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Jennifer Louise Fialko
Jennifer Louise Fialko
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Jennifer Fialko Obituary
At 24, an age when most people are busy with first jobs and apartments, Jennifer Fialko was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease. She was 29 before she fully recovered; by then, she felt her cancer had been a gift. "It led her on a spiritual journey," said Bob Fialko, her father. Weakened by 18 months of chemotherapy, Ms. Fialko devoted herself to becoming healthy, with organic food and alternative treatments.
Six years later, she was not simply cancer-free, said Evelyn Fialko, her mother. She felt marvelous ‹ strong and energetic. Her new mission was to help other sick people regain their health. She had met "her soul mate," Mr. Fialko said. And in September she started a new job at the Aon Corporation. After years in Teaneck, N.J., she was excited to be working in Lower Manhattan.
Beating cancer made her glow with new confidence, Mr. Fialko said. She felt she could do anything. "She was convinced she was now going to live to 120," said Andrew Fialko, her brother. "And we believed her."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Adrian Philip Kendry
September 11, 2024
Remembering always the vibrant, courageous, talented and unforgettable person that was Jen Fialko who died in the South Tower in the 9/11 attacks 23 years ago. Jen and the thousands who died that day (and subsequently with the contamination of the first responders led by the extraordinarily brave firefighters) were the victims of terrorism and the failure of US government agencies to share intelligence.
Jennifer left behind grieving parents, Evelyn and Bob, and her brother whom she had seen during Labor Day 2001. Sadly, Ev and Bob have died after years of mourning the loss of her beautiful daughter. Happily, Andrew and his family continue the Fialko heritage
Debbie P
September 11, 2024
Thinking of Jennifer on this sad day....Still haven't forgotten.
Cindy Roe
September 12, 2021
Remembering Jennifer on this 20th anniversary of 9/11...
Alex
February 8, 2020
You didn't die in vain on 9/11, Jennifer.
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Michelle
September 11, 2019
I miss you Jen...I was at my daughters basketball game at riverdell and saw the beautiful memorial they have for you. I'll never forget your warm caring smile, your kindness, your genuine ability to make every around you feel so important and cared for. you were truly an angel on Earth. Xox.
RANDY
September 10, 2019
I REMEMBER HER WELL THE BEAUTY AND PROFUNDITY SHE SHARED WITH ME WILL LIVE ON !!! SHE TAUGHT ME HOW ESSENTIAL OILS HOLD FREQUENCY LIKE CRYSTALS AND THAT IMPROVED MY LIFE !!! HOW SHE SHOWED UP WITH BRIGHT ENERGY AND GRACE A FEW TIMES IN MY LIFE IS REMEMBERED DEARLY !!! WORDS ARE A BIT LIMMITED IN THE ABILITY TO DESCRIBE HER NATURAL BEAUTY , SO BLESSED THAT I KNOW !!!!!!!!!!!
Diane
March 31, 2019
Dear family and friends of Jennifer Fialko, May the GOD of comfort, give you whatever comfort is needed at this time. May you be comforted knowing that Jennifer is resting peacefully and looks forward to the day when all of you will be reunited with her in a peaceful new world. Ps. 37: 10 & 11.
John Fialko
September 11, 2016
Bob and Evelyn, Our thoughts and prayers for you. We are probably related.
John and Linda Fialko
February 16, 2016
Jen-just thought of you today and this is where I ended up. Miss you always.
Christine milcheck-gale
September 11, 2015
Thinking of you and your family today Jen!
Sergio
December 11, 2013
Querida Jen,
Jamas te olvidare, pudiste haber sido lo mas bello en mi vida.... el destino no lo quiso asi...
Greg
September 11, 2013
Thinking of you, Jen and family...abrazos.
Linda Kelly
September 11, 2013
Evelyn, Bob and Andrew, thinking of you all. Wish you love and peace.
Andrew and Jennifer at the lake Labor Day weekend 2001
September 11, 2013
kris hawksworth
September 11, 2013
God Bless you all on this day. My heart prayers are with you all.
