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Catherine Ellen Chirls
Catherine Ellen Chirls
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Catherine Chirls Obituary
What better tribute could a mother ask than a eulogy by her eldest child? That was the send-off for Catherine Ellen Chirls, at a memorial service in Brooklyn Heights, where her family lived for 15 years until a recent move to Princeton, N.J. The eulogy was delivered by 16- year-old Nick Chirls, the country's No. 1 squash player in his age group and his mother's partner each night when it was time to wash the dishes.
Mrs. Chirls, 47, was a banker at eSpeed. Yet at the end of her workday, and her long trip home, dinner was a special time. Best of all, her son said, was the nightly cleanup, his chore while his two younger siblings were let off the hook. His mother did most of the work, while the two talked about politics, sports, schoolwork. Once, he wondered aloud what difference it made if he got an A or a B. His mother's answer was "Never limit yourself," words that Nick said would inform the rest of his life.
So will a sparrow that joined him at the lectern on this most demanding of days. As Nick said the word "mother" the first time, the bird lighted upon his head. With hundreds of mourners gasping, the boy took the bird in his hand, then set it free. "I'm not a religious person," he said later. "I don't believe in things like that. But there is no other explanation than that my mother was with me."
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Cindy Roe
September 4, 2021
Remembering Catherine on the 20th anniversary of 9/11....
Del Newberry
November 14, 2020
We will never forget. I wish the best for your friends and family today. WIth love from Texas.
A Canadian
November 24, 2019
RIP Catherine...
We shall not forget 9/11.
Madlyn Phelan
September 11, 2019
Just want you to know I'm thinking of Cathy today and wishing her family and friends the peace that passes understanding. Madlyn Phelan(Wash U classmate and fellow year
abroad student class of 75)
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Stacey Gomez
September 30, 2016
I would love to know more about you. Please contact me asap. @
832-732-1859. Thank You.
Ellen Luntz
September 12, 2016
Cathy touched my life after we both left goldman sachs. We became friends. We connected immediately. It was during this time of our new friendship, lunches, conversations... that she was so abruptly taken from us. I always feel a connection to Cathy and think of her not only every 9/11, but throughout the year randomly as I remember our growing early friendship and the smart, dynamic woman she was. I imagine that she touched so many lives, because that was so clearly the kind of person she was. Sending prayers and love to her family and prayers for peace.
This is the sign on Catherine's flag.
Giselle Arnold
September 11, 2016
There was a candlelight vigil in Tempe, Arizona tonight. The Tempe Town Beachpark was full of flags with names on them. We were to place our candles by each flag. I randomly chose Catherine. I felt immediately connected as her name is my middle name. I searched her name and found that she was an amazing mother. I really look up to her in that way. May you rest in peace forever, Catherine. God bless you and your family.
Kelli Hanson
September 11, 2016
Today in Sacramento, California I ran in a 5k "Run to Remember" event. At the conclusion of the run we are each given a flag, and are allowed to place it with a name. I chose Catherine. I came home, and looked up who she was, and as an educator, I was so pleased I could honor a mom who was so dedicated and loving. I am proud to have had that moment today. I will never forget.
Maureen M
September 11, 2015
Always a true Warrior! Although we never hung out together outside of school I remember you fondly. Always so sweet and funny with an amazing smile.
Kathy
September 11, 2015
We were childhood friends ... I still pass Maplewood and think of Cathy. A day to remember someone you know is important. Pray for peace
WHS Class of 1971
September 11, 2015
Always remembered by your classmates at Wantagh High School.
Kerry Brennan
September 11, 2015
Once a Warrior, always a Warrior! You made your hometown proud, and although I did not know you, I think of you, Gary and Michael often. Wantagh Warriors forever.
High School Alumni Association Wantagh
September 11, 2014
Wantagh (NY) High School Class of 1971 fondly remembers our classmate Cathy Jaffee on this 13th anniversary of the 9/11.
Jennifer Finnelli
August 14, 2013
I just watched "Rebirth", and was touched beyond words. This devoted and loving woman will now live on for all those who see this movie, even though we never knew her on this earth. She is in my prayers. Thank you, Nick, for sharing your story.
Melissa Galloway
September 17, 2012
I just watched Rebirth and your son was strong and real and touched me. Mrs Chirls, you did well and it is very clear to see the love and devotion you had for your family. Peace be with you and your family.
Donna
June 9, 2012
Nick, Watch 'Rebitth' last night, and as a mother of a son about your age, I can assure you, your mother would be very proud of the man you've become. Never doubt that.
Ellen Luntz
September 15, 2011
To the Chirls family, I worked with your mom at Goldman Sachs. We didn't know each other too well, but after we both left Goldman, your mom contacted me and we became friends. We shared our thoughts about life for women on Wall St. It was obvious to me immediately that your mom was a bright and special person, full of enthusiasm and a positive attitude. Although I didn't know her for very long, I know that we would have grown closer if we had the chance. I think about her and remember her often and feel so sorry for the loss to your family. I saw the film "Rebirth" last night and was so moved by the personal journeys documented in that film and felt personally connected as I heard Nick tell his story. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Danielle
September 12, 2011
God bless you Catherine and all of the people who love you... We shall never forget.
