Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Beverly Eckert Obituary
Eckert, of Stamford, Conn., was a Sept. 11 widow who became one of the most visible, tearful faces in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks.
Her husband, Sean Rooney, was on the phone in the World Trade Center telling her he loved her when suddenly there was a loud explosion and nothing more.
Eckert was heading to Buffalo, her hometown, for a celebration of what would have been her husband's 58th birthday, said Mary Fetchet, a 9/11 family activist.
Last week, she was at the White House with President Barack Obama as part of a meeting with relatives of those killed in the 2001 attacks and the bombing of the USS Cole to discuss how the new administration would handle terrorism suspects.
She was part of a small group of Sept. 11 widows, mothers and children who became amateur lobbyists, ultimately forcing lawmakers in 2004 to pass sweeping reforms of the U.S. intelligence apparatus.
When her work was done, she turned her energies to Habitat for Humanity, helping build homes for low-income families.
Sign the Guest Book for Beverly's husband, Sean Rooney
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press
81 Entries
Kelly Callahan
September 11, 2016
Thinking of you and Sean today...RIP
September 11, 2009
My heart always went out to you on this day and it does again now. I know you made Sean proud every day since he passed, and now you are together again. If ever there was a definition for bittersweet, this is it.
May God bless you both and especially your families on this day.
Love,
Katie Q. Harvey
Erik Abrahamson
March 7, 2009
In humble service with the IAFF Local 786 Honor Guard at your memorial in Stamford, CT. today.
Peace to your family, now and always.
Erik
Colleen Whitney and Family
March 4, 2009
Karen & Ray and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
How you can show support
Kathy Kitsakos
February 25, 2009
May you fly on angel's wings to meet your husband. God bless you and your family.
tami grygiel
February 24, 2009
my heart hurt's for you
Jacqueline White
February 23, 2009
I extend my deepest prayers and sympathy to the family of Beverly Eckert. I graduated with Bev from SHA (Class of '69). I remember her as smart, caring and giving. She will always be remembered with fondness. She touched the lives of so many.
K Cherry
February 21, 2009
Our hearts hurt for you..
K & J Cherry
Karen Fraas
February 21, 2009
My daughter is a graduate (2007) of Sacred Heart Academy, so was Beverly; that is my connection as I cried watching the news reports about her sudden death. Such a beautiful and smart woman. I could not attend her memorial service at St. Joe's because I had just buried my aunt whom I was very close to and the wounds are still fresh. But, today I wore my daughter's SHA soccer hoodie in honor of Beverly. God Bless Beverly, her husband and both families as you all move on through life's journey. Know that God has many plans for Beverly with Him. Also know she and her loving husband are together eternally.
Kathy O'Brien
February 21, 2009
Our hearts and prayers go out to the Eckert family in your time of loss. I had the pleasure of working with Beverly or Bev as we called her @ Habitat. She was an amazing person. She truley will be missed.
Bill Collins
February 21, 2009
I worked with Beverly at the Syracuse Restaurant on North Bailey Avenue in 1971-72 and remember how sweet and kind she was to everyone. She was physically beautiful...and an even more beautiful person. May God bless her.
A Friend
February 21, 2009
To the family of Ms Eckert,she touched me. As a former Ct resident, and a person who was horrified by 9/11, I found her strength to be remarkable. She should be an inspiration to us all. God bless her, Mr. Rooney, and all.
Frances C. Uva
February 21, 2009
It was with great sadness that I read in The Advocate of your untimely death. As an educator I would like to thank you for the countless hours you shared with students at Stark School. They could not have had a greater role model in their lives. May God bless your family and give them strength for the days ahead. My deepest sympathy to all of you. Sincerely, Frances
Beverly Oldani
February 20, 2009
To both families of Beverly and Sean. I did not know Beverly personally, but through Sean as we worked together on an account when he was with AON. We always laughed that he would never forget my name, as it was the same as his wife's. To hear Sean speak of Beverly, I felt I knew her. To think she is now gone is so hard to believe. But, I take comfort in knowing that she is with her true love once again.
JAMES Jacobs
February 20, 2009
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
John Perry
February 20, 2009
Our prayers to the Eckert and Rooney families. You have touched so many by your great deeds.It is an honor to have shared our lives with you.
The Perry's: Mary Ann, Judy, John, Marc and Mike.
c. damato
February 20, 2009
truely only the good die young. god bless beverly and her family.
anita underwood
February 20, 2009
My prayers are with the family of Beverly at this time of your loss.
Her spirit will truly be missed by many.
Diana Alvira
February 20, 2009
I did not know Beverly, but was extremely saddened by her passing. She overcame extreme tragedy with the passing her husband and continued to fight for the victiims of 9-11 so no one else has to endure such loss. Thank you Beverly for your dedication and devotion to keeping the memory of your husband and all the victims of 9-11 alive. May you be at peace now next to your husband in heaven.
John Kwiatkowski
February 20, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Leigh Macadlo
February 20, 2009
My thoughts are with The Eckert Family and the Rooney Family. Beverly was amazing inspiration to all of us. May her and Sean be at peace together.