September 11, 2012
Hello Fialko family --
I shared this speech today with my school here in Minneapolis. I don't know if you check this site much, but I hope you might have a chance to read this. You have all our best on what must be a terrible anniversary.
In Memory of Jen Fialko
Jennifer Fialko was one of my wife Katie's sorority sisters, and my personal favorite of Katie's tight group of close friends from college. She grew up in North Jersey, and had the Joisey accent to match, but her heart was in New Hampshire. Her parents owned a tiny cabin on Lake Winnepesaukee, and she loved every minute of her many summers spent there scooping ice cream and jumping in the lake. Jen was a classic Myers-Briggs extrovert, and she had one of those hoarse, soaring laughs that you couldn't help but join in.
Jen loved to rally my wife and her friends to mischief, once commandeering college-owned canoes at three in the morning and garnering the attention of the Durham, New Hampshire authorities. I will never forget Jen leading several off-color sorority songs at our wedding in front of my gasping grandmother. She was a colorful, brash, and exuberant person who genuinely made those around her happier.
Jen died on September 11, 2001 at the age of 29, and I want to tell you a bit about her life.
Katie and I attended Jen's funeral in her hometown of River Edge, New Jersey, fifteen minutes outside of Manhattan. After the service, every one of the 700 or so mourners shuffled to the basement of the church for companionship and muted, numb consolation. We waited to receive Jen's parents in a line that looped around five six-foot tables, all covered with huge boards of photos of Jen's life. There were pictures of her barefooting on a glassy morning lake, making brownies with pigtails hanging over the batter, and hug-tackling her older brother Andrew in her back yard.
In those curling Polaroids, Jen's life cascaded forth in a resoundingly human collage of cookouts, prom nights and parties. The pictures told a rational, even soothingly predictable human story. Baby pictures, kindergarten, grade school, high school, UNH for college, and then, at 24, only two years after she graduated from college, Jen was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease.
We have all heard stories of the courage that cancer patients summon to fight such a horrible disease. It spread throughout her body with horrible haste, and she was not given much hope from her doctors.
True to form, Jen approached her cancer as another petty obstacle. She was determined to live and stopped at nothing to heal herself. She pursued every possible therapy and devoted every speck of her weakening energy at finding some way to survive. I remember feeling skeptical when I heard she had found her way to Peru, studying medicinal oils in the country. When we heard she had stopped chemotherapy after eighteen months for this course of natural remedies she had devised on her own, we couldn't help thinking the worst.
Jen would not be denied. She shocked her many doctors, family and friends when she went into remission without chemo-- her doctors said that they had never seen anyone take such an unconventional and personal investment in her treatment. As she healed, Jen became understandbly passionate about holistic alternative therapies, and started her own natural oils business, and devoted her rising strength to helping other cancer patients get through the ordeal of chemotherapy. She had found her life's calling through hardship and struggle, and as she said to so many people, she considered her cancer a gift. She also met a ponytailed Colorado dude in her travels and had fallen in love.
Jen was declared cancer-free six months later, and I remember feeling a surge of vitality when I saw her at a friends' wedding back in New Hampshire. We were sitting on a stoop, laughing and reminiscing under bright northern stars. Jen was teeming with energy and stories and self-deprecating jokes. To be honest, seeing Jen alive felt like witnessing a miracle. She told the group of us that one of her doctors once gave her a ten percent chance of survival and measured her lifespan in weeks at one low point. She laughed her hoarse laugh, really loud, and so did we.
Jen beat cancer, but she had the awful misfortune of being on the 92nd floor of the South Tower of the World Trade Center on September 11. She had been at a new job for two weeks, and only planned to work in New York long enough to pay off the mountain of bills she had acquired as a result of traveling the world trying to cure herself.
It would be easy to measure Jen's life by its end -- as raw tragedy. But I will always see Jen as a survivor. I'm speaking to you today to share her life as a reminder of the power of the will to truly live.
