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Maurita Tam Obituary
Perfect was not quite the right word for Maurita Tam of Staten Island. After all, she flunked her first driving test.
Smart? At 22, she spoke Japanese, Korean, French, Cantonese, Mandarin and English. She flew through Manhattan's Stuyvesant High School and Amherst College, where she was an economics whiz. And where she was computer-comfortable enough to be a Webmaster of several sites.
But smart isn't the whole tale. She was not just a bookworm: she had a yellow belt in tae kwon do and was a leader of an Asian student group at Amherst.
Artistic?
She played piano, sang exuberantly in the college choir and painted.
Fun-loving? She was frisky and gregarious. Her mother, Julie Tam, chided her halfheartedly about her unladylike giggle. "She would giggle at every little thing and kick both legs up in the air," Mrs. Tam recalled. Her room at college was a flop-stop for so many friends, who giggled with her, teased her about a pinup poster of an Asian performer and picked her brain.
On one Web site, a friend of Ms. Tam's suggests "crazywonderful" to describe her. Almost there.
Ms. Tam, an executive assistant at Aon Corporation, whose uncle Wai Chung also died in the World Trade Center attack, described herself best.
"I'm awesome!" she would shout, dissolving into giggles.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Cara
February 18, 2024
Maurita sounds like she was a very accomplished and talented young woman who achieved much at such a young age. She looks very vibrant and beautiful from her picture, and I´m sure she made her family very proud with all her achievements. I am so sorry for her friends and family who had to lose her this way, especially to her poor mother who also lost her brother in the attacks, and her siblings who it sounded like she was very close with. Happy heavenly birthday to Maurita, she is never forgotten.
A friend from Stuy 97
September 11, 2021
Maurita, It´s been 20 years and you are not forgotten. Thinking of you today and sending love to the Tam and Chung families. So sorry for your loss.
Mike Kolacek
September 11, 2021
Sitting at home watching the 20th anniversary remembrance, I saw your name. We didn’t know one another on earth but I’m sure we will in the beyond. Reading words from your family and friends, I know you are a great person. You are sorely missed and still loved.
We will never forget you and your life.
Sincerely, until we meet again.
Mike Kolacek
Tom Whelan
September 11, 2020
It is 2020. 19 years. Yet over time we hold on to the inspiring story of a gifted young woman who lived every day to the fullest. I am just back from Vietnam, doing work that Maurita would have very much approved. - Tom
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Alex L.
December 18, 2019
I feel lots of sorrow over your untimely passing on September 11th. And you should've had a longer, fulfilling life to live...
Tom Whelan
December 9, 2019
Circumstances made difficult writing on September 11 this year. But I do not forget. Maurita always inspires. I am still working in Vietnam. Often think about her adventurous life.
The Lucas Family
December 20, 2018
We send our heartfelt condolences to your family for the loss of Maurita and her uncle Wai Chung. May God always give the needed comfort and support. They are still sadly missed.
Tom Whelan
September 11, 2018
Living across the Pacific, but remember Maurita Tam whom I never met. She is a continual inspiration. Regards to family and friends. And thinking about Wai-ching Chung.
bethany pettitt
September 18, 2017
we were just reading about 911 but when i heard this story my heat was truly touched. i wish i got to know you you sound like a charming person. and like Brianna said
"R.I.G. (REST IN GIGGLES)" may you rest in peace and happiness forever.
Briana Vigil
September 18, 2017
R.I.P (or rest in giggles)
Tom Whelan
September 11, 2017
Although working with a charity and living in Vietnam I always have a thought for Maurita who a lived a brief but full life.
And of course her uncle Wai-ching Chung.
I finally got to visit the memorial.
Tom
Saigon
Tom
September 11, 2016
Maurita, It has been 15 years .. you will never be forgotten. Wishing your family and friends all the best. With much regards.
Thomas Whelan
September 11, 2016
Fifteen years. We still think about the fascinating girl who brought so much joy to family and friends. Her life is a constant reminder to pursue excellence while enjoying the wonders of the world.
And of course we think of her uncle Wai-ching Chung.