February 20, 2009
I want to thank Beverly for her tireless efforts after 9-11 and tell all of you how heartbroken and devestated I am that she had to meet such a tragic ending to her beautiful life. May she now be happy once again hand in hand with her true love. My sincere condolences to all family and friends.
joanne clifford
February 20, 2009
to beverly anne eckert family.
I remember beverly and karen coming to father baker manor during the time we took care of your dad at time he was inthe nursing home.and when she came in the stories and places she went was so amazingit was inspirational when isaw her on tv iwas so sad to hear about her , i give my deepest condolance to the family may god bless youand the family
Rosemary Fantaske
February 19, 2009
We did not know Beverly but are very saddened by her death. However we are very close to the first cousin of Sean Rooney as our daughter-in-law is Edie Rooney Fantaske and she has always spoken so highly of her cousin and his wife. We will keep the Rooney and Eckert family in our prayers. George and Rosemary Fantaske
Larry & Caren Allan
February 19, 2009
Please accept our prayers and sympathy.
Larry worked with Beverly years ago. We remember Sean and Beverly from their Enfield, CT days. We were all from the Buffalo area and we got together. They were such a special loving couple. I remember Sean making clams clasino for us and being so proud of it. Bev came to one of my Girl Scout meetings and made clay pottery with the girls- one of her many talents. She will be dearly missed but not forgotten.God be with all your family.
Bert Sweeney
February 19, 2009
Bev will always have a special place in my memory. Karen, you must be proud of your little sister.
Julie Kaska
February 19, 2009
Prayers and love go out to you, your friends and families. We have you in thought and prayer. God Bless You All.
Love
Jeff Butler
February 19, 2009
My deepest condolances to the Eckert and Rooney families. May Bev and Sean finally be at peace for eternity, together as it was always meant to be.
Mary Davila
February 19, 2009
Dear Karen ,
my heart goes out to you and your family. Frank and I extend to you our deepest sympathy. What a tragedy this is. May it bring you some comfort to know that Beverly and Sean are together again.
I still treasure the rosary that you brought back to me from Rome and have been wearing it out with prayers for you, your family, the souls of Beverly and Sean, as well as the souls of all the victims of this tragedy.
God Bless you.
Gerald & Shirley Bell Craig
February 19, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
elaine (isbell) polun
February 18, 2009
I was so sad to hear that Beverly was on the flight to Buffalo. My mother (Ginny Isbell) and I knew Beverly when we were girl scouts. We both remember her with fondness. My mother remembers how smart she was. Somehow, I missed the 9/11 part of her life or I would have contacted her then. She did a great service to our country with her 9/11 work. I have no doubt that she will be sorely missed by all who knew her.
February 18, 2009
Dear Families of Beverly Ann:
I am but a stranger to you each of you and to Beverly, but feel so compelled to write a note of love to you all. Ihe events of the past week are truly a tradegy that we will never understand, or ever make sense out of, but know that is all in God's Divine Order. Please know there are armful of hugs coming from near and far to everyone affected by this flight.
REMEMBRANCE
In the rising of the sun and in its going down, we remember them.
In the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter, we remember them.
In the opening of buds and in the rebirth of spring, we remember them.
In the blueness of the sky and in the warmth of summer, we remember them.
In the rustling of leaves and in the beauty of autumn, we remember them.
In the beginning of the year and when it ends, we remember them.
When we are weary and in need of strength, we remember them.
When we are lost and sick at heart, we remember them.
When we have joys we yearn to share, we remember them.
So long as we live, they too shall live, for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
from North Tonawanda, NY
Liz Heimerl Goodwin
February 18, 2009
Dear Eckert Family,
You have my deepest sympathy. I was 2 yrs behind Bev at SHA & she was good friends with my sister, Pat. I always admired Bev - she was funny, smart, artistic & great at basketball. You are in my thoughts & prayers.
Karen Brauer
February 18, 2009
Karen,
Iola and I, along with our families, wish to express our deepest sympathy to you and your family. However brief our meeting was, we felt blessed to know we are family. In that, we especially share your grief. Our prayers will be with you. We are here for any needs.
Karen (Sugg) Brauer
Nicole
February 18, 2009
I would like to express my deepest sympathy for your family during this tragic time. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
February 18, 2009
Karen and Ray,
We are so very sorry. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Brian and Pamela Korzak
Don Doerr
February 18, 2009
Dear Karen, Ray, Eckert and Rooney Families, Please accept my condolences on the loss of a beloved sister. She has now joined forevermore her husband in Heaven.
Edward OConnor
February 18, 2009
Your family is in our prayers during this time of great loss.
Doreen Mae Horrigan
February 18, 2009
No words can express the pain and sorrow of the loss of your loved one Beverly. She was a champion. She made a difference in thousands of lives. I can not, nor will not understand why life can be so cruel. I can only say thank you for Beverly, She was an American/Universal Hero to so many. I send you love and peace.
Sincerely,
Doreen Horrigan
Mike Kaufman
February 17, 2009
Karen and family my prayers go out to you and your family at this time.