I learned from Jen's victory over cancer that living one's life is really a choice we make in every moment of every day. We all face obstacles in daily life, whether it's getting to homeroom on time, or finishing another web assign, or returning to the field from an injury. We can choose to let these obstacles define and undermine us, and complain our way through the lunch line, or we can stare challenges down and transcend them through our will to live a happy life.
Even in the ditch of cancer, Jen chose to live a joyful life. She traveled constantly and slept in super-sketchy hostels in Peru. She made friends on trains in Spain and kept them; I met one of them at her funeral. She was the person who forwarded every possible cheesy, feel-good e-mail she ever received. Her cancer changed her; she became much less interested in having a "good time" and devoted her energies to making a good life.
We all face the pains of challenge, and the strains of acheiving success. We all will confront times and situations that ask of us more than we think we can offer. But in my experience, the defining characteristic of any truly happy person is resiliency. No victory is forever- but then again, neither is any defeat permanent. Every day is opening day. Attitude is a choice. I am certain that Jen's positive attitude healed her, and I know that despite her death at the hands of terrorists, she will live forever in us.
You will hear people say about 9/11 -- “Never forget.” I will never forget Jen's lesson in the way she fought to live.
Though her life was not nearly long enough, Jen Fialko left in me and so many of her friends the most important lesson of all, one I heard at my summer camp as a child, and carry with me every day: Be joyful. Seek the joy of being alive.
John Porcaro
September 11, 2012
Thinking of you today and how much I used to enjoy running into you
around the UNH campus. You were always good for a laugh or a funny story. :-)
Jenn Bourque
September 11, 2012
Thinking of you and your smile and laugh....much love....
Dave F.
September 11, 2012
With this sad date upon us, I Was thinking about how I much I truly respected Jen in High School. She was always such a genuinely good person! She was strong, friendly and and had great integrity. When I passed her in the hall or saw her around town, she was always smiling. So many people were cheated for not having the chance to meet Jen. Much to love to Bob, Evelyn, Andrew and his family.
Eric Reera
September 24, 2011
Jen, it was a little more than 10 years ago I was driving up Route 93, a road you traveled many times. I had just tuned the radio in and I heard your name mentioned as one of the victims. Stunned and in disbelief the whole drive after that I kept saying "no way it couldn't have been you". Deeply saddened and heart broken I learned otherwise.
I can still see you in that Boston Whaler powering it through the waves of Winni. I feel blessed to have known you for those few summers that I did! I will always remember those days spent around the gas docks, on the lake and just having so much fun around the Weirs. You have obviously touched many peoples lives and my heart goes out to your family whom I've never had the privlegde of meeting. God Bless as you smile down upon us forever!
Rich Stratton "Stratts"
September 12, 2011
Missing you Jenn and thinking of you today.
poppi kramer
September 11, 2011
10 years later. you are always in everyones thoughts.
Vanessa Kelley
September 11, 2011
Miss you Jen!!! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I'm blessed to have had you in my life.
Vanessa (Kowalski) Kelley
Michelle Chinea
September 11, 2011
Hi Jennifer, I am thinking of you today and remembering how beautiful and warm hearted of a person you were. We sat next to eachother at CPC/Best Foods and the first day we met, your warmth made me feel so at ease. As I was typing a memorial of you on my Facebook page, your name came on at the TV memorial in NYC today....I was startled....but then I felt good because I knew you were smiling at me. I will never forget you girl.....until we meet again.....
September 11, 2011
September 11, 2011
you touched so many people, I will always remember you laugh and all the wonderful times we shared!
Allie Futcher
September 11, 2011
Denise Goren-Scanlon
September 11, 2011
You are missed very much. Your spirit will forever shine. My thoughts are with your family today. You were one of my most special friends. Te Amo, Jennifer Fialko. Denise.
Paradise in NH
Denise Goren-Scanlon
September 11, 2011
Such fun we all had together
Denise Goren-Scanlon
September 11, 2011
A beautiful day
Denise Goren-Scanlon
September 11, 2011
Sailing on Winnipesaukee
Denise Goren-Scanlon
September 11, 2011
Hugs
Denise Goren-Scanlon
September 11, 2011
September 11, 2011
Thinking of your family today.
