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Johanna Sigmund Obituary
Ruth Sigmund loves the story her daughter Johanna's friends tell of how she used to joke around at field hockey practices at Fairfield University. "After hours of practice, she would do a little dance and just crack everybody up," her mother said. "She would keep up everybody's spirits."
Johanna Sigmund, 25, ran in the New York Marathon, blared Janet Jackson and U2 at all-night parties, bought meals for a homeless couple who lived near her and regularly cooked breakfast for her three roommates. Her friendliness and ease served her well in her job as a liaison to investors at Fred Alger Management.
Not long after Sept. 11, a stranger wrote to her parents. The letter writer had been thrown out of a taxi after it collided with a car in Hoboken. The taxi driver sped off, leaving the woman on the street, bleeding. Johanna Sigmund rushed over, cleaned the woman up, took her to the emergency room and held her hand while she had stitches.
"I saw Johanna's picture on a Web site recently, and I immediately recognized her as the angel that helped me out that night," the woman wrote. "I lost many friends in the Sept. 11 tragedy. I now add Johanna's name to my list of friends in heaven."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Karen Carlucci
June 3, 2025
I just happened to see your photo sitting at your desk at Fred Alger. You worked with my fiance Peter Frank. I remember your name. We will never forget.
KAYA
March 5, 2025
Dear Johanna,
I'm just a Kurdish stranger from Turkey who share his feelings. We've just visited 9/11 memorial museum last week. After the visit I did some research about the impact zone at the North Tower, suddenly I've seen your picture when you were at your desk smiling like an angel with the manhattan view in background. I said wow, this is such a pretty picture and view.. till I see the comment below that's where the exact impact zone was. I felt so bad and had a lump in my throat. That picture popped up in my head many times since I saw and my heart got broken every time I remembered it. I read many things about your nice personality and kind human being. I just wanted to say how awesome you were and you will remain such an awesome and kind person in our heart. Rest In Peace
Mary Raco
September 11, 2023
Johanna, I can´t believe it´s been 22 years and yet I think of you often, I never met you but it feels like I did and that´s a honor I will cherish forever, RIP beautiful
September 11, 2021
Dear Johanna!
You will always remain in our thoughts and prayers on this day of remembrance.
Sadly Missed!
Dee & Family
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Mary Raco
September 10, 2021
RIP angel, gone but never forgotten
Mary Raco
September 11, 2020
IT'S BEEN 19 YEARS FROM THAT SADDEST OF DAYS, I THINK OF YOU OFTEN, YOU MIGHT BE GONE FROM OUR PRESENCE BUT YOUR SPIRIT & LIFE WILL LIVE FOREVER, GOD BLESS YOU MY PRECIOUS HERO!
Dee and Family
September 11, 2020
Dearest Johanna...You remain in our thoughts and prayers on this day of remembrance. We will never forget.
Mary Raco
January 18, 2020
SHE'S MY HERO, GOD BLESS YOU ANGEL, I WILL NEVER FORGET!
The Kindred Family
January 17, 2020
johanna is still dearly missed and always remembered. Sending our deep sympathy to your family. May God continue to give his support each day.
Mary Raco
September 11, 2019
Forever in my heart & always on my mind, RIP beautiful angel
September 11, 2018
Always in my thoughts and prayers.
Dee And Family
MARY RACO
September 11, 2018
RIP ANGEL, I WILL NEVER FORGET
Donna Sigmund Oglesby
September 11, 2018
Wish I could of met her my brother Gary says that she and your family are cousins God bless you and will never forget
September 13, 2017
You will always remain in our hearts,thoughts and prayers. We will always remember.
We will never forget.
Dee and Family
September 10, 2016
September 10, 2016
IIT'S BEEN 15 YEARS SINCE YOU WERE TAKEN FROM YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY AND MY HEART IS STILL BROKEN. I MAKE YOU A PROMISE THAT I WILL DO EVERYTHING IN MY POWER TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU AND THE OTHERS ARE NEVER FORGOTTEN AND THAT YOU DID NOT DIE IN VAIN. REST IN PEACE SWEET ANGEL!
John Tennaro
September 11, 2014
While today is a day to remember, I think and celebrate you every day. We all miss what you meant to us and thank you for what you continue to mean. Love you Jo!
JT
September 11, 2014
Dear Johanna!
You will always remain in our thoughts and prayers on this day of remembrance.
Sadly Missed!