Terry Hardeman
September 9, 2011
I keep a laminated cutout from Mrs. Chirls' 2001 NYT obituary in my wallet. It's been with me through those dark day's of doubt, four year's in the Marine Corps, and two deployment's to Iraq. I look to it every time I need know there's a purpose, and to renew my faith in God. I never knew Catherine Ellen Chirls, but she touched my life. My thought's and prayer's go out to her family, and I just want them to know that I'll never forget Catherine as long as I live.
Paul Warms
February 27, 2010
Dear Sydney,
I was your fifth grade Humanities teacher at Princeton Day School. I think of you everyday remembering you and your family in my daily prayers.
Elsie Cintron-Rosado
September 18, 2009
To the Chirls family: I had the honor of reading your mom's name this year. In reading your entries here in her guest book I know that she was a wonderful mom.....I know you miss her terribly. As I miss my beautiful daughter. I hope as the years go by that it gets easier for all of us. Please know that you are in my prayers.
mother of
Maria Isabel Ramirez
WTC
09/30/75-09/11/01
We will never forget!
Nunca Olvidaramos!
Marcy Zussman
September 11, 2009
dear david, nick, sydney and dylan
my cathy...partner in crime at Interlochen and even after.
we shared our youth and the mitzvahs, wedding and births. Being moms was always 1st even though she was so smart and professional...a career MOM. I think about her, but also about you guys and how life goes on. I have every holiday picture...from the 1st one with Dylan in the box. I hope it is easier now to cherish all that we loved about her. Much love to all of you...she was my 1st sincere, true friend
love Marcy Zussman
I will never forget...
Laura Traback
September 11, 2009
After 9/11 I wanted some way to connect with and support the families that lost a love one. So when the opportunity came to get a bracelet with a name I chose Catherine. I did not know Catherine or her family but I adopted them to my heart and wear her name proudly. I pray for her children and wanted them to know that I will never forget. Hugs- Laura Traback
Doug Abraham
January 22, 2009
Remember
Remember me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay.
Remember me when no more day by day
You tell me of our future that you plann'd:
Only remember me; you understand
It will be late to counsel then or pray.
Yet if you should forget me for a while
And afterwards remember, do not grieve:
For if the darkness and corruption leave
A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,
Better by far you should forget and smile
Than that you should remember and be sad.
By Christina Rossetti
The Poetry Foundation
naomi potash
July 30, 2007
Dear Chirls Family,
Just wanted to let you know that I think about your family and Cathy often. She was an extraordinary woman and a wonderful friend.
Love, Naomi Berman
Elizabeth Jordan
April 3, 2007
I first met Cathy at music camp when we were 11. She was quick, fun and caring.
We both attended Washington U in 1971 and ended up sharing an apartment our sophmore year. She was the best room mate. She loved to go out for lunch, chat & laugh. No matter what the problem of the day was, she would just screw up her face into a very funny grimace & make some kind of joke about it.
Fast forward to 1980 & there we were... both living in NYC and attending NYU, still laughing about our follies, feats & failures.
Cathy was great at keeping up with her friends. I wasn't as great at it. She managed to find me after I moved to Chicago. One summer in the late 80s She talked afew of us 'old campers' into going together to a music camp alumni weekend in Michigan. We had a great time.
What Cathy wanted more than anything in life was for everybody to be happy. She was an optimist. She was so pleased to have her 3 children & felt blessed to have the opportunity to be a mother. She loved her borhters, her parents & her firends. She was loyal and enthusiastic about all the people in her life.
The last time I saw Cathy was one weekend in the 1990s when I stayed with her family in Brooklyn. Sydney was 3. Again I felt the warmth of a friendship that would last forever.
Today was the first I knew Cathy died on 9/11/01. I thought we had just "lost touch" again but I was concerned I hadn't received any cards from her since her move to Princeton. Tonight I did a web search and found she had died.
I send my love to her whole family & all our friends.
Finley
has
February 14, 2007
still thinking of you and missing you....
Kristine
October 27, 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.
Ana
September 13, 2006
I am sure your mother is with you and your family all the way!!!! And looking down from Heaven she is so proud of you.
sandy
September 13, 2006
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
P Tabbernor
September 9, 2006
In remembrance....
amy buckner
September 14, 2002
Dear Sydney,
You may not remember me, but I was one of your teachers when you were four years old, at Saint Ann's Preschool on Willow Place, in Brooklyn.
I was not aware of the loss of your mother until recently. I want to extend to you and your family my prayers. I hope that you have certain special memories of your mom saved up to carry with you for the rest of your life.