Love,
The Goren Family
molly
September 11, 2011
Its amazing how much you accomplished in your life. You touched so many any I will always remember your smile and laughter.
thank you for reminding me to do the same.
love you girl!
Adrian Kendry
September 11, 2011
Remembering Jen in warmth and prayers this day and Evelyn, Bob, Andrew, Sally and all of the family
Eileen Prado
September 10, 2011
Our church gave us each the name of a 9/11 victim to pray for. I drew Jennifer Louise Fialko. I instantly knew she was young and my heart broke for her family. I will be praying for Jennifer and her family this week. God bless all of you.
Ana Garcia Zick
May 28, 2011
Thinking of you so often lately and telling your story of courage in disbelief of a ten year anniversary coming up. I am honored to have your healing massage table, which brings comfort to many, in my office. You are always present. You are loved.
February 5, 2011
Every time I think of Jen, I smile and miss her. It is often, and when I look at my children I am often reminded of her eternal optimism and laughter. I think of her often. Sara Balter
Andrew and Jen at the favorite place... summerside Lake Winnipesaukee
September 21, 2010
September 11, 2010
To Jen (always "FIALKO!") and her family -- we think of you often and miss you so much. Our prayers our with you today.
- Jim & Katie (Gatto) Mahoney
Francis Deane
September 11, 2010
A voice we couldn't hear said you couldn't stay, A hand we couldn't see beckoned you away.
Francis Deane
September 11, 2010
I met you in Portsmouth a year or two before, You were so vibrant and alive and full of fun. I remember when as you were walking through a car park the gate came down and bonked you on the head and you just laughed, you silly thing ;-)
Janice Carew-Bryant
September 10, 2010
Another year has passed, thoughts of you and your family remain in my heart! Janice
Karen Henry
September 23, 2009
Bob & Evelyn,
I just came across this website. Jen will always be in our hearts. Love to you all!
September 12, 2009
In memory of Jennifer Louise Fialko on 09-11-09. Still do not know if we are related down the line but deep in my heart I think we are. God bless! Pamela Bute
Mike Marino
September 11, 2009
Mr & Mrs Fialko,I met Jen at my health food store in Teaneck, where she gave a few lectures on aromatherapy. She was a true inspiration and always will remain in my thoughts.
September 11, 2009
Much love to you and your family as I think of you often, but especially today! You were a wonderful, caring, and amazing friend to all!
Janice Carew-Bryant
September 11, 2009
Much love to you and your family as I think of you often, but especially today! You were a wonderful, caring, and amazing friend to all!
poppi kramer
September 11, 2009
every year. you are missed.
give my mom a kiss for me.
September 11, 2009
September 11th 2008....
wow...another september 11th is here. Just thinking of you, Fialk, remembering our laughs and awesome shenanigans!!!
Know you are always in my thoughts. I feel you everywhere, my friend...
missing you always,
Jen "Schmitty" Sylvia
NH
In this photo Jennifers brother Andrew & her new nephew Andrew Jr at the lake. Jennifers presence is always so strong here. She is missed very much.
September 11, 2009
Bob Deislinger
January 21, 2009
Dear Mr and Mrs Fialko, I met both you and Jennifer on a ski trip to Colorado in the early 90's with the Birminghams (Wilmington MA). I have thought of Jennifer and you both many, many times in the last 7 years. I just returned from a trip to Colorado and spent some time thinking and praying for both of you and Jennifer. God bless you both
Kathleen Sandberg
September 15, 2008
Remembering REGAL. Still, after all these years.
Kathleen Killelea
September 11, 2008
With very fond memories of Granada and Spanish classes at UNH.
