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Donna M. Rothenberg
Donna M. Rothenberg
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Donna Rothenberg Obituary
As a birthday present a decade ago, a friend placed an inquiry in a New York magazine, seeking a proper suitor for Donna M. Rothenberg, a widow in her early 40's. A gentleman named Edward Schmall responded with a letter carefully crafted to attract her interest. It changed his life.
When Ms. Rothenberg eventually moved into Mr. Schmall's apartment in the Flatiron district, she brought more than two cats. She brought wondrous experiences from having lived in Europe, Asia, and South America. She brought a gift for cooking. She brought a zest for life that was reflected in her colorful wardrobe; "She wasn't somebody who wore a lot of black," remembered her cousin, Susan Sullivan.
She also brought the reassurance that she would be there for crises small and large, from Mr. Schmall's battle against smoking to his sudden collapse while in California. Ms. Rothenberg, a global affairs executive for the Aon Corporation, was 53 when she died, and the man she met through a personals ad so long ago now struggles to reconcile his blessing and his loss. "What I couldn't do, she did well; what I did well, she did better," he said. "She filled in all my gaps."
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Lisa Cohen
September 10, 2024
My Uncle love you very much!
Lisa Cohen
September 10, 2024
Miss you Donna! Love you
Arlene Stump
September 11, 2023
22 years now....still miss you & Peter.
RIP dear friend!
Arlene Stump
Arlene Stump
September 12, 2022
21 years of missing you❤RIP
Donna.. Arlene & Roger
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Lia
September 11, 2022
2001 plus 21 years
Hans D.
April 15, 2022
Rest in peace Donna.
Susan Sullivan
September 11, 2021
I cannot believe it has been 20 years.
I was watching the news that morning and it all came flooding back today.
Calling her partner and finding out he heard from her and she was on her way out of the office. Then nothing.
Unbelievable. I miss so many things about you Donna. As Patrick said the “What might have beens” I am hoping you and Peter are hosting a wonderful cocktail party tonight.
Love you
Susan
Arlene Stump
September 11, 2021
Donna, today. 20 years later and it doesn’t get any easier. We hope you and Peter are together. We miss you and send our love and prayers to all family members. Rest In Peace dear friend!@. Roger & Arlene
Barbara Myers
September 11, 2021
I will always remember you and Peter and think of you often on this sacred day
Barbara Myers
Donna Reynolds
September 11, 2021
Sending love to Donna’s friends and family. Time heals, but on this day, the pain of loss feels so fresh. When I visited the memorial, I did a search for Donna’s panel and discovered I was standing right next to it.
Lia
September 10, 2021
Another year.
Meredith Doshier
September 11, 2020
Hi, my name is Meredith and I'm a sophomore in high school. Today we talked about the victims of 9/11 and chose a name off the flag of honor and I chose Donna Marie Rothenburg. I chose this name because the name just drew me in. Donna is such a fun name and if I were to ever have met Donna, I feel like she would be a very fun and loving person to be around. I know today is very hard, but I promise it will get better over time.
lia
September 11, 2020
19 years ago and still if it was yesterday
The Kindred Family
December 15, 2019
Sending our sincere condolences to your family. With each new day may God give the comfort and help needed. Donna is still sadly missed by others.
Lisa Cohen Jones
September 11, 2019
I still think about you and miss you.
I hope you and Uncle Ed are together up in heaven.
Miss and love you both
Lia Van Leenen
September 11, 2018
We do not forget
Donna
September 11, 2018
You are not forgotten. This day never gets any easier.
Arlene Stump
September 12, 2017
Will never forget you Donna. You were a wonderful friend..full of life,fun to be with, smart, beautiful and so missed. Rest in Peace with Peter!
Barbara Minalga Myers
September 12, 2017
9-11-17
I will never forget you no matter how the years go by. Rest In Peace with peter. I hope you two are having a wonderful time together
Lia Van Leenen
September 12, 2017
R.I.PROOST.
Donna Reynolds
September 11, 2017
Remembering you and all the victims. This day never gets any easier.
Patrick Brooks
September 13, 2016
Flooded with memories and miss the what might have been's. You would have loved meeting and getting to know Jack and Jordan. More than anything, I miss your voice and laughter.
Be at peace
Barbara Myers
September 12, 2016
I thought of you yesterday as I always do on 9-11. I saw your picture when I visited the site this past summer. I am sorry you had to die as you did. It must have been horrible.
