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Gina Sztejnberg
Gina Sztejnberg
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Gina Sztejnberg Obituary
Gina Sztejnberg's life was one of journeys. Born in Poland to a Jewish couple who had fled to Russia to escape the Holocaust, and then returned to Poland, she came as a girl to the United States in the early 1960's. Later, travel became a major pastime, and, with her husband and children, she toured much of the United States and more than a dozen countries.
At Erasmus High School in Brooklyn, she renewed acquaintances with a boy from her village, Michael Sztejnberg (pronounced Steinberg). They eventually married, settled in Ridgewood, N.J., and became inseparable traveling companions, even commuting together to their jobs.
Every day, Mr. Sztejnberg, 55, a senior vice president with J. P. Morgan in Lower Manhattan, drove Mrs. Sztejnberg, 52, a database architect consultant, to the World Trade Center, where she worked on a project for Marsh & McLennan on the 96th floor of the north tower.
They visited countries in Europe and the Far East, and two summers ago - with daughters Laura, 26, and Julie, 22 - she went to her native city, Wroclaw, for the first time.
"My mom always put everything together," Laura said. "She planned everything, from what to see to what maps to carry. She was the perfect traveling companion."
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Lisa Zhang
September 11, 2018
To the daughters of Gina, you do not know me ... I had the honor of working with your dad as a young professional many years ago. I was downtown that day and spend each anniversary remembering those who lost their lives. Please know that, seventeen years on, some of us still remember. I wish blessings on your entire family always but especially today as you remember your loss. Your mother sounds like a fine lady that anyone would be proud to have as a mom, I hope I am the same for my children
Vaughn Frost
December 10, 2017
Gina was a true inspriation during my time at UPS (New Jersey work). I had visited her at her home as well... she was truly a good friend.
I found that she had been in the WTC; and, immediately all my memories of her flashed through my thoughts.
She is missed
Vaughn G. Frost, PMP
Scottsdale, AZ
Vaughn Frost
October 23, 2013
Of all the companies and all the employees I have worked with, I will remember Gina forever in our working relationship at UPS. She was perhaps the most intelligent, and surely the most articulate person I have ever had the privilege to work with. It has been 17 years since I worked with Gina, but it seems like yesterday.
Sandra Sztejnbok
September 11, 2011
I only found about Gina today at the reading of the names ceremony for the tenth anniversary and am eager to make contact with the family because we also kept the original, or maybe just Polish, spelling of this name, though our name is a bit different, and it is very unusual. I will have to ask my aunt in Argentina if she knows where in Poland my grandfather was from. My father and his family looked very different than Gina, dark skin, curly hair, and different features.
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Rosanne Martin
September 10, 2008
Laurie,
We were friends as kids in Glenn School, and I remember hanging out at your house. Your mom was warm and funny, and always had a smile on her face. I'm so sorry that this tragedy touched you in this way. I will always feel a special connection to Ridgewood and felt such a loss when I heard that a number of people from my hometown were lost. I will be thinking of you and your family.
kristine
August 4, 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.
P Tabbernor
March 27, 2007
In memory....
Vivian Mateo
September 12, 2006
Ms. Laura,
I am so sorry. I wish that those words could bring you and your family great comfort. You are a wonderful, amazing, and brilliant spirit. Your parents have so much to be proud of. They have done a fabulous job in raising you. Who you are, and who I admire is a complete reflection of your mom and your dad. My heart is with you!
-Vivian
September 12, 2003
Rest in Peace dear Lady.
June 30, 2003
Laurie,
From someone you never knew well when we were in high school together, please accept my deepest symathies for the loss of your mother on Sept. 11th.
I have and will continue to pray for you, your family and your late mother.
September 14, 2002
"When somebody dies, a cloud turns into
an angel, and flies up to tell God
to put another flower on a pillow.
A bird gives the message back to
the world, and sings a silent prayer
that makes the rain cry. People dis-
appear, but they never really go away.
The spirits up there put the sun to
bed, wake up grass, and spin the
earth in dizzy circles. Sometimes you
can see them dancing in a cloud during
the day-time, when they're supposed
to be sleeping. They paint the rain-
bows and also the sunsets and make
waves splash and tug at the tide.
They toss shooting stars and listen to
wishes. And when they sing wind-
songs, they whisper to us, don't
miss me too much. The view is nice
and I'm doing just fine. "
- Ashley
To The Family of Gina Sztejnberg,
Hi,I'm Betty and I work for the Ridgewood Post Office.I used to be the "floater" on Mary Grace's route (#21). Mary Grace always told me :" Betty,see this name ? Gina Sztejnberg? Please be careful while throwing the mail. It is a foward -this name is special."
My thoughts and prayers are with You.I didn't know Gina and I am sorry,that I never had a chance to meet Her in person.For some reason (having my own route now) ,I still remember Her name.
I just want to let You know ,that we ,the letter carriers, are very sadden to loose our patrons.Especialy someone like Gina.
My parents are Polish and we immigrated from USA to Poland when I was 9 years old.I spent a couple of years over there.I've lost my Dad in 1999 and 3 days ago my cousin was killed in a car accident.
I know the pain that You are going through.I hope that the poem will give You comfort in Your difficult time of life.
Love and kisses -please be strong!
a letter carrier from
Ridgewood ,NJ.