David Gill
September 11, 2008
To the Fialko family,
I'm not sure if you remember me, but I fondly remember visiting you at the lake house in NH and your house in NJ along with the Gill family when I was young. I'll always remember Jennifer taking me out on the boat and teaching me how to waterski. We reconnected many years later when I ran into her at her job at the Wiers Beach pier and at my job at the Naswa beach bar.
I work in the Financial District in NYC now and I think of all of you often when I walk around this area, especially on this day.
Patricia Barkman
September 11, 2008
I just want to let the Fialko family know that I think of them every time this year. I know my Mom does and sister. I didn't know you very well but remember who you were and what you all looked like before we moved.
Remembering Jen and the whole family on this most difficult day.
Love
Trish Barkman (Montgomery)
Bev & John Montgomery
Linda Parks (Montomgery)
p Kramer
September 11, 2008
I think of you every year. And how you fought to survive....it's an inspiration.
Francis Deane
September 11, 2008
Jen,
Though you will never read this message as your are now gone from us. Girl you left such an impression on me when I met you 8 years ago as such a sassy spunky gal, so full of life.
I never got to know you better apart from the day we spent together all those years ago. But now even your passing still marks me as a candle that burnt too bright and went out before her time.
Where ever you are now Jen, I am sure your beautiful personality is shining through. I wish I could have known you better!!
Pamela Bute
June 17, 2008
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Fialko, I want to give you my sincere regrets on your loss of Jennifer Louise. I am also trying to find out if you are related to the family of John Michael Fialko in Streator, Il. As a child , my mother Louise Fialko visited New Jersey and visited relatives there. Her parents, John & Mary Fialko are deceased and she has no way of finding out if we are related. The picture of Jennifer Louise looks alot like my cousin Julie, whom is my mom's sisters daughter! Please reply if you have any acknowledgment of us being related down the line. Thank You & God Bless!
Josh Klein
May 29, 2008
This will sound odd, but I just heard tonight about Jen's passing on 9/11. I spent 4 months with her in Granada, Spain in the fall of 1992 and we were great friends there. As with most on our trip, we generally lost touch after a 1993 reunion at UNH. One of our classmates just found me on Facebook and while reconnecting, she told me about Jen and I cannot believe it. I'm so saddened by this news, despite how long ago it occurred and want to truly express my condolences to her family and friends.
Though I didn't know about her battle and victory over cancer, it comes as no surprise to me. I knew her as a vibrant, energetic and positive happy person. The memories of our travels and lounging at cafes and bars brings back happy thoughts. Another of our good friends in Spain passed away in a car accident in 1994 and I talked to Jen at that time.
It all really makes you cherish the moments we share with loved ones and good friends. God bless.
Emily
October 13, 2007
Mr. and Mrs. Fialko,
I met you today at the River Edge Diner when you donated to River Dell Field Hockey. Thank you for the great advice, and happy birthday, Jennifer.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Doug Abraham
October 13, 2007
Happy Birthday!!!
Felicia Cappo
September 12, 2007
To the Fialko Family:
I met you yesterday at the 9/11 services. My brother Gary J. Frank also worked for Aon on the 92nd floor. He was only there for 4 months, a short time like Jennifer. Again, I am very sorry for your loss and hope that you continue to find peace and comfort in all of your daughter's wonderful accomplishments. God bless you and your family.
Warmest regards,
Felicia Cappo
kris hawksworth
September 11, 2007
Jennifer, I want you to know that there is not a day that goes by that I do not think about you and the loss your family must feel - My prayers are with you, Andy , and your parents. Love Always - Kris
Cheryl Nelson
September 11, 2007
I am thinking of Jennifer today as I do often during the year. She and Andrew would come along with their parents to SPF when I was a teenager. In my memory, she will always be that beautiful, sweet little girl. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
Bob, Patti, Robert Zick, Sara and Al Bartelloni
September 11, 2007
The hurt gets a little better with each passing year. The memory of you stays strong. The love that we have for you is a constant. It is carried in our hearts for as long as we all shall live.