Tom Whelan
Saigon, Vietnam
Anthony M
September 12, 2015
one day late, but its never late to remember.
you will never be forgotten
peace Maurita
Kevin
September 11, 2015
We will never forget.
September 11, 2015
I will be traveling next month to Vietnam for a long term project working with poor children. I carry with me the inspiration of Maurita. A wonderful life of accomplishment.
I also remember her uncle Wai-ching Chung.
Regards to the family.
slàinte,
Tom
Kristin
September 11, 2015
Beautiful inside and out, just like her mom. Julie, you and your family will forever be in my thoughts and prayers.
September 11, 2014
To the family of Maurita Tam and Wai-ching Chung,
I never met Maurita Tam, but she is an inspiration. A wonderful life well lived. I think of her often, especially today. Peace to the family.
Tom Whelan - September 11, 2014
Anthony M.
September 11, 2014
always a thought for you, every september 11.
You are, for me, the face of this tragedy : how nice, talentuous you were. I was touched by your story and proud to see how interested and good you were in French.
I 'm not religious but I wish that heaven exists for you to keep smiling and your family can join you again.
i will never forget, peace Maurita.
Reeve
September 11, 2014
Still always in our thoughts Maurita.
Maryann McKenna
September 11, 2014
Although I only you knew you for a few weeks, I remember what a sweet beautiful young lady you were. I think of you often and I am always so saddened that you did not make it.
Kyle Crawford
October 1, 2013
Over 12 years now and I'm just hearing about this young ladies story. It's a shame such a beautiful soul left us so soon, as always the case in tragedy. There's many people who deserve messages written about them here on Legacy, I choose Maurita because of her indelible smile that I see. I pay my respect to a woman who makes me want to be a better person, and for that I am greatful. I would also like to pay my respect to members of the Tam family and to Maurita's friends. Never forget.
Kamryn Casey
September 12, 2013
Such a tragic loss to this Earth and such a gain for Heaven. God will bring us all together again when he feels the time is right. Keep enjoying Heaven Maurita. You deserve it.
Thomas Whelan
September 11, 2013
To the family of Maurita Tam and Wai-ching Chung,
Greetings, once again. We remember the loss, but most importantly, we remember the lives. The years pass, but the glory of lives well lived remains.
Sláinte,
Tom
Antara Ganguli
September 11, 2013
Maurita, we will never stop thinking about you.
D Baker
September 11, 2012
we still miss you
Thomas Whelan
September 11, 2012
I am a Vietnam Veteran. In 2002 I returned to Vietnam. I go there every year now and I work to help ‘street kids' get an education. I have many inspirations for this, among them the life of Maurita Tam. Regards to the family of Maurita Tam and Wai-ching Chung. - Tom
W Liu
September 11, 2011
We all miss you Maurita Tam. She always brought joy to our lives. - Stuy class of 2007
Kevin
September 11, 2011
Maurita Tam is not forgotten.
Thomas Whelan
September 11, 2011
To the family of Maurita Tam and Wai-ching Chung,
"When one niece, Maurita Tam, was a toddler, he (Wai-ching Chung) mesmerized her by blowing Kleenexes in the air and watching them artfully descend." - from the New York Times.
That is what I shall remember. The little girl fascinated by an uncle's imagination. As I said nine years ago, "As an unmarried uncle of ten, I could not imagine letting a (beloved) niece travel alone on a great journey."
Warmest regards to the family.
Tom
Christine DeVito Sullivan
September 10, 2011
I remember her so well from childhood. I lived a few doors down from Maurita. I remember playing as kids. I hope you are RIP Maurita.
Randy Tomlinson
September 9, 2011
Dear Maurita
Today i arrived in New York. I traveled all the way from Switzerland. Today marks the 10th anniversary we saw each other for the very last time. Remember? I remember your last word. You called me "silly". Sleep well sweetie. I miss you so much!
Tom Whelan
September 11, 2010
To the family of Maurita Tam and Wai-ching Chung,
Greetings. We do remember. We do not forget. We remember the promise. The world is a colder place. But the memory inspires.