Dee & Family
Mary Raco
September 10, 2014
There are no words, 13 years have passed and your memory lives on and always will. I will never forget you and all the HEROS who gave their lives that day to keep us safe. GOD BLESS YOU Beautiful Angel.
Maria Regan
September 11, 2013
You will always be remembered, beautiful Johanna.
September 11, 2013
09/11/2013
JOHANNA, IT IS 12 YEARS SINCE THAT HORRIFIC DAY BUT YOU AND EVERYONE ELSE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES THAT DAY WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. GOD BLESS YOU.
September 10, 2013
Dear Johanna...You remain in our thoughts and prayers on this day of remembrance.
Sadly Missed!
Dee & Family
August 22, 2013
I feel a certain connection with you--perhaps it's the fact we share a last name and I was born in New York.
I think of you every September 11th.
Laura J. Sigmund
JT
September 11, 2012
I miss you and love you Jo! Time will not heal the wound of your loss, but I feel lucky to have had the time we did.
Dear Johanna, we will never forget. Rest in Eternal Peace, Amen!
Dee
September 5, 2012
Jayne
June 21, 2012
Happy Birthday to beautiful Johanna! Always remembered.
Carmela
September 11, 2011
Hey Johanna,
Thinking of you today and all the times we spent talking at work and during training. Your smile and spirit was contagious and will live on forever though those whose lives you touched! Miss you!
Katie Quinn Harvey
September 11, 2011
10 years, 20, years, 100 years...you will never be forgotten. God bless you, your family, and friends.
andrea "annie" mulvaney miklus
September 11, 2011
Thoughts and prayers to you and your loved ones. Thinking of you today...
In Loving Memory!
Dee Briskin
September 11, 2011
A Day Of Remembrance.
A Day Of Reflection, Tears And Prayers.
We Will Never Forget.
God Bless you dear Johanna.
JT
September 11, 2011
I miss you and love you Jo!!!
Alison levy
September 10, 2011
My name is Alison Levy, and I live in Las Vegas, NV but grew up on Long Island NY. Here in Las Vegas we are honoring those lost on September 11, and I am representing Johanna Sigmund.
I never knew you, but I will never forget you now. I will honor you, and share your story with my students, as i do with many who were lost that day. You are a hero and your memory will always live on.
Thank you and i will make sure future generations Never Forget!!!!
Libby Saylor Beugless
September 9, 2011
Remembering our days at Springside with fondness and warmth. You, your family and friends are in my heart.
Libby Saylor Beugless 93'
Howard Hansell
September 6, 2011
Thinking of you Johanna, John, Mr Sigmund, Mrs Sigmund. Way back on New Years Eve 1980-1981 I remember watching you (Johanna) and John your brother when your parents went out for the night. I remember having a great time with you guys that night. We knew each other back then as we went to church together. Howard Hansell IV. My brother is Forde Hansell. I'm reminded of the saying from spiritual teachers that we are not human beings having a spiritual experience, but spiritual beings having a human experience. Good bless you. Sincerely, Howard Forde Hansell IV
Janet Xone
September 3, 2011
Peace to you. God Bless
Dee
August 9, 2011
God Bless You Angel Johanna.
We Will Never Forget!
Hilary Graham LaFoley
December 18, 2010
Johanna, I miss you... always.
On my bulletin board in front of my desk at home is a beautiful photo of you taken when you and Jess visited me in Spain. I look at your face daily and remember you, love you, and miss you. As milestones come up in life, I wish we could all share them together. I love you... always.
Katie Harvey
September 15, 2010
Your light still shines.
Love,
November 10, 2009
www.runforjohanna.org
Erica C
September 11, 2009
Thinking of you today, my field hockey and lacrosse buddy. You are missed, and never forgotten
September 11, 2009
You are remembered.
Susan
September 11, 2009
Johanna,
I think of you ALL the time! I cherish our time together in Paris and still count you as one of my greatest friends!!
Je t'aime et manquez-vous!!!
Emily C
September 11, 2009
Never forgotten or gone from my mind...
September 11, 2009
Never forgotten or gone from my mind...
E Mc
September 11, 2009
Thinking of you...
September 11, 2009
For the rest of my life I will remember the light that shone from you. You left all of us with a little of that light. I know that I will never forget you.
May God bless and keep you and your loved ones.
Love,
Katie Q. Harvey
Maria Concetta Calabrese-Regan
September 11, 2009
You will always be in our hearts.