Stacie Croes
September 11, 2007
Jennifer,
I will always remember the amazing summers in NH. We always loved going to Aunt Sally's and seeing you. I will never forget all of the fun times we had riding around on your little boston whaler boat. I miss you and love you!
Your cousin,
Stacie
Christine Gale
September 11, 2007
I woke this morning and thought of Jennifer, as I do every year at this time. I remember my childhood in River Edge and Jen. You will never be forgotten.
amber gelis
September 11, 2007
Jenn- thinking of you always...
Bob and Evelyn... you both come to mind so often. It's taken 5 years and becoming a parent myself to realize there just aren't words. You are in my heart and prayers everyday... as Jenn always has and always will be.
Always fondly,
Amber
Craig Wilson
September 11, 2007
Jennifer,
I will always remember you're never quit attitude, especially during our Softball Championship season while working at Bestfoods. You are missed.
Marty & Melissa Minui
May 28, 2007
May all of America always remember.
Kristine
November 2, 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 vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
P Tabbernor
October 5, 2006
In remembrance....
Ana
September 15, 2006
Dear Jennifer,
I am sure you are touched as me of all the messages that are sent to you via Heaven. You are really a true fighter and an example for all. You are living in the hearts of those who love and miss you so much.
Que Dios te bendiga preciosa rubia muchachita.
Richard Stratton
September 12, 2006
Andy, Bob, & Evelyn,
Boy it's been a while, I wanted to share my thoughts as I reflect back on today.
I read this quote today:
"Those who bloom in the hearts of others never fade away....May you find comfort and strength in your memories...." - Jenn will always be with us, she will never fade away.
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of remembrance. I have many fond memories of her from "The Lake", she was always so strong, always caring, and always smiling. Jenn, you are not forgotten, you live on in all of us! You have touched everyone who ever knew you, you have bloomed in all our hearts.
We miss you, we love you, we will remember you.
-Stratts
Evelyn & Bob Fialko
September 11, 2006
It is 5 years Jenn and you are ALWAYS in our thoughts and in our hearts, you are ALWAYS with us. We spent another year at Ground Zero to feel your presence and the energy you felt and loved there. Abrazos y Besos from all who love you and miss your presence. Love forever and always, Mom and Dad
Saratheresa (Zick) Bartelloni
September 11, 2006
Five years have passed and still it is so painful. I wish you could have been a part of so much that has happened. I know, however, that you have been a part in spirit...just wish I could have another one of your good hugs! Still miss you so much!
Poppi kramer
September 11, 2006
Today you are in my thoughts. Your spirit is everywhere.
Sharon Meyer
September 11, 2006
I have prayed for the comfort of Jen's family so many times, and cried many tears for them and for her. I will never forget how your dad put my Ikea furniture together in that first Weehawken apartment, I didn't have a father to help me. I will also never forget how kind her folks were to me when I saw them several weeks after 9/11. Peace be with you - Sharon Meyer
kris Hawksworth
September 10, 2006
Dear Andy, Mr. and Mrs. Fialko
I think of Jennifer often as well as the pain you all must still feel losing her on Sept. 11th. Please know that you are always in my thoughts and prayers. God bless and Love always- Kris Hawksworth..
Barbara Horn Fornalik
September 8, 2006
Dear Bob and Evelyn,
It has been many years since I have seen you (and I just found out about this website).
I was so upset to hear that you lost your wonderful daughter, Jennifer. Please know that my thoughts and prayers have been and will always be with you. It is obvious from reading all the tributes her friends have written that your Jennifer was truly a wonderful person. May the peace of Christ ease your pain of loss and continue to give you strength. Know that your memories of Jennifer and her love will always be with you.
Sincerely,
Barbara (Horn)
poppi kramer
September 11, 2005
every year i remember you. and how your positive outlook gave me hope for my father. i believe that the people we grow up with are the extended branches of our family. you are not forgotten. you never will be.
Caroline Wiggin
September 11, 2004
I only just found out that Jennifer lost her life on 9/11. I met her while working at Bestfoods. I also had no idea she had been sick. It amazes me, looking back, to remember how bright her spirit shone, even after all she had been through. All my thoughts and prayers are with Jennifer's parents.