Tom Whelan
September 11, 2009
To the Tam family,
I never met Maurita Tam, but she inspires me still. An extraordinary life.
Jessica
August 16, 2009
We used to sing together in Chorus. To Tam Family, I am so sorry, please know that your daughter remains in the memory of people around this country. To Maurita --you are missed.
Jessica
August 16, 2009
We used to sing together in Chorus. To your family, I am so sorry, please know that your daughter remains in the memory of people around this country. To Maurita --you are missed.
Audrey
April 7, 2009
I was a sophomore at Stuy during 9/11. Like Maurita, I was in chorus, and one day senior year I stopped for a moment to reread her obituary, which was posted on Ms. Hall's bulletin board. It was then that I decided to look at Amherst and apply. I never expected to go to Amherst, but it's one of the best decisions I've ever made. I'd like to think that, although I never met her, Maurita was a part of my decision. Thank you--and God bless.
kristine
October 23, 2008
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.
Kevin
September 14, 2008
Tam Family, I still remember your daughter and her life that she shared on her Amherst web page. God bless you on this most recent anniversary of the attacks.
A friend
September 11, 2008
Hi Maurita. I wish I had had the privilege to meet you. There was (is!) something about you that reaches out to people and touches their soul even when you're gone. It is so strange and so wonderful. I am not a religious person, but you make me think maybe - just maybe - there is something beyond this existence. Sleep tight, little angel. You are very loved and very missed.
Jeannie Davis
September 11, 2008
The world is a lesser place without your daughter. May prayers go out to you today. We will never forget!
Catherine Jun
September 11, 2008
I returned to Amherst College as a junior after being away for more than a year. That's when I met Maurita. She was all smiles and made me feel welcome at all the meet-and greet events: the Asian-American students group, Tae Kwon Do classes, etc. Being cynical, I naturally steered clear of people who were kind, so we were never close. But she left a clear impression with me, as someone genuinely kind-hearted and one who loves to laugh. She is truly missed but this silly and unworthy soul.
Patrick
September 11, 2008
Mes pensées vont a toi et a ta famille Maurita.
God bless you Maurita.
Tom Whelan
September 11, 2008
Greetings to the Tam family,
We remember the day. And the promise. And the life lived. And those of us who never met her still feel our loss. She remains an inspiration.
Maurita Smith
June 3, 2008
Like most people I never met Maurita Tam. I was in the 12th grade when i was first introduced to her name. I like most curious people wanted to google my name when I came across Maurita Tam and 9/11 in the same sentence and that's when i made up in my mind that when i went to New York i was going to go the Ground Zero find her name and take a picture of it. I'm connected to her only by name and I am proud to have the same name as such a beautiful, vibrant, and loved woman.
Julia
December 15, 2007
You will always be remembered a long with all of those other innocent victims! RIP.
Patrick K.
September 12, 2007
I never forget Maurita, six years ago
God bless you.
Patrick from Belgium.
Tom Whelan
September 11, 2007
To the family of Maurita Tam and Wai-ching Chung,
Warmest regards from across the city. May this Season of Sorrow find you in good spirits as we remember the wonderful Maurita. She lives forever in the eternal heavens and in the hearts of all who love her.
tam biet,
Tom
Catherine McGivney
August 23, 2007
Reading this guestbook, I'm moved to see how many lives Maurita touched -- not just her friends and family, but also so many who have never met her, from so many parts of the world. Maurita possessed a certain kind of grace that drew people to her and made them feel welcome. She was my first close friend and I miss her.
P Tabbernor
March 28, 2007
In memory....
Cecile Tam
September 12, 2006
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Y Cajee
September 11, 2006
To the family of Maurita Tam:
On this 5th anniversary of Sept 11. 2001, I have found myself going over the CNN.com 9-11 memorial.
I came across the picture of a beautiful and smiling young women named Maurita Tam and was instantly drawn to find out more about her.
Upon clicking the link I came to understand Maurita as a vivacious, talented, intelligent and successful young women in the prime of her life who was even more beautiful on the inside. This young women had her entire life a head of her and she was going nowhere but upwards.
