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Grace Alegre-Cua
Grace Alegre-Cua
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Grace Alegre-Cua Obituary
Grace Alegre and Ildefons Cua found romance at the south tower. Fresh out of graduate school from the University of Massachusetts, Ms. Alegre applied for a job as an accountant at Metropolitan Bank and Trust on the 17th floor, where Mr. Cua was the accounting manager, in 1986.
"She didn't get the job, but she found a husband," Mr. Cua said. They married shortly after the interview and she became Mrs. Alegre-Cua. They have two children, Nicole, 13, and Patrick, 9.
Mrs. Alegre-Cua did not have any trouble finding employment elsewhere. Two weeks after the interview, she was hired at Chuo Mitsui Trust & Banking Company, where she worked for 14 years, most recently at 2 World Trade Center.
The only reason she did not get the job at Metropolitan was that the position had just been filled recently and Mr. Cua had conducted the interview as a favor to the general manager, he said.
"She was very smart," he said, "but I couldn't hire her. I don't know if we were in love right away, but I was interested because of her beauty and sweetness."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Adri Parra
June 18, 2025
Hello Miss Grace Cua
Greetings from San Diego, was reminiscing about this terrible tragedy and saw your name on a flyer from that day. You are still remembered here today, preserving your memory with the love from your family and strangers across time and space.
May you forever rest in the light of Heaven.
Anamarie Ownbey
May 19, 2024
I never met Grace but I was on a trip in New York and something about her name upon a memorial drew me in; so I decided to research her and honor her memory. She seemed to be the type of person that you would want to surround yourself with.
Suzanne Darley
September 11, 2021
I met Grace a handful of times but I felt like I knew her. I worked with husband Ed at American Express back in the late 90s and there was not a day where he did not mention his beautiful wife Grace. Ed was one of the kindest men I’ve ever had the opportunity to meet. He would tell lovely little anecdotes about Grace and his two children. Right after 911 I searching the flyers for faces that I might recognize when I suddenly saw graces smile and then feeling my heart literally sank to the ground. Not Grace, not Ed – not these wonderful people. Going to her funeral was Great retching and yet beautiful at the same time. I remember they honored her with a song, just the three of them. It was so very touching. They honored Grace in such a beautiful way and while they did so they still held out hope that she might be found as they cleared the site. As the days turned into months and now years I often think about Ed and his children. The Cua family are the best of us. On the 20 anniversary of Grace’s death, I’d like to offer my love, prayers and continued support for this beautiful family. All my love, Suzanne Smith Darley - Joe Espeso’s Assistant
John Yarbrough
September 11, 2021
God bless you Grace. For us you will live forever.
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Cindy Roe
August 31, 2021
Remembering Grace on the 20th anniversary of 9/11....
Louise Scalzo
April 18, 2017
Rest in Peace Grace, God bless your family and friends.
October 3, 2015
I am so sorry for your lost. It is very difficult to lose a one. but their is real hope for the future. Please read Roman 16:4.
Peggy Childers
September 11, 2014
To the family and friends of Grace Alegre-Cua:
Grace will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not allow those we lost on 9/11 be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you.
Elvie Quiray
September 11, 2012
Remembering you on this day. I know you and my sister, Tess David, are watching over us, your families, and friends.
Russel Francisco
September 10, 2012
11 years to the day, Grace. God Bless you and your family. I'll see you at the office tomorrow, 9/11/12, right out my window.
Russel Francisco
April King
July 23, 2012
I wanted to light the candle in Graces memory. I am so sorry for your loss. I am so saddened to know that this 9/11 tragedy happened. But I vow to never forget these people and the sacrifice they've made unneccessarily.
Barbara Boam
October 12, 2011
Barbara Boam & Kim Rogers walked a mile for you (mile #41) on 10/12/11 as a dedication to your life.
Russell Yan
September 11, 2011
We will never forget you grace.
Kymberli Colbourne
September 11, 2011
We hold you in our hearts.
September 3, 2011
Dear Ed,
Grace and my sister, Tess, are together watching over all of us. They are happy together where they are now. God bless you and your family.
Elvie Quiray
Julie Zimmerman
September 2, 2011
You will never be forgotten!
Elvira Quiray
September 11, 2010
To Ed and family,
Tess and Grace are still looking after all of us from the best place they could ever be- Heaven!