I can tell you some things that I remember about your mother (let me confess that having taught for so many years, I don't remember much about many parents, but yours I have not forgotten). She said to me that she had been fearful about me being your teacher, because it was my first year as a "Master" teacher, and she did not know if I was up to the task! Well, you can imagine how that comment might frighten a person, with new responsibilites. A few months later, she told me very kindly that she was very relieved and pleased to see that I had turned out to be a very good teacher and she that was so glad that I cared about you specifically so very much. It did not take a rocket scientist to know that your mom maintained high standards in everything she did, so I took this as a tremendous compliment, one that I have carried with me to this day, as I am still a preschool teacher (although in another school).
Your mom was committed to you being exposed only to the very best, a wonderful testimony of how much she loved you.
Sydney, I have often looked back and wondered about you and what you were doing. You were a very special student to me. I remember that you used to jokingly call me "mama" throughout the day. I remember thinking that I hope one day to have a child as bright and sweet and lovely as you.
Don't worry or feel badly if you don't remember any of this! You were very young and it was quite a while ago. Just remember that there are more people out there in the world who know you and love you than you can even imagine (including God Himself).
I am praying for your well being!
Much love,
Amy Buckner
(Former) Preschool Teacher
Saint Ann's Preschool
Brooklyn Heights, NY
Doris Burns
September 13, 2002
This is to Catherine's family.....I just wanted you to know that I participated in a memorial event held 9/11/02 in S.D. where a bell called the Freedom Bell was rung for each person who died on 9/11. Your mom, Catherine, was the name I was given to ring the bell for in her honor. While I realize that Catherine's eldest son stated he was not "a religious person", I am. I prayed the Lord would give me the name of the person that He would have me lift up to Him and especially the family who is still here on earth, alive and carrying on. It is my priviledge and honor to do so. While we will probably never meet, I pray we will some day in eternity.
God Bless,
Doris Burns (John 3:16)
marcelo ortiz
September 10, 2002
My daughter is a student at St. Pius High School, in memory of September 11th they handed out wrist-bands with the name of a person that lost their life on September 11th. She picked up an extra one for me and it had your mothers name on it. I read her biography and saw what a great person she was and how inspiring she has been to you all, I give you my condolences and wish you all the best of luck in life.
Di
September 10, 2002
May God bless you & guide your children in their lives ahead.
Angie Campbell
April 23, 2002
Rest in his loving peace. May God BLess you and the ones that you left behind on 9/11/01.
Renee Slater
March 17, 2002
My father Sherman and Cathy's father Sidney Jaffe were first cousins. I have memories of going to their house as a little girl where they ran a school.
Although i did not know Cathy past those visits , as a distant cousin I was so deeply saddened when I heard about her passing. My heart goes out to her mother Rhoda, husband and children and friends who knew her.
Barbara Adler
February 24, 2002
I run The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards and have just read Nick's amazing essay that he submitted to The Awards this year entitled, "A Mother's Last Goodbye." I know that Cathy must be with him even now. His is a remarkable tribute. We share your terrible loss.
BJ Adler
Stephanie borchers
February 7, 2002
I'm only 13 and have really no understanding of anything that has happened although I must say I am deeply sorry and wish to tell you I know how it feels to lose someone.
Sarah
January 15, 2002
Cathy,
I think of 3-4 times a day and miss you terribly. But then I hear you laughing and telling me I'm silly and I close my eyes and picture your beautiful face. I was so lucky to have you in my life for so long. So so lucky. You made me a better person and most importantly, a better mother. Thank you for everything. I love you! Until we meet again!
XXXXOOOOO SL
G. Smith
January 11, 2002
Your Mom IS with you, no question.
a friend
January 8, 2002
Cathy, I think of you often as I am sure many do. When I think of you, I remember your warmth and lively spirit. I think of your caring heart and your sweet personality. I think of how we were building a friendship that we cannot conitnue now. I am grateful for the time that I knew you and so deeply sorry. I think of your husband and children and although I never met them, I feel connected to them through this experience. Cathy, I feel that your spirit lives on. In the short time that I knew you, you touched my life and I will always remember you. I know that your spirit lives on in the many lives that you touched. God bless your family. May they find the strength to carry on as you would want them to.
Teresa Jahn
January 6, 2002
We are deeply sorry for your loss of Catherine. What a wonderful and friendly smile she has in the picture you have shared with us. Such a smile can only come from a heart full of warmth and friendship. May Catherine's motto-Never limit yourself-, her life and love live on in those who love her. May you always feel the warmth of her love deep within your hearts. May the sorrow you feel be lightened by warm memories of moments shared with Catherine. 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
Anonymous
December 29, 2001
Many who never met you feel your absence as they meet the wonderful family you created. We will never again take a minute of life for granted.
Anonymous
December 23, 2001
MAY GOD BLESS YOU CATHERINE ELLEN
CHRIS AND MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.GOD
BLESS YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS..GOD
BLESS AMERICA AND MAY WE NEVER FOR
GET 9/11/01
A friend from Washington University
November 7, 2001
Cathy - you are still a bright light to everyone who had the good fortune to know you.
Love to your family and you forever.
- a friend
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