I never knew Maurita, unfortunately, but from what I read she was an incredible human being.
My thoughts are with Maurita and her family. I shall never forget her.
September 10, 2006
To the family of Maurita Tam and Wai-ching Chung,
We remember. Years pass, but Maurita continues to inspire.
Tom Whelan
Patrick Kolle
August 17, 2006
I leave my message in french.
Il n'y a pas de mot pour exprimer ce que je ressent fasse a cette tragédie, je ne te connais pas et pourtant ton histoire me touche énormément et je ne peux que rejoindre la tristesse qu'éprouve ta famille et tous tes amis.
Que dieu te protège la où tu es Maurita.
Patrick
Tom Whelan
September 11, 2005
To the family of Maurita Tam and Wai-ching Chung,
"When one niece, Maurita Tam, was a toddler, he mesmerized her by blowing Kleenexes in the air and watching them artfully descend." - from the New York Times.
That is what I shall remember. The little girl fascinated by an uncle's imagination. As I said three years ago "As an unmarried uncle of ten, I could not imagine letting a niece travel alone on a great journey."
vicki stephens and charlotte poole
January 7, 2005
she was a beautiful young girl that had every thing going for her she did not deserve to die so young are sympathy go out to all that knew her x god bless
Marius C.
September 16, 2004
3 years have passed and her picture is very alive in my mind... god bless you angel! my deepest thoghts to her mother and family!
De Wayne Williams
September 12, 2004
This lovely young woman is forever young and beautiful. She is now one of Gods Angels. Her spirit is at rest. Her presence will forever be felt. She touched the lives of those she met. Her soul is eternal. She lives!
Tom Whelan
September 11, 2004
To the family of Maurita Tam and Wai-ching Chung,
We do not forget. Warmest regards to all.
Tom W.
N.Y.C.
9/11/04
De Wayne Williams
September 11, 2004
This lovely young woman is looking down on me as I write from heaven. She is certainly one of Gods Angels. I am not so saddened by her tragic death when I remind myself of this. Her soul is at peace.
Just thinking of Maurita and her family
February 19, 2004
Once in awhile I visit Maurita's Amherst webpage. I never met her, and yet my heart aches whenever I browse there. So sad. So sad.
Daniel
September 19, 2003
Dear Julie Tam,
I am very sorry about your loving daughter, Maurita. I know how proud you were of her. She was smart, artistic and much more. I am also terribly sorry for Wai who also died in the tragic of 9/11/01. Maurita was a very wonderful person.
By the description you gave me of her, I can tell that your daughter had a very good sense of humor. Once again I am very terribly sorry.
from Daniel
De Wayne Williams
September 13, 2003
I just visited this young womans website. Incredible, she lives! Her spirit and beauty are eternal. She is with God!
Tom Whelan
September 11, 2003
It is another year and we pause and reflect. One imagines all that Maurita would have accomplished in these past two years. We think of her and the thousands of others we lost that terrible day. She remains a figure of inspiration. The day she left sent a chill through all who knew her. But the memory of her is warm. May she forever warm the hearts of those who love her.
Maile Losordo
September 10, 2003
Dear Tam family,
I am so touched by Maurita's story! I thought that she must have been a wonderful person and I wish the best for you!
Jennifer Rajewski
September 8, 2003
I met Maurita at IS 72. I remember feeling so lost the first day. I didn't know anyone at all. Maurita and Catherine quickly befriended me. I can honestly say I never saw her in a bad mood ever. I can still rememeber her smile and laugh and how contagious they both were. I still remember a birthday party at her house in intermediate school, where she so confidently and proudly introduced me to some of her culture. l always admired her and regert that someone who I had once considered a best friend, left my life and returned in such a tragic way. May god bless and watch over you and your family.
Lily
December 30, 2002
My prayers go out for your daughter and your brother. My heart still aches of sadness and I still cry on and off everytime I think of these innocent people that die on that tragic dead. May the Lord bless you abundantly.