Rob Miller
April 7, 2010
I liked your site.
Dawn Songcuya
September 11, 2008
To Ed, Nicole and Patrick,
Every year, when this day comes around, after 2001, I cannot help but think of your family. I only met Grace once, the week Ed left Amex, but I know Grace is a good person because Ed was a happy man. I hope that you are all well. This sympathy is way long overdue, but I have never had the nerve to write till now. Ed I called up a few nights afer that fateful day and a kid answered the phone. When I asked for you, the child said, "My Dad went to the city to look for my Mom." After that, I found it hard to call or write to you guys. But you have been in my prayers. I hope now that you have come to terms that Grace is in happier place, though tragic was the way she left this world. I am sure that she is watching over all of you and guiding you with her love.
You all take care.
Angel Alegre
June 25, 2008
Grace, I know you are now in Heaven with God. We love you.
Angel Alegre
June 25, 2008
I know you are in Heaven with God, Grace. We shall never forget you.
Kemeshaya
March 5, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Doug Abraham
January 20, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Rodney & Veronica Miguel
September 12, 2007
In our hearts always.
J
December 22, 2006
Grace, you just look like the nicest person. I'm so very, very sorry.
aj
October 31, 2006
god bless
Kristine
October 12, 2006
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 vane. We will always remember.
September 15, 2006
May your family remember the wonderful times you shared during your brief stay on Earth.
P Tabbernor
August 18, 2006
In memory....
David Brakstad
July 20, 2006
Thinking of all of you.
Freddy De Schutter
December 11, 2004
It does heart pain what has happened on 11 September 2001.
Our sympathy is prayed and with you.
Marina Raaijmakers
September 24, 2003
As I read all the condolences from the strangers and friends of Grace, I knew that she was a nice human being, she was a good mother and wife, and I also knew that she was a wonderful friend.
We love to recognize those fellow citizens who made us proud as a filipino and and we were also in grief when that attack happened.
To Grace, Marlyn, Cecile and Lilian. I found your names here at the Legacy and I knew right away that you were FILIPINO'S...May all your souls rest in Peace.
Go and rest. You'll never be forgotten. All of you will always in our prayers.
Marina
Eindhoven, The Netherlands
Christie
September 11, 2003
God Bless You and may Peace be with you on this day.
Rhonda Maguire
December 14, 2002
Dear Lovely Ones,
Grace was my matron of honor and
Nicole, at age 3, was the most adorable flower girl in the wedding.
Grace and Ed brought a profound sense of love and care to every situation and gathering. Their loving and united relationship gave me as a newlywed a profound sense of faith in true love.
Grace is so deep in my heart that she's always in my thoughts as if she is right by my side. At work, I loved going near her desk because no matter how busy she was (even in the middle of tax season) she always took time to smile and made you feel like you were at home with her. Maybe that's because Grace was always there for anyone in need, selfless, sweet and loving. Smart, funny, and in every moment--full of life and spirit.
Her name is true to her character...forever
Grace.
Your always in my heart,
love,
Rhonda
September 11, 2002
What a touching life story. I do not even know you or your family, Grace- but may god bless you always and forever and your family as well. I enjoyed getting to know you a bit thru your life story and it has touched me. I will pray for your husband and especially your children.
Jeffrey Limes
September 11, 2002
My thoughts are with the family of Grace today, one year after she was taken from us. Grace reminded me of an angel while she was living. She was a very special person and I will miss her.
michelle rabelas
September 11, 2002
It has been 1 year since Grace has left us. I so happened to just stumble upon her name in the internet. I was moved by their story and with this, I know that to all wonderful person comes good things, though this maybe a tragedy we will not forget,still it opened our hearts to love unconditionally each and every person...we even do not know... To family and friends of our beloved Grace..May we found inner peace and acceptance of what happened. To Grace... You will always be in our hearts....
Siobhan Hemmerich
September 11, 2002
God's blessings upon Grace's husband and children. May He be their comfort on this day of remembrance...
September 10, 2002
A year after September 11, the Twin Towers and the Pentagon were reduced to pit debris & smoke. I cannot help remembering this date because it was this day that Grace Alegre-Cua, a family friend, left this world. I and my family were shocked and deeply saddened by the untimely demiss of Grace.