JT
September 11, 2009
Every year all of us feel the same way...we miss you and love you!
mary raco
September 11, 2009
It's been eight years since that tragic day. But you and everyone else that lost their lives that day will always be remembered. I know I will never forget. I keep you and your family in my prayers. Good Bless You Johanna.
Cara Curley (Mennuti)
September 10, 2009
Another year and yet it seems like yesterday. Jo- I always think of you at this time of year.
Johanna and I spent many a day out on the hockey field at Fairfield together. Always had a story and a way to make you laugh. I just hope that this guest book gives your family some idea of how you touched so many people like rays of the sun you were warm, comforting, bright, and far reaching. God called you away from all of us way to early.
Brian Sigmund
August 14, 2009
Dear Johanna and Family,
I just watched a documentary and saw your name on an inscription. I am also a Sigmund which is quite a rare name and maybe we are related somewhere, somehow. I will say a prayer for you...
With Love,
Brian
June 21, 2009
happy birthday
January 17, 2009
you will always be missed.
analida watson
October 11, 2008
Dear Johanna: I am so grateful to have had the opportunity of knowing you and having you as my hostess during the exchange program many years ago. You were a great friend always happy and very funny. I still remember all the good times we spent together. I think of you and your family often. Love,
Ani Watson.
Panama.
Tricia Harris
September 11, 2008
Thinking of you today... my prayers are with you and your family & friends on this anniversary. God bless you, Jo.
Katie Quinn Harvey
September 11, 2008
This will always be a difficult day to remember but the happy memories of our all too brief friendship remain intact even as the years slip by. You were such a kind, loving, and funny, friend. You will be missed always. My heart goes out to your family and loved ones today.
Love,
Katie
September 11, 2008
Thinking of you.
Sara Stewart
September 11, 2008
I can't believe it's been 7 years...as I think back to that day. I think of you often. We all miss you. With love, Sara
Mary raco
September 11, 2008
Well Johanna I can't believe it has been seven years and yet it feels like yesterday. I am going through bad times right now but I think of you and it doesn't seem that bad. I know you are someplace very special along with a lot of others and that gives me some kind of hope. Rest im peace Beautiful Angel.
Doug Abraham
June 21, 2008
Happy Birthday!!!
mary raco
November 7, 2007
Just wanted to say hello, i went in to sign another angel's book (PPO CHUCK CASSIDY) another life cut short. I think of you often and I am glad even though i never had the great opportunity to meet you I do feel like I know you and I am very happy for that. Welcome him and be forever happy in the most beautiful place.
Maria Regan
September 12, 2007
Johanna, you are remembered.
Erin Mc
September 11, 2007
Another year passes... but it still seems so fresh. Still thinking of you and of your family.
Jessica Graham MacGregor
September 11, 2007
Johanna,
Six years and still such heartache. Every single day I think of you,
You will always be the best friend I could ever have hoped for.
JGM
Katie Quinn Harvey
September 11, 2007
This day will never pass without thougts of you but you were more than this day and always will be. All my love and prayers to you, your family, friends, and loved ones.
You are missed and will never be forgotten.
Love,
Katie
C Scott
September 11, 2007
To the friends and family of Johanna Sigmund. I will always remember her as a truly nice person. I attented Fairfield University with her and graduated the same year sitting close to her at graduation and sharing many classes together. To the parents and the rest of her family, thanks for raising a truly special person, who may not have been on this earth for long, but has definitely left a lasting impression. I wasn't close friends with her, but always remember her beautiful and genuine smile and indomitable spirit.
J T
September 10, 2007
We miss you and love you Jo!
Maria Regan
July 31, 2007
Johanna, This note is to remember and honor you by remembering you. In your short life you made a big difference. Everything I read about you was positive and inspiring. You are still a positive force even in my life and I never met you. We do have a connection in that your aunt Luise was also my aunt thru marriage and she and I shared the same last name as you shared the name Sigmund, we shared the name Regan. I was fortunate to meet your dad and this note is also for him, that he may know that his beautiful daughter is thought of with love and respect even by people that have never met her personally. Just by your being the kind human being that you were you will continue to be a good force in this universe. Your spirit is always with us. May your beautiful smile bring much comfort to the ones that love you and miss you the most. God bless you. Mrs. Regan
J T
July 30, 2007
Just thinking of you lately...
Jayne Stevens
June 21, 2007
Happy Birthday, Johanna.
I think of you and your family often.
