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Helen Cook Obituary
Helen Cook was 12 when she and her brother, 10, moved to the Bronx from Honduras with their mother. "We used to hold hands when we walked in the street," the brother, Edson Garcia, remembered. "We came over for a reason: to go to school and try to become somebody."
She loved school and wanted to become a nurse. But after three years of college in Buffalo, she took a summer job at 1 World Trade Center and met Jermaine Cook, who worked for the stock exchange. Soon his name was in a heart-shaped tattoo on her neck. Their son, Justin, will be 2 on Oct. 23. In August, the couple celebrated their second wedding anniversary in Miami Beach. Mr. Cook is distraught. Mr. Garcia said, "He told me the World Trade brought them together, and it also destroyed them."
After the plane hit, Ms. Cook, 24, tried unsuccessfully to call her husband from the 82nd floor. Instead she reached her brother, crying. By telephone, he did his best to hold her hand.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
D.
July 31, 2023
I stumbled across your name because of your Honduran background. It´s so heartbreaking your life was cut short but your legacy lives on and you will always be loved. May you rest in paradise and may God continue blessing your family.
Nicole Bernardez Hunter
May 26, 2023
Miss you and Love you Cuz
BMG
March 21, 2023
I love you sis! Nephew we miss you daily! #1023
Tyreck "Ricky" Hills
July 11, 2022
Yearz later I still think of you. I alwayz admired you because of your strength & focused. In many many Watz you made a huge difference in my Lyfe & for that I shall alwayz be grateful. I never had the courage to read any article but today I saw & felt the effectz wholeheartedly. It´ll never get old. Helen you are truly missed. I still have a kool pic my Mama sent me of Uz though Itz hard to look at each tyme I do it makez me smile odee.
LoveYou Alwayz
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Esther
September 10, 2021
I remember you this day but prefer to remember you at your baby shower in Manhattan your smile and your laugh and the before hanging out at John jay campus meeting your family in the Bronx I pray your family has peace
Cindy Roe
September 4, 2021
Remembering Helen on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...
Del Newberry
May 7, 2021
As I read one of these obits each day, i am deeply saddened to remember that horrible day, especially when I see the YOUNG lives lost that day. I pray today for Helen's friends and family. We will never forget that day. Much love from Texas,
Grant Llera
November 14, 2020
Dear Helen: I work at the 9/11 Memorial and I have learned about so many of the people who lost their lives that day. Each time I see your name or your photo at the memorial I say a silent prayer for you and your family as I do for all those lost that day. May God bless you and your family. We will always remember you!
Grant Llera
November 14, 2020
Dear Helen: I work at the 9/11 Memorial and I have learned about so many of the people who lost their lives that day. Each time I see your name or your photo at the memorial I say a silent prayer for you and your family as I do for all those lost that day. May God bless you and your family. We will always remember you!
Mary M
September 11, 2019
Sending love to your brother and the rest of your family. Your life is noted and you will be praised for how you lived it. Eternal peace!
July 18, 2019
Be at peace with God.
Alex Lai
ahmya carter
September 12, 2018
what she passed down after she died
September 11, 2017
Thinking of you all today.
Kathie Preston
January 13, 2017
I stumbled across this while looking up info on my own deceased sister, whose name is also Helen Cook.....WOW....So sad to see Mrs. Cook was a 9-11 victim...My heart goes out to her family with prayers..
Brandon Murchison
May 13, 2015
Didn't know you, just happened to come across this page. You seemed like such a sweet person and you were pretty. God bless you , and your family. R.I.P
mai
May 17, 2014
I appreciate everyone who stops by my sisters page!! its lovely reading your comments, im glad some way some how my sisters memory impacts every one
Helen Camilleri
May 3, 2014
I have just returned from a visit to New York with my family. We visited the 9/11 memorial which I found very moving and indeed shed a tear....I remember where I was even what I was wearing that day in 2001. I wanted it to be a meaningful experience so myself and my 3 children found a name inscribed in the memorial to remember and think about every 11th September. We found Helen. So, Helen, I am delighted to find you here and see your beautiful smile, find out a very small bit about you and read how much you were loved. RIP.