Kathleen Cuomo
November 17, 2002
Dear Tam Family
I am so saddened by the death of your daughter/sister Maurita and you brother/uncle Wai Chung. May you all find some peace. Your friend
Doug
October 26, 2002
I felt an unusual type of sadness last night - a sense of loss over someone I have never even met.
By some random path of wandering through the web I came across a list of victims from September 11, 2001. I'd sat in front of the TV that day, watching the same footage over and over until it was all just some abstract concept in my mind. I'd read the news stories. I'd felt the quiet at a candlelight vigil. I'd even been to New York a few times since then and seen the debris. Yet after all of this, or maybe because of it, it still just felt surreal, not grounded in any reality for me.
As I looked at the list, I remembered a name a high school friend had mentioned, Maurita. I searched for her and found this. Over a year later things became real as I looked at Maurita Tam. I read about her life and the comments people had left. I went through her web site, looked at her so happy at graduation with her family. I saw that she had been to Philly on a road trip. I looked at the little date on the bottom of her site announcing the last update and felt terrible knowing it would never change; the person narrating favorite events of her life to me was gone.
I won't pretend to know her, I feel a bit boorish when I think of all of the people who talked with her and spent time with her and undoubtedly felt a loss I fortunately have not.
But it all just seems so unfair and I wish there was something I could do, could have done. She wasn't waging war against anyone, she wasn't a nameless body. She was an innocent person used to make a point. At the very least I wanted to write this as a small tribute to her.
Christopher Roche
October 2, 2002
When I read the NY Times portrait of Ms. Tam, it further reinforced the fact that this tragedy took the best our the best. Her story is amazing, and she surely accomplished more in 22 years than most of us do in a lifetime. I was working in the building next to her's that day, 7 WTC, and I have been trying to make up for lost time since then and live life to its fullest, like Ms. Tam. I will never forget her story and will try to honor the memory of all those lost, those who I knew personally, as well as the people I have come to know through reading and hearing their stories, people like Ms. Tam.
Tom Whelan
September 16, 2002
To the family of Wai-ching Chung:
May the peace of the Lord warm your hearts as Wai-ching and his beloved niece Maurita shine in the night sky. As an unmarried uncle of ten, I could not imagine letting a niece travel alone on a great journey.
Jason Hu
September 15, 2002
I had the great fortune of knowing Maurita. We went to Stuyvesant High School together. She always had a bright smile on her face.
A few months ago, I was going through some of my old mail. I came across a note with great penmanship in an envelope with stickers and drawings on it. I opened the letter and read it. It was from Maurita in our freshman year of college. She sent a letter just to say "hi" and reminded me not to be a stranger. She also talked about Hong Kong pop stars that we both liked to listen to. When I received that note, it brightened my day because I didn't get much mail at my college address, especially in a day and age where e-mail is the mode of communication. When I rediscovered the note this year, it brightened my day all over again, but this time it added tears to my eyes.
The last time I saw Maurita, we were dancing at Lincoln Center in "A Midsummer Night's Swing" 2000. Again we chatted about pop music and she reminded me how I used to listen to and sing Leon Lai's songs. When I hung out with Maurita, I never felt like I had to inhibit the impulsive teenager in me. If anything, she encourages us to be teeny-boppers with no shame. I miss Maurita a lot. I wish her family the best.
Marius Codrea
September 14, 2002
These are the lyrics of norwegian singer Lene Marlin - "A place nearby"... So in loving memory of a special angel , these goes for you only Maurita!...