You are in my thoughts and prayers often.
kristine
June 9, 2007
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 10, 2007
In memory....
TC
February 14, 2007
You are not forgotten! Your smile and heart will remain forever in your family and friends hearts
Maria Concetta Calabrese-Regan
January 28, 2007
Mr. Sigmund, I met you at uncle Tom Regan's funeral and I'll never forget what you said about the loss of your most treasured daughter Johanna. She will always be remembered as a beautiful, kind, intelligent and caring human being. You were blessed to have her as your daughter. May you find peace in knowing that in her brief life she made a big difference in people's lives. May I also take the time to offer you my condolences for your dear sister Louise, who was my aunt thru marriage. Wishing you health and peace. Maria Regan
Theda Doane
September 11, 2006
Oh how I miss you every day! I am grateful for your friendship and everthing we have shared.... laughs, tears, hugs, meals, dances... Your spirit is a apart of me and it always will be! I love you and miss you forever!
Mary Elizabeth Myers
September 11, 2006
Johanna and I were in different circles at Fairfield but graudated in the same year. I tell friends this one story about her. It was probably the summer of 01 and I was on my way to work at Old Slip, just got off the path, and we passed each other and there was a brief moment of recognition. I always tell my friends how happy you looked on that day- a tremendous bounce in your step- You looked like you had the whole world at your feet. And that you did. And that is the image I have of you- the girl with the bounce in her step and the world at her feet. God Bless you and your family.
John (JT) Tennaro
September 11, 2006
Five years...at times it seems more like 5 minutes. At times it seems like alot longer. What hasnt changed is your impact on me and so many others. You continue to be a inspiration and a symbol of hope to me. We all miss you and love you!
mary raco
September 11, 2006
Dear Johanna I cannot believe it has been five years since you left. I am sitting in work listening to all the names of the angels who left this world for a better one. But that still does not take away from the lost of a beautiful person. I will listen to i hear your name and pray to you to accompany me on my trip 09/13/06 to visit my aunt who lives in Italy. I am very afraid to fly but then i look at you and my mother who i know you are with, the two bravest woman i could have with me. I know i never got a chance to meet you but just from everything i read about you. you have the strength my mother possesed it will be 10 years 09/19/96 that she left my most beautiful mother and i know with both of you i will have a safe trip. i will light a candle for the both of you at every church i see. thank you
mary raco
sherry breeden
January 3, 2006
Dear Johanna
You have the beautiful face of an angel such a tragedy to have you taken away so soon. God bless you and may you and your family find comfort in Gods arms
Tara Knopick
November 12, 2005
In my memory of Johanna she was eight years old, and I babysat her and Johnny. I remember so clearly tucking her into bed and reading her a story, like it was yesterday; she was so sweet. Tonight, as I tucked my own daughter into bed (not much older than Johanna was, then), I remembered her.
I hadn't seen her since I graduated from Springside (she was probably only 12 or so, at the time), so it's startling to see these pictures of her, looking so grown up, but even looking so sophisticated and mature I can still see the same sweet little girl.
I visited the site today, for the first time. I'm so sorry for her. I'm so sorry for all of you.
John (JT) Tennaro
September 11, 2005
It has been four years visitng this site, yet this is my first time writing anything. I cannot believe it has been four years...at some points it feels like more, sometimes it feels like less. The pain and sorrow has neither ceased nor diminished. You were a supremely genuine and inspirational person. You were a great classmate, great neighbor, great friend, and great person to have in their life. I think of you so often, and the times we all shared. Some people say you dont know what you have until you lose it...well, i think we all knew what we had, and that is why we could never completely lose you. You are still here with all of us...
Katie Quinn
September 11, 2005
It's still so hard to believe you are not here, but you are still in my heart. You and your loved ones are in my prayers today.
Grace
December 27, 2004
Another Christmas come and gone without Johanna. My thoughts and prayers are with your friends and family.
Erin McMaugh
September 11, 2004
Here we are, three years later, and it still overwhelms me. I have your laugh etched in my brain; I have beautiful, goofy images of you dancing around making everyone laugh forever imprinted in my memory. I try daily to embody your spirit and kindness... the days I spent at the armory building searching for you changed me profoundly and have directed my career change in becoming a grief counselor. You are so incredibly missed, thank you for inspiring everyone who met you to be better people.
