Pelham Manor, New York
Promise of City Life
To Amy O'Doherty, in her first job and apartment, Manhattan's streets emanated excitement and its air, promise — of new friends and smart conversations over steaks at Morton's, and of unlimited success. Of what Geraldine Davie, her mother, called "the largeness of life."
Ms. O'Doherty, 23, loved her job as a broker's assistant at Cantor Fitzgerald. "Financing, trading, bonds," said Liz Gallello, a childhood friend. "She wanted to take it – the career, the city woman lifestyle – as far as far it could go."
She was delighted with her five-story walk-up — so small, said Ms. Davie, that "Lilliputians should live in it." She filled it with dozens of framed photos of friends from Pelham, N.Y., where she grew up, and from camp, college and work.
"She was soaking up that great New York style," said Ms. Davie. "Picking up that New York language. She didn't know it but she was living her bliss."
I came across Amy's name on a memorial posting . My parents were Irish and I was sure Amy must have had Irish heritage, so I researched. And in researching of course I discovered what a wonderful young woman she was, one who left beautiful memories for friends and family alike. I will think of Amy. I have added her to my list of people to pray for, that she enjoys now the glory of heaven. God Bless you Amy.
Peter
December 26, 2024 | Other
I am here visiting with my family and yesterday we went to the world trade center memorial and my mom wanted us to split up and find a name and pray for them and i also wanted to come here and tell you that i hope she is somewhere safe and is having a good day! And i hope that she lived a full and happy life with her family and friends. Because that is what i think life is about is having good memories and i hope she had a lot of them. I am 12 years old and from Austin, Texas.
Juliet G
December 30, 2021 | Austin, TX
Thinking of you, Amy. It's been a very long time and yet, I blinked. I finally made my first trip to the city, just this past year. Gosh I would've loved to have experienced NYC in your company, that would've been a blast. I could picture no time seeming to have past, like we could've picked up right where we left off in Allegany. Giggling all the way, even all those years later.
I didn't think I could find you by the time I reached your memorial in the museum, through my blurry...
Rebecca
September 11, 2019 | NY
Stephanie
September 11, 2018 | VA
Amy I did not know you. I saw your name on the memorial. My thoughts and prayers to you, your family and friends. It was a pleasure to read about you and find out even just a little about you. God Bless.
Caleb
September 11, 2016 | Crawfordsville, IN
In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
S J. Friscia III
September 14, 2015 | Staten Island, NY
Hi Amy,
Still thinking of you. Great times living across the hall from you and pledging Kappa Phi together. I shared my essay again in class. I usually share this essay in Creative Essay. It's been a few years since I taught this class. I read our tongue piercing story again to the class. I didn't even get to the second page and I started choking up. I wish you stayed at SHU. My last memory of you...you were driving away from Gail's apartment in your Jeep. That was May 2001. How sad...
Amanda Massey
September 11, 2011 | Burlington, MA
I still carry Amy's name in my wallet - 10 years later.
All my best wishes for her family and friends.
Love, Graham
Graham Gohmann
September 11, 2011 | Louisville, IN
I can't believe it's been almost 10 years and I still tear up as if it were yesterday. As you know Amy, your mom and sister are two of the most amazing people in the world! I now work with Maura and her amazing new husband, spend Thanksgiving with your mom, sister, uncle, cousins, their kids, etc. and there is never a moment that you are not there with us! I am thankful for our connection through Pelham hockey (and you always being such a good sport!) that they have become such a special...
Brynna McCosker
September 06, 2011 | Washington, DC