A Place Nearby
I entered the room
Sat by your bed all through the night
I watched your daily fight
I hardly knew
The pain was almost more than I could bear
And still I hear your last words to me
Heaven is a place nearby so I won't be so far away
And if you try and look for me maybe you'll find me someday
Heaven is a place nearby so there's no need to say goodbye
I wanna ask you not to cry I'll always be by your side
You just faded away you spread your wings you had flown
Away to something unknown wish I could bring you back
You're always on my mind about to tear myself apart
You have your special place in my heart
Always
Heaven is a place nearby so I won't be so far away
And if you try and look for me maybe you'll find me someday
Heaven is a place nearby so there's no need to say goodbye
I wanna ask you not to cry I'll always be by your side
And even when I go to sleep I still can hear your voice
And those words I never will forget
Heaven is a place nearby so I won't be so far away
And if you try and look for me maybe you'll find me someday
Heaven is a place nearby so there's no need to say goodbye
I wanna ask you not to cry I'll always be by your side
Jeanette Moy
September 13, 2002
As an old schoolmate of hers, I think it's important to remember who she was as a person, not just a victim. Maurita had a cheery, beautiful soul. She and I were in the same class for three years in a row, most often right next to each other. Every day, at fifth period Chorus in HS, until the year that she graduated and left for Amherst College, Maurita graced me with her presence. She was one of the first students I met at Stuyvesant High School, and in my insecure underclassmen years, I doted on her.
Maurita was the best person to pick notes off when if you forgot the harmony in the middle of a concert. She used to elbow me if I made a mistake, before I'd get caught for throwing off our alto section. A bonafide expert at the NY Times crossword, we'd hide them behind a folder and finish it up to maybe three or four entries. Just ask Ms. Holly Hall, who always seemed to catch us at the wrong moment (the wrong moment being those moments when we weren't studying our sheet music). She had this way of laughing - hand over the mouth, and literally speaking the words "tee hee hee." More than anything, she was smart, sweet and a better person that many of us could hope to be. What hurts the most is that I always expected to get back in touch with her once I moved back to NYC. Always thought there was a tomorrow for us and our friendship. God bless her.
Catherine Choi
September 13, 2002
I, too knew Maurita since Junior High School. Last time I saw her was on the Ferry going back to Staten Island talking and laughing about all the things that were going on in our lives. I remember thinking, what beautiful person she was inside and out and that she had not changed a bit since I first met her. I can't believe she gone. My prayers will be with her and family. She will be missed greatly.
Marius Codrea
September 13, 2002
when you walk through a storm
hold your head up high
and dont be affraid of the dark
at the end of the storm theres a golden sky
and the sweet silver song of a lark
walk on thru the win , walk on thru the rain
throw your dreams be tossed and blown
walk on , walk on with your hope in your heart
AND YOU"LL NEVER WALK ALONE MAURITA!!
She spoke Japanese, Korean, French, Cantonese, Mandarin and English.She played piano and clarinet , sang exuberantly in the college choir and painted...she had a yellow belt in tae-kwon-do and was a leader of an Asian student group at Amherst...she was an economics whiz. And she was computer-comfortable enough to be a Webmaster of several sites.
May God bless you angel ... You will always be in our hearts...
I dont know what else should i to say... i think theres nothing else... Bye Maurita , you sing with the angels in choir now...
MARIUS
If anyone who knew her can contact me please do at [email protected] ... thank you...
Kevin
September 12, 2002
I never knew or met Maurita Tam, but as I looked through her Amherst website last Fall, she seemed familiar in some way.
I saw a young, vibrant woman that lived a full life for the short period of time she was on this Earth. She traveled and was surrounded by many friends and family. We would all be lucky if we lived the full life that she did. Her memory will have an impact on my life.
Tam family, my thoughts and condolences are with you. We all lost something precious that day.
Tim
September 12, 2002
Maurita, that a light so brilliant has been extinguished -is too much to bear.
You live on. And I promise you that I will never EVER forget you. And I will learn from your example. And I will be better.
I wish I'd had the honor of knowing you in life.
Love and peace, sweet sweet Angel.
becky thomason
September 11, 2002
To all the family and friends of this young woman, I hope that your memories of Maurita will bring you a joy which is so strong it will overcome the anger sadness that you must feel. Peace and Grace to you.
Salvador Mendoza
September 11, 2002
Maurita, I came across your picture and life story and it was a beautiful one at that... You will be missed here on Mother Earth but I can't help but to think God needed you in Heaven, God is no longer missing an Angel. God Bless you and the Tam Family.
Tom Whelan
September 11, 2002
What is it about this extraordinary young woman that is so inspirational?