Tricia Harris (Stanley)
August 31, 2004
I attended Fairfield University with Jo, and was a teammate of hers on the field hockey team. I have so many fond memories of Johanna telling stories and making us laugh during the toughest preseason workouts. She and I were often at the same pace in our various timed runs, and I was SO impressed when I read that Jo had run the NYC marathon. She helped me through some tough times during my freshman and sophomore years, and I was always grateful for that.
To Jo's family and friends, my heart goes out to you all. Even after all of this time, please know that she is NOT forgotten. I think of her often, and realize how lucky I am to have shared that bit of time with her.
Emily Cantrill
June 26, 2004
Johanna,
I stop and think of you so very often and remember the days when I was at Springside and our desks were right next to each other in 4th grade. I remember the pieces of paper Meg, you, & I taped to our desks, so that everyone in our 4th grade class could write messages on them. I also remember those scratchy Izod sweaters with the alligator on them you use to wear back in the 80's, and how hot you would get wearing them and how rosey it would make your cheeks get after we spent the whole recess roller skating back and forth on the black top. From the pictures I have seen of you as an adult, that "rosey" color in your cheeks never went away. It was your energy for life and humor I adored. From swimming in Lexie's pool, to your fun summer birthday parties in your backyard, to your kind and warm comfort towards us all when Natalie died, I remember you as a child who was wise and loving beyond your years. On June 21st this year I lite a candle for your 28th, and I felt so grateful I once knew a person like you, who I will always remember smiling and laughing.
Grace Crowley
May 11, 2004
I still remember your beautiful smile. You are not forgotten.
Patricia Jones
April 20, 2004
To Johanna's friends and family,
I just wanted to let you know that there are many of us that still miss her. She will never be forgotten. She was and is a true angel!
Sara Brady
March 24, 2004
This is a wonderful tribute site, to be able to express your thoughts. I was a classmate of Johanna's at Springside, I will always remember her beauty, spirit, engergy and her willness to help anyone. Wonderful memories since the 1st grade. She will always be in my thoughts. Our 10 year reunion is this May, we will miss you, I know you'll be there in each of our hearts.
Tom and Judy Zuchero
March 23, 2004
Dearest Johanna,
We have been off-line for quite awhile, and it is so nice to read the most recent tributes to your loving memory. We think of you each day and miss you very much. We had you for such a short time. We know how much you loved to dance...so dance on in heaven, Jo. Your star shines on brightly in all those who think of you so fondly. You were truly a gift to all of us.
February 15, 2004
Johanna was such a good and kind person with a heart of gold. Reading all the lovely stories about her really touched my heart. She really was a terrific and sweet girl who cared about people. I will always pray for Johanna and her family. Johanna will never ever be forgotten. Dear Johanna, you are the best and the greatest! May God be with you and your family always and forever. You will be in our hearts forever. God Bless.
Grace Crowley
December 26, 2003
Merry Christmas in Heaven
Grace Crowley
September 12, 2003
I wept when I heard your name read aloud and prayed that you are at peace.
September 11, 2003
God will always be right beside you, to comfort you. He loves you so much. Johanna had such a good, kind and generous heart. I never knew Johanna but I wish I did. She really was an amazing person. Johanna will be in our thoughts and hearts forever!!!
joan sigmund
September 11, 2003
I was listening to the memorial service today and was struck by the similarity of my name to Johanna's.My prayers are with the family.We are reminded of the tragedy often but the families live it daily.I just wanted to send my wishes and prayers along. I too am from Pennsylvania.sincerely,Joan Sigmund
Peter Belford
September 11, 2003
I met Johanna just once on a trip to Michigan.. She was the guest of Jessica, the sister of my friend, Brett.. What I remember was her sense of humor and the absolute care she had for everyone there, even a couple guys she had never met.. I consider myself lucky to have had the limited experience of meeting such a sweetheart... She will be in my heart and prayers forever, and this I am grateful for.
God Bless..
Rob
September 11, 2003
Johanna I learned of your death while looking through the portraits of grief shortly after 9/11/01. My heart dropped when I saw your picture. Your smile and kindness are etched in my memory.
Rob
Fairfield Class of 98
mary raco
September 10, 2003
After Johanna's tragic death, the Daily News had a very moving story about her life. I was very moved,
and for some reason cannot stop thinking about her. I know she's in a better place but that still does not make up for her life being cut so short. Everytime I hear a U2 song I will always remember her. God bless her and her family and know she will never be forgotten.
T. Knight
September 10, 2003
I never knew you, but somehow I still cannot contain myself from crying. May your spirit live on and may God bless your soul.
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