Bennie Fernandez
September 11, 2013
I have a distinct memory of Helen smiling at me in the lobby of 1150 Garrison. I was 11 and had a super crush on 18yr old Helen. I loved to act silly to make her laugh. She would call me Jim Carrey. I'll always remember her laid back demeanor, a very chill and cool girl. God Bless her & her Family.
Joel Marinez
June 30, 2012
I miss my friend Helen Garcia. I knew her since the junior high school.
nyc native inspired by your story
September 25, 2011
God bless your family...may you rest in peace.
B
September 12, 2011
Thru me and my fam my sis memory remains alive..EACH N EVERY DAY..for every truly missed :) te adoro sis
September 11, 2011
At my church we were able to pick a name to pray for the person and their family and i picked helen. i will be praying for you
Thorley Lawrence
September 11, 2011
I will never forget a good friend, I dont need 9/11 to remember you, I remember you everyday...I miss you.
Mai
September 12, 2010
always thinking about u sis! ..every where i go every smile i see! i know ur out there shining down on me! <3
Debra Dixon
September 12, 2010
Helen has wings in heaven.
She were a Wife to her husband,
Mother to her child, daugther to
her parent,sister to her sibblings
and meant good to others. She were a friend to my daughter and a very respectful young woman to me. She had
a soft voice and were a gift to
our world.
God Bless her and all she watch over.
La-Shawn Dixon
September 11, 2010
I love you and miss you very much. I know that you are safe with God and that your soul is at rest.
Carl Barksdale
September 1, 2010
It's nearing that time again...I just wanted to mention that I posted Helen's graduation picture on my Facebook....aparrently some of her class/schoolmates were unaware of her passing. I will not let her be forgotten...I am informing them and will leave her picture up for the duration of every September. Godspeed dear friend.
Maribel Garcia
September 11, 2009
Awwww ..wow this is beautiful, every ones wonderful memories of my sister.. her babyshower i was there lolz working at balduccis i loved the cookies she use to bring!..hangin with Aisha(shes also missed)..still cant believe shes gone..but thankz every one for keeping her memory alive..the fam is doing good Justin is growing up to b the next obama lolz i love him.. i love my sister! thankz again..Laure My mom heard you read her name..we are for ever greatful and may ur brother R.I.P im sure he too is proud of you..God bless n good night
Karen Kenning
September 11, 2009
I never got to meet you in person, but I know your cousin Blanca and she talks so well about you and loved you so much, I feel like I know you as well. My prayers will be with your family. I love your cousin dearly and she looks alot like you. Bless you always.
Linda Maxwell
September 11, 2009
I never had a chance to meet Helen, but just talking to her cousin who loved her, she is truly missed. I am sure she is making heaven a better place. Linda Maxwell
Blanca M.
September 11, 2009
I miss my first cousin like crazy, I was reading all the letters she used to send me when I was away in college this weekend. May Jehovah keep her in his memories and I look forward to seeing her in paradise.
Edson Garcia
September 10, 2009
My name is Edson Garcia. I am Helen brother. I really dont have much to say because after all am still hurting from my sister sudden death. I want to thank each and everyone of you for taking the time to sign her guest book. On behalf of my family I would like to thank you all so much. God Bless!
Laure Kiefer-Foley
September 10, 2009
I am honored to be reading Helen's name tomorrow at the ceremony at Ground Zero. I lost my brother, FDNY FF Michael Kiefer also that day. I hope I make Helen and her family proud when I read her name, I know I am proud to read it. My thoughts are with your family always!
Doug Abraham
February 27, 2009
Music, when soft voices die
Music, when soft voices die,
Vibrates in the memory—
Odours, when sweet violets sicken,
Live within the sense they quicken.
Rose leaves, when the rose is dead,
Are heaped for the beloved's bed;
And so thy thoughts, when thou art gone,
Love itself shall slumber on.
By Percy Bysshe Shelley
The Poetry Foundation
Clarice Luyde
September 11, 2008
I was shocked when I found out. we work together in Balduccis, and you were a very sweet person. May your family be blessed and may Justin always carry you in his heart.
bc middle school student
March 17, 2008
I'm sorry for Helen and anyone who was killed or hurt on 911. But for those who have died they are in a better place now where there are no terrists.
lenisha agnew
February 26, 2008
May GOD Bless you and your family. I never meet you but ine day we sahll meet!