David Bihl
December 3, 2002
I still see your face every time I look at the sun. You are the Best!!
I love you and someday, we will dance again. Here's to people like Jen, who give of their heart, and keep on giving. Thanks, Love you David
Dina Squilanti
October 13, 2002
Happy Birthday Fialko! I spent your birthday doing one of your favorite things...tooled around on a boat all day with some friends. I could not have asked for a better friend to walk through high school with. You've left a positive impression on SO many people, but I can't say I'm surprised...you're the best. I think of you every day.
Love ya.
Squigger
Michelle Modica
September 26, 2002
Hi "Rubia".
I often recall when you told me about one of your trips to Puerto Rico. The guys used to call out to you "Ola Rubia!".
Michelle Modica
September 26, 2002
Have you ever met a person who for some unknown reason made an impact on your life? A person who just permeated your very soul, a person who you wished you were like ? An unforgettable person, that was Jen Fialko. She was beautiful yet, an unassuming girl, friendly, warm, caring and thoughtful. I had the very fortunate opportunity to sit next to her at Best Foods. It was my first day there and I remember it clearly, she walked up to me and with this wonderful warm smile said "Hi, welcome". Since that day, I felt a bond with her. We went for breakfast in the cafeteria in the mornings and went out to lunch together. She spoke beautiful Spanish and even though I come from a Spanish background, her Spanish blew mine away. Her class was unforgettable. I mimicked her style, she would wear these classy pant suits and flats to work, I was so sick of wearing skirt suits and heels, so I went out and bought a bunch of dress flats and pant suits (I still dress like that to this day and think of her). She had a great working relationship with her Boss that everyone envied. She simply had this powerful aura and vibrance that surrounded her.
I remember when she came back to work from her sick leave. Her sunny disposition was fared but her warm smile never faltered. Her hair was different, but she still beamed with beauty. I remember this little bottle she kept on her desk, she said it was a homeopathic herb. She was always willing to offer advice on what herbs can help out someone's ailment.
I left Best Foods and we lost touch. I remember about 3 years after I left, I saw her former Boss. The first thing that came to my mind was Jennifer. I asked him how she was and he said, "She is doing really good". I was so relieved to hear that.
Time went on and this past June I was at a friends barbecue. I began a conversation a woman who said she lived and taught in River Edge. I immediately asked her if she knew Jennifer Fialko. She bowed her head down and said yes, she died in the towers. I was holding my 8 month old daughter and I nearly dropped her. My legs felt like they were going to give out. I started to shake. She noticed my behavior and immediately apologized. She thought I already knew. She went on to tell me how Jen volunteered at the local schools and how all of the teachers and students were so devastated. Her picture sits on their desks.
I wanted to send a letter to Jen's family after I heard this heart breaking news, but my husband said it wouldn't be right to do. Fortunately, I found this website and now I can share my wonderful memories of our extremely gifted angel.
Jen, I know you are here with us, I know you can hear me. You made a difference in a lot of people's lives. Your life on Earth was for a meaning, a purpose, and you fulfilled it with so much love, class and beauty. We miss you.
dawnita bassir
September 25, 2002
With sympathy to the Fialko family. I met Jennifer in Utah in July of 2001, while she was attending a clinic. Even though we only spoke briefly about her cancer, her job at the world trade center. I was so impressed by her spirit and her energy. I feel grateful to have had the opportunity to know her. I will never forget her.
molly kirchner
September 11, 2002
to jen's family and freinds:
there is no better tribute a person than the legacy they leave on earth. what a legacy she left! no time was better spent. her smile, humor, presence and example will never be forgotten. thanks fialko - you rock!
i'll always remember you and it will bring a smile to my face.
peace,
molly
Steven Solinga
September 11, 2002
I knew Jennifer at Bestfoods and we both played on the company's softball team. While Jennifer was going through cancer treatment she missed a couple of games. Somehow, she made it to our championship game, pinch hit a home run!!!, and then left. We won the championship and only much later found out that she had cancer. She was inspirational even before we knew she was sick. Jennifer was one of the most positive and energetic people I have ever met. We all miss her alot at Bestfoods.