Still love you and Peter. Glad you are together now,
Your friend from South Africa, CA and VA.
barbara
Arlene Stump
September 11, 2016
Just happened to pass your old home in Middletown today. Thought of the many fond memories and crazy times...that's what keeps me smiling. 15 years and it almost feels like yesterday. Rest in Peace with Peter dear friend. Love always...Arlene & Roger
Donna Reynolds
September 10, 2016
I visited the 9/11 memorial in May. I wasn't sure where to find your name, so I looked it up on my phone. Turned out I was standing one panel away. You remain in my thoughts and i honor you and all the victims on this 15th anniversary.
Arlene & Roger Stump
September 11, 2015
14 years and it just doesn't get any easier. Your zest for life, your absolute love for crosswords, fashion and your cooking talents..just a microcosm of the whole person. Such a tragedy for someone so vibrant! You'll always live on in the hearts of SO MANY. You are now at peace with Peter. Pray for us here below. Our love always
Donna
September 11, 2015
RIP Donna and all the people we lost that day and in the days after.
Patrick Brooks
September 10, 2015
Well, 14 year have passed. Like many, I have posted about someone dear to me that died on Sept. 11th in 2001. Donna Rothenberg was that someone who made an impact on my life. She will never be forgotten because she will always be a part of who I am. She would have loved my sons and spoiled them so. Although, Jack and Jordan never had an opportunity to meet her, they will know her warmth, generous personality and character through the person that I have become. Thank you, Aunt Donna.
I stumbled onto this site and wanted to not only share my thoughts but thank you all for your words. Donna was someone truly special.
lia van leenen
September 13, 2014
Another year has passed and still 9/11 is not a day like others.
Although being on holiday Donna is in my thoughts these days.
Love from this side of the world.
Susie Susan Sullivan
September 12, 2014
I have tried to weave Donna's death into the tapestry of my life. It has been really difficult, near impossible actually. On the 11th I was away and almost forgot it was the 11th. I opened Facebook to see what was going on and what greeted me was a picture of my cousin Donna, and it all flooded back, and I cried. I cried for me, she is at rest. I cried for the hole that remains in my life where her encouragement was, her laughter was, and her color was. I miss her, but remember all of the things she taught me. I think of her when I do many things, and I see by reading these posts....I am not alone. Bless all of you. She was someone special.
Arlene Stump
September 12, 2014
Think of you often...September 11th is still so painful for those who lost so many loved ones & dear friends. Hope you & Peter will continue to pray for all of us down here. Rest in peace.
Barbara Myers
September 12, 2014
every 9-11 I think of you! and still have your picture on my bedside table with silk slower next to it. I hope you and Peter are together and looking down on us and smiling.
September 12, 2014
The pain comes back like your loss was yesterday.
Donna
September 11, 2014
I still think of you often, wondering what great things might have happened in your life. I am writing today to let people know that I haven't forgotten, and continue to pray for the families and loved ones of the victims.
Barbara Myers
January 19, 2013
Donna and I, along with our husbands, Peter and Blair, were all friends in South Africa 1974-6. we traveled together and shared many wonderful social times. I loved Donna and Peter and think of both of them often. Her tragic death in the 9-11 horror is still sorrowful even now in 2013. Rest in peace Donna. Barbara Myers Valley Forge PA 1-2013
Susan Sullivan
September 19, 2011
It is strange how people are sent to places they wouldn't even think of. I am Donna's cousin Susan Sullivan,.Suzie is what she called me. The only one allowed to call me that.
Can it really be 10 years since she was killed? It seems like so long ago and at times like it was yesterday. I got here looking for Ed Schmall, believe it or not.
I just wanted to thank all of you for all of your kind words about Donna. My family and I appreciate it. She was a hoot. I miss her everyday.
Susan
arlene stump
September 13, 2011
dear donna...i think of you often & how much fun we had
when we commuted together in those early days when you worked at marsh. you met peter & tragically he was taken from you too early. you managed to pick up the pieces & then you were taken from us. you gave so much to so many... your wonderful sense of humor & wit..your zest for life. color, cats and culinary
feats. bright, beautiful & caring. you have a very special place in many hearts. we will never forget. arlene
Martin Drux
September 11, 2011
Donna, you will never be forgotten. It has been a great privilege knowing you. Thank you for all your support and advice during my 'Philadelphia years'. Rest in peace!
