I 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.
P Tabbernor
February 14, 2007
In memory....
Kristin
September 11, 2005
I pass the block named for Karen Renda at least once a week. I have wanted to write to let her family know she will always be remembered. God bless you and your family today and always.
Roseann Fornito
June 23, 2003
To the Renda Family: I have passed Karen's block everyday and read her name and I wanted to see the person whose name stood on the pole. I am so sorry for your loss and pray that everyday gets alittle easier. God Bless Karen and may she be resting in peace.
Melinda Mattingly
December 15, 2002
Dear Renda Family,
I sang the alto solo in the Mozart Requiem as it was performed as part of the international memorial of The Rolling Requiem on Sept. 11th this year. The button I wore for the performance had Karen's name on it. Having read about her before the memorial performance brought an even greater level of empathy. I sang to her memory and to you, her family.
I am so sorry.
Melinda Mattingly
please let me know if you would like to have the button from the performance.
paulette chion
September 20, 2002
Dear Karen's family, I grew up with Karen. We taught each other how to dance and drive cars.I remember the sleep overs at her house with her brother Dana in the other bedroom, her dad out back with the beagles, her mom in the kitchen, and uncle charlie lurking around.I loved her dearly, and , she's a strong part of my forever memory that will live with me all through my life.My love to her kids. Charley, take care of yourself.She made us all better people.Love to you all.Paulette
Marisa Christopher
September 14, 2002
God Bless you and may you eternally rest with the angels!
You are in my prayers.
Carol McGuinness
September 11, 2002
God Bless Karen& her family.
God Bless America!
Meghan Daley
September 11, 2002
Even though we live so far apart and we haven't seen you for a while, please know that your cousins (and Aunt Josephine) in Pittsburgh have been praying for all of you. I know Karen is resting in the comfort of God's embrace. Much love from Pittsburgh...
Pam
Pam Allen
September 10, 2002
Dear Charles, Daniel, and Matthew,
I am wearing a bright orange band on my wrist all day today and for many days to come with Karen's name on it. I did not know Karen. I wish I had. She has my cheeks and a smile that I would have love to have known. I cried when I saw the buildings come down a short year ago and because of the visciousness of the crime. I cry now knowing she has three men of different ages who think about her every day and know she is not there to go home to. I look at Karen's picture and know it could have just as easily been me, at my place of work, and my son, daughter, and husband left behind. I, like most Americans, have very strong feelings of loss and hurt. We will never know your pain exactly but can only send you love and hope for peace inside. For Karen, she will find peace when you do.
Sincere love from Humble Tx,
Pam
Charles Basile
September 10, 2002
Karen,
It is now one year later and the pain still lingers. My dad hasn't said much since last year so I'll say it.You were always a bright spot in his eyes and ours too. We miss your smile and your personality, maybe not to the extent of the other family members but we still miss you very much. You are in our thoughts and prayers as well as your family. Thank you for being who you are and rest easy in the arms of God our Father.
Love,
Charles J. Basile
Terri L. Basile
Charles A. Basile
Karen
September 9, 2002
Karen:
I see your son almost every day. You see, he still does his paper route. He is a fine boy rapidly growing into a fine young man. You would be proud. Your husband helps him and does the driving that you used to do with him on Sunday's.
You are surely missed & loved by them.
God Bless You !
Carol A Robertson
May 30, 2002
To the Renda family:
Take solace in the knowledge that Karen is in a much kinder place and is watching over all that she loved.
My families prayers and thoughts are with you.
Angie Campbell
May 13, 2002
May God Bless you and watch over the family and friends that you left behind. May you rest in peace forever more.
Michelle Gargano
April 19, 2002
I love you Aunt Karen and miss you so much. You were like a second mother to me. Your spirit will live on through your family that loves you very much!
love your neice Michelle
nicola renda
April 10, 2002
vorrei solamente dare le condolianze alla familia della signora karen renda e tutto il bene, anche se sara molto difficile credere nel bene in questo tempo di grande dolore.
nicola renda/munich-germany
March 29, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL WOMAN..KAREN RENDA AND MAY HER SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HER LOVING FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS..STAY CLOSE..PRAY..AND NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK FOREVER..MAY JESUS AND HIS SAINTS GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Nancy (Lebolt) Deutsch
January 25, 2002
Karen was a beautiful person both on the inside and outside.She was a friend that could always be counted on to stand by you no matter what . Her sweet memory will linger with me .My loving prayers are sent to her husband Charlie and her sons Daniel and Matthew.
Joseph Battipaglia
January 19, 2002
My heart goes to to the entire Renda family for the loss of a wonderful person. My prayers will always remember Karen.
Linda (Helmig) Florio
January 1, 2002
Karen was a very dear and close friend in high school. I remember she had her driver's license before any of us and the beautiful dark hair and complexion she was blessed with. The last time I spoke with Karen was at our 30th class reunion in 1997. She was a wonderful and beautiful person. My husband, Tom, and I think of this dreadful day and of this special person that left everyone way before her time. Our prayers and sympathy to her husband and two sons.
Mark Goddard
December 30, 2001
A short personal message from a fellow American Express staffer in Sydney. All of us here in Sydney felt the impact of September 11 that much more strongly, having lost people from our own company. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family now and always.
Teresa Jahn
December 15, 2001
We are very sorry for your loss of such a talented woman. 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
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