Erica Morales
September 11, 2007
My prayers and my family's prayers go out to the family of Helen, that you may find peace in your hearts.
I didnt get the chance to know Helen that well but I did attend school with her and I have spoken with her before. She was a very honest and sweet person. God Bless.
Edson Garcia
August 14, 2007
I will like to thank each an everyone of you for your words of wisdom and your support. My name is Edson Garcia, Helen Cook brother. Sept. 11 is approaching and myself along with my family we need your support..thank you and God Bless You!!!
Tonya Tillman
December 30, 2006
May God bless the family and friends of this beautiful young lady. Remember all the good times and keep all the memories of her in your hearts forever. Her spirit continues to live on and even though I didn't know her, I felt the need to try to bring comfort to her family and friends. God Bless You!!! And we will never forget those lost that day.
Carl Barksdale
November 29, 2006
In Stevenson High back in the BX I had very pleasant memories of you. So nice and just laid back. I was working at the 480th IW at Langley when you left this world. Imagine my face when I saw your GRADUATION pic on CNN's website...I had to get home fast. I ran into some of our fellow schoolmate's from the mid 90's and they said there were 5 others amongst us Stevo's gone. I have not found their identities yet but God be with you all. Take care of each other and look over your families until we meet again. Sorry for the late response...This is still unreal to me.
-Stevenson Class of 96, Carl
Kristine
October 23, 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.
P Tabbernor
September 14, 2006
In memory....
Gregg Starks
August 27, 2006
You were taken so tragically, but you left behind a brillant son and a very loving husband. You ARE always remembered by those whose lives you had touched. Justin looks so much like you and HEART will love you ALWAYS. Watch over them as they travel through life.
Joshua Washington
August 4, 2006
It was a sad day that affected the lives of many especially those that lost someone and close dear to them. But just always remember she will now always be an heavenly angel watching over those she touched and loved.
God Bless to her family & friends all the many innocent lives taken that day
Freddy De Schutter
December 12, 2004
It does heart pain what has happened on 11 September 2001.
Our sympathy is prayed and with you.
Qun Tonya Darden
September 17, 2004
Dear Helen,
As we all know, you are special. In everyones eyes. thank you for trying.
De Wayne Williams
January 29, 2004
This young woman was called home by the Almighty. It was a cruel and horrible act that ended her life but we must console ourselves that she is now in the hands of God. Her youth and beauty are eternal. She is loved. She is with God.
Bernadette Jones
November 6, 2003
May the Spirit of Helen Cook live on and may God bring light in times of darkness to those who know and love her!
Stacey Gamboa
October 16, 2003
I would love to send my love and condolences to Helen and her beatiful family and may her spirit live on in her son and families lives forever.
My prayers go out to Justin and Jermaine, and to Edson keep your head up and just remember that know matter where she's at she'll always love you and look down on you and protect her little brother wherever he goes.
Stacey Gamboa
October 16, 2003
I would love to send my love and condolences to Helen and her beatiful family and may her spirit live on in her son and families lives forever.
Diana Curbelo
September 11, 2003
This message is for Helen's mother, Teofila, who I heard express her pain today on Rick Sanchez's radio show on Radio WADO. As a mother of three, I feel your pain and hope that baby Justin inherits all the good in his mother. My regards to her brother and husband too, Sincerely
Sherita Johnson
September 11, 2003
....there are no words to express how much you are missed by your family. May God continue to bless your family, and may you continue to look over your son & husband.
Monique ChenHeu
August 8, 2003
I'm sorry your family has suffered and although I did not know you, I know that God had greater things for you, Helen, you walk with him now.
Bernadette McClinton-Jones
August 1, 2003
To The Family of Helen Cook,
Remember the good times and also remember there are many of us who will never forget. May God be with you all.
Shirley Holmes-Ford
January 30, 2003
I'd just like to say that I'm glad that she was able to at least reach her brother in her minute of desperation. I would also like to send my condolences to Mr. Cook and his son. Only with time, does the pain become bearable. I will keep you in my prayers. I still believe New York City is still one the best cities in the world.
Laura Legault
October 15, 2002
Our class prayed for Helen today. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother, we ask that God grants Helen eternal rest and that His perpetual Light may shine upon her. We also pray for the comfort and support of all of her family and friends.