Jennifer Slater
September 11, 2011
Today as I got dressed for a local 9/11 memorial I put on the brightest color combination I could in your honor. It has been ten years, but seems like only yesterday. You were a bright light that still burns in our memory.
Lia van Leenen
September 8, 2011
Dear Family of Donna,
This week 9/11 will be 10 years ago but I would like to let you know Donna is often in my thoughts. I worked with Aon in The Netherlands and Donna helped me with something I needed and because she needed information on the Dutch Insurance market I was able to answer most of her questions, but something was left open. I changed job to another company and promised her to send it later, but altough I did not forgot I pushed if forward as something on my to do list. And than 9/11 came and I never could keep up to my promiss as she was gone. I cried when I saw her name on the list. It was a very hard and painfull lesson not to postphone to tomorrow what you can do today. I would like to let you know she will also be remembered at this side of the Atlantic as a wonderful person who I never will forget.
God be with you these days and all the years to come.
May 2, 2011
Thinking of you and those who loved you today as we collectively find some measure of vindication. You and all of the victims, both living and deceased, will never be forgotten.
September 10, 2010
Rest in peace Donna.
Donna
September 8, 2010
Thinking of you and all the victims as the ninth anniversary approaches. We have not forgotten what took place that day and your loss still seems very fresh. This year there seems to be a renewed interest in honoring the victims, both living and deceased. We are only now realizing how much 9/11 changed all of our lives. Donna, rest in peace and know you are in my thoughts.
CARLOS WILLSON
March 22, 2010
Dear Donna
Last week I attend, with my colleague Guillermo, the Worldwide Insurance Intermediares Congress in Buenos Aires.
Back in this business and searching the representation of a global insurance broker I thought in you.
You were so nice and helpful when my company represented A&A twelve years ago (in Ecuador) so I decided that the first thing I was going to do is to contact you to obtain advice.
Today I look your name in Google and I found this "shocking" news.
The only thing I can do is to send this words to tell your relatives that you were the most nice, easy-going, prepared and lovely person I found in the global network.
GOD BLESS YOU!!!!!!!!
Miriam Castro
September 11, 2009
My boss Ellen Rosen & Donna were "Best Friends". Donna or "MAME" as they called her was always friendly & caring. I pray for her loved ones today, I know she is missed tremondously. I know she has a special place in heaven. God Bless America!!
Clyde Ebanks
September 11, 2008
Donna - Its been 7 years and your friendship, counsel, and wit are as missed today as ever.
Margitta Donker
September 11, 2008
I still remember the "Rodent Risk Manual" sent to Ames when she worked in London to get rid of our office mouse problems with a tougher New York brand of trap.
Robin Lamprecht
September 11, 2007
You and your many kindnesses will never be forgotten, Donna.
kristine
April 25, 2007
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.
P Tabbernor
February 23, 2007
In memory....
September 11, 2006
Remembering you on this painful anniversary. Peace and blessings to your family and loved ones. You are not forgotten.
Isabelle Brun
September 21, 2005
I was working with Donna throught the internet as I worked for Aon Switzerland. I had never the chance to meet her personally, but she was allways there for me when I had a question or a porblem and she always found a solution. We wrote eachother also about our cats. Altought I'm not working at aon anymore, I think a lot of Donna and her e-mails and phonecalls. I will alsways remember you, Donna!
Donna
September 11, 2005
Another year has passed. I have gone through many changes in the past year, as my life has taken some surprising twists. I think of you often, wondering what great things might have happened for you. I am writing today to let people know that we haven't forgotten and continue to pray for the families and loved ones of the victims.
Now we are faced with yet another national tragedy. I am heartened to see Americans reaching out to those in need and know that you would have done the same. We are making a donation to the ASPCA in your memory Donna. Somehow that's what I think you would have wanted.
Bill Danielewski
September 11, 2004
Donna
You always made me laugh and smile.
Thinking of you today.
Bill
Donna Reynolds Boyer
September 11, 2004
Donna,
It's been three years now, and, this morning, I was thinking about how my life has changed since 9/11/01, and of all the things that I have experienced since. I thought about what your life would have been like, and the accomplishments and joys that you have missed.
9/11 changed me forever, and really made me stop and take a look at the way I was living my life. We only get one shot at this and never really know how much time we have. After 9/11, I realized that I had things to do and set about getting them done. I am sure that you would have done the same thing.