I could hardly accept that Grace is dead. But my only consolation is that I'm sure her spirit lives and live forever in the minds and hearts to many friends & relatives. For no one will ever forget her.
I had met Grace many years ago. For all the years that I had known her, she lived the best and the fullest life she had dream to live and this was shared by Ed & family, the abundance of her love, her caring, her strength, her ideals and her principles that would keep her alive in the hearts of the family for all time.
My family and I are really very sorry for the loss of Grace but our thoughts & prayers shall always remain with you.
To Grace, wherever you are, we love you very much.
FISCAL BIENVENIDO R. DAVID
(QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES)
Del Newberry
August 1, 2002
My prayers are with the family and especially the children of Grace. I will do my part to keep her memory alive and not let this horrible day be forgotten.
Lisa Dedvukaj
July 22, 2002
I know how hard it is to live without your loved one. My brother is also missing and the hardest part is not knowing. I pray for you and your family. May you have the strength and courage to live and to always remember the joy your loved one has given you. God Bless You And Your Family
[email protected]
Angie Campbell
April 22, 2002
Rest in peace and may God Bless the ones that you had to leave behind.
Russel Francisco
April 18, 2002
I still remember Grace back when she and Ed first met; I was ten at the time. Now, as a 25-year old newly-admitted attorney, I can proudly say that my first "real" clients are Grace and her family. Though my "legal work" is limited to assisting Ed and the kids in obtaining all possible benefits and charitable contributions they're entitled to, I'm still proud to say that they're my clients.
My law firm is a stone's throw away from where Grace died; not a day goes by that I don't think about what happened that day. All I have to do is step outside or look out the window.
My family and I miss her greatly and offer our prayers, as always.
Jaylen
April 9, 2002
To the family of Grace Alegre-Cua,
On September 11th our class was writing about current
events when our fourth grade teacher Mrs. Ratzlaff turned on
the TV and we watched the terrorist attacks. I tried to
understand what was happening but I couldn't.
Mrs Ratzlaff got an award for best teacher of the year,
so we decided to get September 11th bracelets with the money
from the award. When we got the bracelets, we were so
excited! I opened the box and read the name. The name was
Grace Alegre-Cua.
I can't remember all the names from September 11, but there is at least one I will never forget and that name is Grace Alegre-Cua. My hopes and prayers are with you.
Sincerely
Jaylen
Fourth Grade
Heartland Community Schools
Henderson, NE 68371
[email protected]
Shana
April 5, 2002
God bless you and those who love you.
Mark Capper
February 10, 2002
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Grace Alegre-Cua
Teresa Jahn
January 10, 2002
We are very sorry for your loss of Grace. May her life and love live on in you. May warm memories of times together be lighten the sorrow in your heart. 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
Debra Uematsu
December 20, 2001
Dear Cua Family:
My thoughts have been with you since I saw Grace's name on the victim's list and my heart stood still. Though I wasn't a close friend of Grace's and left my job over 4 years ago, I attended several business seminars where I would run into Grace (I was an accounting/tax manager at another Japanese bank.) We would have discussions about our children, show each other pictures, talk about our childcare arrangements (I remember her feeling so fortunate that her father could care for her children) and about being a working mom in general. We would speak about various new regulations and job angles as well. I identified with her completely; she was so warm and friendly that she touched me. I just wanted you to know that I miss Grace's presence in this world, but I know that she must have affected many people's lives for the better while she lived, as she did mine. She will live on in my memory forever. I wish for you the strength and courage to go forward each day. I know that her spirit will live on in you her husband and children and for generations to come. God bless your family.
Steve Zeft
December 5, 2001
To Grace's family.
I was a business associate of Grace's, and whenever i dealt with her, her sweetness shined as brigh as the morning sun. She was a pleasure to talk to. I will miss her. ii pray that you should never have to through something like thisever again. G-d bless all of you
Steve Zeft
IRENE STAPINSKI
December 1, 2001
GOD BLESS GRACE ALEGRE-CUA AND MAY
SHE REST IN PEACE..GOD BLESS HER
FAMILY AND FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA FOREVER..AND MAY WE NEVER
FORGET 9/11/01
Pam
November 15, 2001
To Grace's family,
God bless you and help you heal. Grace gave her life for a very selfish country. We are now trying to change that. We pray for you.
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