Plaistow, New Hampshire
A Patient Stepmother
"She sold, like, computer software to hospitals and medical companies or something," said Kristin Walsh, unsure exactly what her stepmother did.
That is how their relationship had once been, cordial but constrained. Ms. Walsh's mother, Nancy, brought Carol Flyzik home 13 years ago and introduced her as her girlfriend to Kristin and her two brothers. Ms. Flyzik, 40, was a passenger aboard American Airlines Flight 11. She was on her way to the West Coast on a business trip.
"It's hard when your parents bring a new person home," Ms. Walsh said. "The fact that she was a woman made it a little harder, but I guess I felt the same way when my dad married another woman."
The family of five lived in Plaistow, N.H., and Ms. Flyzik proved to be a patient woman. She listened to the children. She made the holidays warmer. Through the years their relationship changed from "Stay out of my life" to "I love you."
Last year was the first time that Ms. Walsh bought Ms. Flyzik a Christmas present of her own: two tickets to a Celtics game. "We had so much fun," she recalled. "It was quality time that we never had together before."
She considered the empty chair, where her stepmom used to sit and watch television. "I guess you don't know what you have until it's gone."
Hi Carol We used to work together at the Hale Hospital. I was an aide and you a blue girl. You never made anyone blue. Remember Tracy Wood? I´m sure she say something if she found this page. Remember sitting on Richard´s motorcycle in the parking lot of the 9´s in Haverhill? That was 1983. God bless, Kim Weidner
Kim Weidner Fontaine
September 11, 2024
Remembering Carol on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...
Cindy Roe
September 13, 2021 | Galesburg, MI
Carol, it's hard to believe that 20 years have gone by without you. We think of you often and smile and laugh. We shared so many wonderful memories at work, my wedding and other great times together. The week we spent at the beach with you and Nancy was the best! We miss your smile and your goofiness. We always laughed with you around. It still feels like yesterday when we lost you. Time doesn't heal this loss, it's just a patch until we can meet again. We love you so much and we treasure our...
Karen Currier
September 12, 2021 | Haverhill, MA
To my bandmate,teammate,classmate but most of all friend. You were and are a bright shining star. I'm so thankful to have known you and your smile will be with me forever! RIP Fred!!!
MeriEllen Lazdowski
September 11, 2021 | Bartlett, NH | Friend
To all who morn this woman we loved, you are still alive in every memory, all year, every year. Thank you fosr it all. Love, Holly
Holly Margeson Gamache
September 18, 2020 | Wells, ME | Classmate
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Carol's family and friends who still mourn this loss. I'm so sorry for what happened to her. We will never forget.
McKell Swain
September 17, 2020 | Grove City, OH
Carol, another year is closing in and it feels like we just lost you. We have so many wonderful memories and we think of you and smile, laugh and even cry. Your loss is still fresh and painful. But, we have to remember the good times and keep those memories alive. We are blessed to have you in our lives. We miss you every day. Much love to you.
Karen and Dave
Karen Currier
September 06, 2020 | Friend
Your death was not in vain.
Alex
January 19, 2020
Each year is never a little easier as some say. I remember you like yesterday. That impromptu pizza and beer night at my house in Bradford catching up. The fun at Star Island camp, band trips and endless marching practices. Junior choir and PF very Sunday with my folks. Your gentle, comfort at the ER at Hale so many times when family was rushed in. We miss you and honor your heroism, every day. Thank you! God bless you and Nancy and your Mom and Linda and all your kids. ❤
Holly Margeson Gamache
September 12, 2019 | Wells, ME | Friend