I miss her and I never even met her! Her photograph radiates such joy and promise.
I read the heartfelt words of her friends and schoolmates. People from other countries and other languages are deeply moved by her, soldiers even! (and I am a VietNam veteran myself).
She seems to challenge us to live life to the fullest. To pursue our deepest potential.
I am especially grateful to Amherst College for leaving her website available so her new friends may get to know her better.
It is enough to break your heart, yet it is such a joy to know that such a vibrant young woman was among us. Maurita challenges us!
Catherine Jun
September 10, 2002
I did know Maurita. She went to school with me at Amherst, and I even took a couple of Tae Kwon Do classes with her. When I received the letter here in Seoul from the school, telling me that she was in the World Trade Center when the plane hit, I couldn't believe it. She was one of the nicest people I knew, and though I didn't know her well, I could tell she was good-hearted, always thinking of others. I first met her when I came back to Amherst after a long leave. She made me feel like I mattered, she was always saying hi, asking me how I was doing.
To think that I have now outlived her by two years, it is strange. I couldn't, still can't, understand why someone so good, had her life cut short, while I am still here.
Since I found out about her passing, I have lived my life differently, appreciating my interactions with my friends and my family, and working hard at my job, making sure that I am pushing myself to the fullest to make a positive difference.
I would like to let her parents and her family know that Maurita has made a difference in my life.
Jessica Tunstall
September 9, 2002
I never knew you Maurita, but you seem like the type of person who is caring and considerate. I found your name while searching on CNN.com to do a project for my school. I don't know what it is, but from the moment I saw your picture I knew I immediately had to chose you for my person to pray for on the anniversary of 9.11. My God be with you and your family. I will continue to pray you.
Reeve Segal
September 9, 2002
I met Maurita my freshman year in college -- we lived in the same dorm. She was a fun, lively and vivrant person. She is missed grealty. I send my condolences to her family. She truly was a special person.
Nicolas
September 7, 2002
Dear Maurita,
When I saw your picture I immediately thought to my girlfriend here in France with me.
So I can imagine the feeling of your family and of your friends...
I feel very very sad!!
I'd like to cry, I know it's unuseful.
I'd like to avenge you, I know it's impossible.
You looked so happy to live...
Be sure I will never forget you and I will do everything possible in my life to make that will never happen at new.
For you and all the people who died this day.
August 30, 2002
I never knew you Maurita. As I was looking at your picture and reading the enteries, I couldnt help but imagine what a beautiful person you were.
I would like to say that you are an inspiration to me. Your story will forever be engraved in my heart and I promise to always live my life true.
SFC Roger Godaire
US Army
Ft Campbell, Ky
Bianca Marosi
August 18, 2002
I remember my first day at Rocco Laurie ( Junior High School ). Maurita Tam and Nicole Lyte quickly introduced themselves to me and became my friends. Without them I would have been miserable in school. While in High School I often wished that I had kept in touch with them. Unfortunately, I have lost my chance to speak to Maurita again. I just want to let her family know that she was one of the sweetest people I have ever
encountered in my life. She was smart, funny, courageous and amazing. Maurita was a wonderful person and I regret not staying in touch with her, I promise that I will get in touch with Nicole and not let any more years go by.
I am so sorry for your loss. May God hold her within his hands always.
Rudy
June 15, 2002
Dear Maurita,
please guard us all from up there...
Robert E. Willis
June 4, 2002
I unfortunately never met Maurita Tam but as a Personal Coach and a Mentor I want to applaud her life. From what I have read about her, she filled her every moment with opportunity and a passion for life itself. Giving joy to others through her music, language and personal outlook on what she could accomplish; she has become a shining example of what others can do with their lives. For many years I have helped young people discover their inner gifts and have encouraged them to share those gifts with the world. It is role models such as Ms. Tam, whose personal efforts and commitment have created a level of excellence all of us can pursue in our own lives. Let her life help fuel the dreams of the many generations to come in her footsteps. Her life's work will help me help other young people by showing them the way she lived her life, curious about the unknown and the determination to learn about it.