Debi Harrison
September 11, 2002
To the family and friends of Gina:
I live in a suburb of San Diego, California. On 9/11/2002, a local radio station provided the "Freedom Bell" (an old bell that was found and restored) for those of us who wished to honor those who died a year ago. Thousands waited in line for the priveledge of receiving a card with someone's name on it, then reading it aloud (on air), and ringing the bell in remembrance. I was given Gina's name, and wanted to know more about her.
She sounds like a wonderful and gracious lady. I would have liked to have had the opportunity to know her; I am sorry that I will not have that chance.
I will keep you all in my prayers. May God bless you and yours always, and grant you peace.
Love,
Debi Harrison
JoAnn D
September 11, 2002
Dear Mike,
I found this tribute page today in reviewing the tradegy of Sept 11. I wanted you and your family to know that I think of you often and feel for your loss. On the anniversary of Gina's parting I wanted let you know that you are still in our thoughts and our hearts.
JoAnn
Peter De La Cruz
September 10, 2002
Hello I am sorry for your loss. I am a student from St. Pius X Catholic High School in Houston Tx. In our school as in all Catholic High schools in Houston area we are wearing wrist bands to commerate all the people lost on 9-11-01. Gina has a very interesting past and had a very lovly family life. For all those who read this, tomorrow is not a promise so tell those close to you that you love them.
Sondra Frisch
July 23, 2002
I am so sorry for your loss. Your Gina seemed to be an especially vibrant and warm person.
Jeff Flynn
June 12, 2002
Laurie,
It has been some time since the days at Glen School, but word got to me out here in denver of your loss. Words can not do justice during this time but I wanted to let you know that you and your family have been and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
May 10, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL WOMAN..GINA SZTEJNBERG AND MAY HER SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HER LOVING FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA..NEW YORK AND THE GOOD PEOPLE FROM POLAND..MAY JESUS AND HIS SAINTS GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Ellen Rogoff
May 3, 2002
Dear Mike,
My husband, Les, was devastated when he heard about Gina. Although I have not yet had the opportunity to meet you, I still felt that I wanted you to know how sad both Les and I feel for your loss. We were luckier, as I had not yet entered the building that morning, although I had one foot in the door at the time the first plane struck. I got away.
Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your best friend...your wife...who, from what Les has told me, was a wonderful wonderful lady.
Ellen Rogoff
Rich Fagin
May 3, 2002
Mike,
We were so sorry to hear of Gina's passing especially in so needless and tragic a fashion.
Please accept our sincerest condolences.
Rich.
Les Rogoff
May 3, 2002
Mike,
I saw this tribute and still cannot believe that Gina is gone. I always think back to the days we all drove in together. Gina was always a warm and loving person and I cannot imagine how difficult life must be for you and your children.
Mike, Gina was one of a kind and not a day goes by when I don't think of 9/11 and the loss of Gina. I just wanted you to know that my prayers are always with you.
Les
Al Williams
March 24, 2002
I worked with Gina at Marsh Inc. in One WTC on the 96th floor. She was the most brilliant, hard working person I have ever had the pleasure of working with. She was a great teacher and mentor and the greatest friend anyone could ever have. I was in awe of her ability to work, relax and be a friend all at the same time. I used to bring my kids to the WTC on holidays and Gina would always take my kids while I had to attend various meetings. She treated them like royalty. She spent hours showing them how to draw and playing alphabet games with them. They loved her so much that they didn't want to go to work with daddy anymore they just wanted to go to the WTC and see Gina. It finally got to a point where she was invited to all our childrens' birthday parties. My children miss her very much and still ask about her. I miss her very much and my deepest condolences to her daughters and husband. She loved you all very much and was very happy in her life.
Jill Copen-Newland
January 23, 2002
Dear Laura, Julie and Family,
I have just read Gina's tribute and I was touched by it. I send you my prayers and condolences for your profound lose. I'm 37 and my mother is about the age of yours and losing her is unthinkable to me. I know Gina is still with you and watching over you...
Take Care
Thomas Cahill
January 21, 2002
At 26 on May 3, 1971 I started working at Chase Manhattan at 1 New York Plaza. We had to sign time sheets. The week after I started I noticed the name of a new person on the timesheet "Gina Sztejnberg," someone who had not yet started. I looked at the name Ztijjenberg?
The next week I met a bright, clever, somewhat shy young lady whose name was pronounced "Steinberg!"
Since we started together we ended up going to classes together and partnering up on various system development projects. We sat across from one another for 2 years and our program modules "called eachother."
I knew her through the birth of her children until she left Chase for better opportunities in the 80s.
She was a wonderful, beautiful, luminous person. I have remembered her all my life. God bless you, Gina.
Thomas Patrick Cahill
Aimee O'Connor Donahue
January 16, 2002
Dear Laurie, I am not sure if you remember me but we went to middle school and high school together. I saw this evening your mother's name and this site and I am at a loss for words. I am so sorry for your loss. The bio written is moving and it truly seems that your mother enjoyed every aspect of life. I hope you are family are doing well. I will keep you all in my prayers. Kind Regards,
Aimee O'Connor Donahue
Teresa Jahn
December 11, 2001
We are deeply sorry for your loss of Gina. It sounds like she enjoyed life and travel adventures. By her smile you can see how much warmth she added to life. 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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