Life is good, but, for those who loved you (and all the other people who were lost that day), there will always be that gaping hole in their lives. We must never, ever forget. Peace and blessings to all who come here.
Jennifer Slater
September 11, 2003
Donna:
Today I paused to read our last e-mail exchange (on a disputed commission) and it made me smile. I wanted to let you know that I won that dispute, thanks to your help. I miss sharing stories about our "four-legged" children, but know that Heaven is a better place (and certainly more stylish) now that you are there. My condolences to your family on this day of remembrance.
Fernando Herrera
September 11, 2003
Two years after the tragedy, Donna will always be remembered.
I am proud of her friendship.
My best to the family.
Jean Michelin
September 11, 2003
Donna and I were collge classmates at Caldwell. She will always be in my prayers. We will be celebrating our 35th graduation anniversay in 2004 and we will remember her there. God bless you always, Donna.
Donna
September 11, 2003
I am wearing your bracelet today and have not forgotten. I will never forget. We have been changed forever by the events two years ago and the pain continues. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and loved ones today.
Donna Reynolds Boyer
September 12, 2002
For nearly a year I have worn a bracelet with your name on it. People ask me about it and, although I didn't know you, I tell them what little I do know. I looked for your name on the NY State Fair WTC memorial. I listened for your name at the observance 9/11/02. I identified with you and felt the loss.
A year has passed and now I am the same age that you were when you were lost. I grieve for you and all the people lost that day. But I also resolved to live my life a little more fully, to enjoy each day and to cherish those in my life. We know now how short and unpredictable life can be.
You are still remembered by a total stranger in upstate New York. Blessings to your loved ones during this difficult period of time.
Richard Jaeger
September 12, 2002
I knew you first at Marsh. Then when you married Pete and on your return to the States gave you a very well deserved recommendation to join A&A. Its been a year now but I still can't believe the events of 9/11 and the loss of 26 former co-workers of mine from Marsh adn A&A. You are sorely missed and loved.
Dick
Fernando Herrera
September 11, 2002
Donna:
It has been a year since the tragic incidents at the WTC. You will never be forgotten and I thank you for being a friend.
My thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Kindest Regards,
Fernando
Amy Richards
September 11, 2002
Oh Donna, I can't believe it has been a year since we lost you. Every day I look at our group picture from the Bulls skybox and remember how much you "loved" to come to Chicago for our holiday parties. There are so many things that will remind me of you: Yellow roses with red tips, thai lunches, kitty cat screen savers, a comfy pair of Franco Sarto's, a pitcher of Crystal Light, shopping from Century 21 to Saks, Boots for lipstick because you can never have too many, right ?? Oh yes, and the care packages you would send to me in London with US magazines and the infamous mouse traps for the friendly critters in the office. You will always be missed. Thanks for being a great friend and now my guardian angel. Love ya !! Ames
Jon Ward
September 10, 2002
I would like to take a moment to express my sincere condolences for your loss. As part of an exercise to remember those lost on Sept. 11, the church my wife and I attend passed out names for us to look up on this website. Although we did not know Ms. Rothenberg at all, we sense and share the deep loss you and so many others have experienced. However, we must go on with our lives and make the most of them as I am sure she and all of the others would have wanted.
Sincerely,
Jon Ward
Nicole Monzone
August 27, 2002
Hello All, I am 17 years old and I am a distant relative of Donna. Althought I did not know her very well any and everythign I have heard about her has been what a wonderful person she was. On that horrible day many people lost loved ones. As my prayers went and still go out to all who lost I especially would like to extend my condolences to her Father who I know pretty well. He suffered a stroke not long before the attacks on America. So please as you pray for all the souls lost on that day rmember him to. Thank you so much. God Bless you all and God Bless America. R.I.P. Donna
D.J. Armbruster
July 31, 2002
When I found out we lost a loved one on that tragic day, I was horrified. Donna was my cousin, although distant, she was deeply loved.She will be greatly missed by all. It is comforting to know how many people loved her, I hope that she knew that. Rest in peace Donna
Cathy Mallaber
July 16, 2002
On that tragic day we lost a loved one. Donna was my cousin. I was at the WTC site after it happened. I went with my ambulance crew from Western New York. We were stationed at North West Triage. God bless all who helped. All those who lost family and friends that day, my prayers are with you. Donna is remembered in my thoughts and prayers daily...