To the family of Maurita Tam, know she wasn't just another person in the world, she made a difference. Her positive contributions to society has indeed, made this world a better place to live. I would have been proud and honored to have met her. Robert E. Willis - Motivational Mentor
May 11, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL YOUNG WOMAN...TOO YOUNG TO DIE..MAY HER SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HER LOVING FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK..MAY JESUS AND HIS SAINTS GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
A.F.
April 18, 2002
I'm 17 year old.
I did not know you, nor anyone else in NY. And even though I'm far away, I still can't believe what has happened. Seeing someone as beutiful as you, ..another innocent victim.. Makes me so angry that I wished that I could do something, but I live here day in and day out. Without being able to do anything that has happened. I will not forget this, EVER.
I hope that you might see and understand me Maurita.
Hopefully you're at a better place than this wicked world. And maybe... One day we'll see each other.
Even though I'm far away, my soul is with you.
Darnell
March 12, 2002
When I first went through CNN's memorial site, I came across Maurita's picture and noticed how young she was. Only 22 and a recent graduate from college, she looked liked she had a bright future ahead of her. Sadly, many close to her will never know about her potential. To Maurita's family and friends, none of us will ever be able to understand the pain and suffering you face daily. My heartfelt prayers go out to each and everyone of you as we all reflect on that tragic day. Maurita, I have a little sister about your age, so I think of her when I see your picture. I pray that you are resting peacefully in heaven. Take care up there...
Patrick Gies
March 11, 2002
Hope to see you on the other side.
God bless.
Georgiana Fung
March 11, 2002
I went to elementary school with Maurita and remembered her as an extremely smart and sweet person. Although we never really talked, we would always exchange smiles when we passed each other in the hallways. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. I hope she is now with the angels in heaven. My only regret is that I wished I knew such a wonderful person better...
Neal Hurwitz
January 23, 2002
The Stuyvesant HS Endowment Fund, Inc.--its directors and leaders--are so saddened by the loss of Maurita Tam, SHS '97. Such a lovely person; such a tragedy. It is hard to bear.
In her memory, we have established the Maurita Tam '97 Memorial Fund.
God bless and be well.
Thank you.
Charles Baudelaire
December 30, 2001
A une passante
La rue assourdissante autour de moi hurlait.
Longue, mince, en grand deuil, douleur majestueuse,
Une femme passa, d'une main fastueuse
Soulevant, balançant le feston et l'ourlet ;
Agile et noble, avec sa jambe de statue.
Moi, je buvais, crispé comme un extravagant,
Dans son oeil, ciel livide où germe l'ouragan,
La douceur qui fascine et le plaisir qui tue.
Un éclair... puis la nuit ! - Fugitive beauté
Dont le regard m'a fait soudainement renaître,
Ne te verrai-je plus que dans l'éternité ?
Ailleurs, bien loin d'ici ! trop tard ! jamais peut-être !
Car j'ignore où tu fuis, tu ne sais où je vais,
Ô toi que j'eusse aimée, ô toi qui le savais !
Charles Baudelaire
Harvey Poris
December 27, 2001
I recognized Maurita"s name as a classmate of my daughter who also graduated Stuyvesant in 1997.I am very sorry for your loss of a wonderful child who had such great promise.
Tom Whelan
December 26, 2001
In September I saw a woman on the TV news walking around lower Manhattan holding a picture and asking if anyone had seen her daughter. I wrote the name down and hoped against hope that the young woman was ok. Days went by, weeks, months, and no confirmation. And then in December Maurita Tam was added to the long sad list. For me she represents all the youthful promise lost that day. I lit a candle in my church for Maurita Tam and for her family. May God's glory illuminate young Maurita as a star in the heavens and bring peace and comfort to her family and friends.
Maryann McKenna
December 20, 2001
Although I only knew Maurita for a short time, I found her to be such a sweet girl. I was so saddened to hear she was among the missing. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
Teresa Jahn
December 10, 2001
So very young. We are deeply sorry for your loss of Maurita. 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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