God bless you!
Mrs. Legault's Fourth Grade Class
St. Simon the Apostle School
Takiyah Rashad
September 18, 2002
To the Cook family:
I had the wonderful opportunity of meeting Helen and Jermaine when they moved into my building. Helen and I had our kids the same year. She was a beautiful and loving person. May god bless your soul and watch over Justin and Jermaine. I'll never forget you. Love you.
Shawn Mason
September 13, 2002
Helen D.Cook, my heart and prayers go out to you and your families. godd bless you all.
Tracy Greenidge
September 12, 2002
Dear Helen
There is no words that can possibly express what i am feeling, all i know is that i love you and you will always live on in my heart. Love Tracy + Korey Noak
May god continue to bless Jermaine and baby Justin.
Melissa Alvarez
September 12, 2002
I had the pleasure of meeting Helen about 2 years ago due to my cousin Sulma. She invited Helen and Aisha to BBQ's one Saturday night. She was such a wonderful person, filled with so much love. She will be missed.
Allen F. Cook
September 11, 2002
God bless you and your family you are my family we are all brother and sistors in Christ Jesus the lord you are loved I know
Bernadette McClinton-Jones
September 4, 2002
As we near the one year anniversary that you went home to God, I pray for you all. Especially your family and friends. To your little boy, I know that he will never forget his mom. Those memories will carry him through, most of all knowing your spirit will live on through him and those whose lives you touched is a treasure that will always be special. May God be with you all.
Bernadette McClinton-Jones
July 8, 2002
Dear Helen,
May your spirit and memory live on in all of those whose lives you touched forever. Also know there are those of us who did not know you, but we sincerely care and the pain and sorrow that I'm sure your loved ones feel we feel as well. May God be with your family and friends and bring a smile to their faces as they remember the good times you all shared. Stay strong.
Angie Campbell
April 23, 2002
Rest in peace and may God Bless you and the ones that you left behind.
Nancy A.
March 12, 2002
MAY GOD BLESS YOUR SOUL HELEN D. COOK. MY THOUGHT'S AND PRAYER'S ARE WITH YOU AND YOU'R FAMILY. NEVER FORGOTTEN 9-11-01 NEVER....
Kareem White
March 12, 2002
May prayers go out too jermaine, and their son, and the beautiful soul of Mrs. Helen Cook. I worked with them both at the trade center and saw what beautiful couple they were made of. Everytime I think of terrorism I think of what a beautiful couple they destroyed, and lives that were wrecked. Helen every moment I saw you, there was a smile, and I know you're smiling down on my boy (maine).
I spoke to jermaine the day after to let him know I'll do whatever he needs me to do, I want you to know I'm still here for you dog!! I haven't called because I wouldn't know where to start man.
Remain strong for the young one and Helen.
Love and Peace,
Kareem.
Teresa Jahn
January 5, 2002
May Helen's warmth, life and love live on in those who love her. May all of you always feel her holding your hand and walking with you with the spirit of her love. It crushed my heart when I read that her brother was trying to hold her hand through the phone lines and the desperation you both must have felt. Our hearts cry with you in your loss of Helen.
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
December 31, 2001
DEAR GOD BLESS HELEN D COOK AND MAY
SHE REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS
ANGELS..GOD BLESS HER FAMILY AND
FRIENDS.GOD BLESS AMERICA AND MAY
WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01
Arvette & Bob Harris, Jr.
November 30, 2001
We had the pleasure of meeting Helen about two years ago. She and our daughter Aisha were co-workers as well as good friends. They visited each other often, went shopping together, and just "hung out" and talked "girl talk" together. And unfortunately, they also perished together in this tragedy. She was a charming, sweet person whom you could not help but like immediately. We thought she and her husband Jermaine made such a loving couple and caring parents. Our prayers and heartfelt sympathy goes out to Jermaine and her family. We will always be here for you, if you need us.
Ana Sermeno-De Jesus
November 16, 2001
I just want to send my condolences to Helen's family. I knew her briefly when she was a part of our church. I was able to throw her baby shower at my home. When I recently heard of her passing, it was with great sadness for her and her family. She was so young and full of promise. It really is a horrible tragedy.
Sending many prayers-- Ana, Douglas and Leila De Jesus.
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