April 13, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL WOMAN..DONNA M.ROTHENBERG AND MAY HER SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS...STAY CLOSE..PRAY AND NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK FOREVER..MAY GOD AND HIS ANGELS GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Franci Holtslander
March 16, 2002
Hello:
It is late (1:10 a.m.) and I will read everything tomorrow. I just learned about the memory quilt and Donna's name just jumped out to me. I want to do a meaningful block and welcome any thoughts anyone has of special things to represent or include. I read the tribute, after I selected Donna's name. I think I can make a special block to honor her memory.
I am from Buffalo, N.Y. and still a proud American after living in Canada for over 16 years. I welcome any suggestions and will do my best.
Thank you,
Franci.
Donna Reynolds
January 24, 2002
My condolences to the family and loved ones of Ms. Rothenberg. When I decided to get a mercy band, I chose Donna's name as I saw some of myself in her(same first name, close in age, passion for shopping, etc.). I have since learned a little more about her and find we are more alike that I thought. I am sorry that I didn't know her.
I wear this bracelet every day to honor Donna and all the victims of that horrible day. Each day I stop and read a couple of memorials here and say a prayer for those people and the ones that loved them. I pray for Donna's loved ones every day. It sounds as though she really left an empty place in all of your lives and I am so very sorry. May God be with you and give you comfort. Thank you for posting this.
susan sullivan
January 18, 2002
I want to thank all of those who have sent good wishes and condolences to my family. I am Donna's cousin Susan. I am even more aware now of how many people knew her and loved her. My one wish is that she knew this. I will miss her very much and I know anyone who knew her will agree that shopping without her won't be the same. Till we meet again cuz...
Eleine Ruokonen
January 9, 2002
Dearest Donna,
I met you at the 42nd Street office of A&A. I had just come from the buy out of Jardine. You where so sweet to me. I told you that my youngest daughter's name is Donna. I remember when I saw you at Aon after we moved and you said you quit smoking. You gave me the incentive to quit. For me it was two years this passed New Years. I just have to say that you will be very much missed.
Liz Wynn-Mehok
January 8, 2002
Donna was married to my cousin Peter. When I first arrived in CA in 1982, she & Peter made me feel at home. ASU football, food and laughter are what I remember most of both of them.
May they both rest in Peace.
Miriam Gibbs-Currin
December 27, 2001
After my graduation from college in 1980, I went to work for Marsh LA. My mentor was Donna Rothenberg. She was my second mother. She didn't just teach me about the Insurance industry, she took me home, taught me to cook and, most importantly (acc to my husband....also a co-worker of Donna's)....she helped me earn my Master's in shopping. We lost touch over the years.....her re-location east, my family etc. But,when my husband told me of her death, I felt as if a part of my foundation had cracked. I spent many hours telling my children about her and looking at pictures in our scrapbook. Maybe, someday, I will be able to pass onto my daughter the joys of cooking and shopping Donna gave me :) (Oh,how the economy would recover!) But, the greatest gift Donna gave me was the gift of celebrating life to the fullest each day. It is the gift I've cherished and lived as I know she did. God Bless her!
Sharon Switzer
December 18, 2001
I have read about Donna and am wearing her Mercy Band. It would have been a joy to have known her, and I am aching to learn more about her. My thoughts and prayers are with Donna and her loved ones. She definitely touched quite a few lives.
Teresa Jahn
December 14, 2001
Along with you the world will miss Donna's zest for life. We are very sorry for your loss of Donna. 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
Marcello Colantonio
December 3, 2001
Donna , I met you once in June 2001 and within seconds I realised what a great person you were. It was the first and last time I would meet you and the world is a sadder place now you are no longer with us.
Inez Vega
November 28, 2001
Donna, I hope that you have plenty of shoes in Heaven. You will be missed.
Walter Slack
November 22, 2001
Donna, We will all miss you. You were one fine person.
Fernando Herrera
November 14, 2001
I've had known Donna since 1978.
My thougts and prayers to the Family.
Donna, may you rest in peace.
Rocio Heredia
November 8, 2001
We will always be greatful for the love and support you showed to all of us in Mexico.
My heart aches when I think of you and I'll forever remember our catching up on all the "chisme", as you used to say.
Te quiero mucho y Dios te bendiga !!
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