Jeff Chamberlain
September 11, 2002
Bob & Evelyn:
It has been many years since I last saw you and the family. As I reflect on the events this day, my thoughts and prayers are with you, as they have been throughout the year. I knew Jennifer when she was in her "tender branch" years during my time under your care in SPF. She obviously blossomed and bore much fruit in her life, and in your hearts. I will continue to pray for your comfort and strengthening. "He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; He gently leads those that have young. (Isaiah 40:11)"
With much love,
Jeff
Lois Weremecki
September 11, 2002
Jen,
There isn’t a day that goes by that I haven’t thought of you and your loving family. Your enthusiasm, courage and determination to do whatever it took to move forward was an inspiration. I am blessed to have felt your “energy” and know you are simply a prayer away.
I have your picture on my desk and those that need to know about your indomitable spirit are drawn to it...you continue to inspire those of us left behind.
I look out today, a year later, and see incredible, phenomenal, gusts of wind and know it is the “wind beneath the wings” of all the beautiful souls reminding us of their eternal presence.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today and always.
With love and respect
Lois Weremecki
Marie Coutu
September 11, 2002
I have been wearing a Mercy Band with Jennifer's name on it. It reminds me daily to pray for her family. Reading the things written about her, I feel like I knew her. She will always be missed by her many friends and family. I pray that you will have peace in the knowledge of God's love for Jen and for you.
Lisa Leamon (maiden Heitler)
September 11, 2002
My most heartfelt condolences go to the Fialko family.
I went to River Dell with Jen and we were the closest of friends in Junior High. As we grew older, we went our separate ways. But those few years we were close friends, we shared so many of life's firsts. When I think back to my teenage years, Jen is there sharing so much with me. She was such an honest soul who was a wonderful friend. The laughs and tears we shared are too many to count. I feel blessed to have had such a good friend even for a short period of time. I wish I had a chance to tell her how much she meant to me. I'll never forget her.
Love ya Fialk!!!
Kris Hawksworth
September 11, 2002
Dear Andy and Mr and Mrs. Fialko
My thoughts, prayers and love are with you all everyday.
Love always- Kris
Sara Hill
September 10, 2002
My thoughts and prayers go out to Jennifer's family. Fialko was so full of life- always with a smile. She loved to be happy for other people, and was not afraid to tell and show people how much they meant to her. A true friend.
She is truly missed, and I will always remember her and think of her often.
Sharon M.
September 9, 2002
Jen's family were very kind and helpful to me when we got that first apartment. My sincere thoughts and prayers go out to them every single day. -SM
Julie Dean
September 9, 2002
Hey Fialko !
Sorry to start such a sad letter with such a strong statement but this is how I will always remember you. I was fortunate enough to have you as a pledge when I was a pledge trainer at SIS at UNH. This is how I knew you the best. " Hey Fialko !"
Well, here it is just about a year later. Not a week goes by that I don't think of you.
I remember our days at Sig I Sig together. I can remember your sunny spirit, your smile, your warmth. Such a wonderful person to have met in my lifetime.
The last time I saw you was a month prior at our reunion. We really only had a chance to say a quick " Hello and How are you". How I wish we spent more time together. It's true, what they say, " Take time to be with the ones you love, for you never know when they will be gone".
A painful way to learn such an important lesson.
I will never forget you. Thank you for sharing your life with me.
Robert, Nancy, Dustin and Laura Sutton
September 8, 2002
In memory of Jennifer Louise Fialko
We did not know Jennifer, but my husband is the brother of Cam Sutton who works for Aon. I came across this on the internet and wanted to express our deepest sympathy. I have thought of all the lives lost that day and especially of the ones from my brother-in-laws office and it still hurts deeply. Our deepest deepest sympathy to the family.
Nancy Sutton
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