Fran Murphy
February 16, 2009
I’m so sorry that your family has had to endure another great loss. My prayers and thoughts are with your family during this tragic and difficult time.
Terri Lewin
February 16, 2009
I do not know you or your family, nor have I ever met Beverly. I am from Buffalo though, and knew Cantor Wehle, who was also on the flight. We have all suffered such tremendous loss although my grief cannot equal yours. I pray that Beverly is at peace with her husband, and I pray for your family. Please know that even those of us who did not know Beverly could see that she made a difference, and for that, she is an inspiration to all of us.
Kimberly Statkevicus
February 16, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time. I am so sorry that you have to endure yet another tragedy. Beverly and I met after 9/11 in a widows support group so I got to know her pretty well. What an amazing woman! I take comfort in knowing that she is finally at peace as she is reunited with Sean. God Bless you all.
Mark House
February 16, 2009
May God Bless you Beverly. You are now together once again with your sweetheart. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Liz Golimowski
February 15, 2009
May God be with your family during this difficult time of tragedy.
Beth Ward
February 15, 2009
I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Beverly's passing. Even though I have not seen her for many years, I remember her as a warm, funny, bright and lovely woman. I knew her when she worked for General and Cologne Re - she was a great help to me in many ways. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends. She will not be forgotten.
Brian Eckert
February 15, 2009
Dear Karen and Family,
We are so sorry for your sudden loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. May you find comfort someday in knowing that your sister is back in the loving arms of her husband.
shelley haberman casey
February 15, 2009
A truly luminous spirit on Earth, we have lost so much--yet again--with Beverly's passing.
She touched so many so profoundly.
For those of us still here, Beverly will remain an inspiration to strive higher, longer, beyond what you think you can do, her life the consummate example of how to do that with unwavering kindness, compassion, honesty and integrity. What a legacy.
With a heavy heart -- and immense respect and gratitude from a 9/11 family member (aunt of Andrea Lyn Haberman, 25, WTC 1, 92nd Flr., Carr Futures).
We are all connected.
Connie Woodruff
February 14, 2009
My heart was broken when I heard of the loss of Beverly. She was such a hero in the face of unbelieavable sadness. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Beverly, but I think she is in the arms of her beloved husband.
The Pryer Family
February 14, 2009
Karen & Ray,
May God bless your family in this time of sorrow. We will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
Lorraine
February 14, 2009
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Brian Andrew Wong
February 14, 2009
Your grief may ebb and flow. It has been said that each of us has this well deep inside of us that can be filled to the brim with grief. Every time we cry, we empty out some of the well. But the well fills again. The level of sorrow in your well may lessen as time passes, but it will never run dry. There will always be birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and those days when the well seems to fill to its brim again. Allow yourself time to remember and mourn. It is part of your healing. Grief is a continuing journey.
Karl Domian
February 14, 2009
My deepest sympathies to the family and a big thank you Beverly for your dedication for the families and victoms of 9/11
bessie korth
February 14, 2009
To Eckert Family: So sorry for your loss. May she find peace with her husband. It seems ironic that they join the same way in a plane. May the victims/survivors of 911 carry on where she left off and the memories you shared will give you comfort. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Marcia Allen (nee Young)
February 14, 2009
May God bless you forever.
Robert Rohan
February 13, 2009
Beverly and I met on a flight into Buffalo approximately a year after 9/11. I will never forget her! What a beautiful person. May God please bless everyone involved.
Lynn Castrianno
February 13, 2009
Beverly helped so many of us after 9/11. She put together a distribution list that I somehow found myself on connecting me to other families; she inspired me to want to find answers and through it all she had amazing grace. I will never forget what I learned from her when I met up with her in DC to lobby the Senators. Her energy and her devotion was so apparent in all she does.
My deepest condolences to the Eckert and Rooney families - the loss is tragic, the timing is, as someone else said, ironic.
Lynn
Matthew Bucholz
February 13, 2009
You will be sadly missed. You're dedication and your determination to make this country safe made us better as a country. You're love for your husband persevered your challenges and remained true up to your death. May God grant you happiness in eternal life, rest in peace.
Sharon Carrow
February 13, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very dark time. You were an inspiration to all after your terrible loss of 9/11. Now you and your husband will be together in Heaven. God bless you.
Hector & Liz Vasquez (RSCEXPRESS)
February 13, 2009
Karen & Family,
Our sincere sympathy on your lost. Please take comfort in knowing the sweethearts are together again.
seth
February 13, 2009
im shocked beyond words. our country has lost a fine human being who did so much to make our country safer. now she has joined her husband. my condolences to the family.
Pam Brooks-Jones
February 13, 2009
Gerallt, Jonathan & I met Sean and Beverly when we were on holiday in Morocco in May 2001. I heard the programme by the Kitchen Sisters on the 1st. anniversary of 9/11, and learned that Sean had died. I heard tonight, on BBc News that Beverly has now died in the Buffalo accident. The only good thing to come out of this is that Beverly is no longer suffering and that they are now together - again. Good Night and God bless.
Mary Ford
February 13, 2009
My heart aches for you. May God give you comfort in this tragic time.
Rest In Peace
Michael Iezzi
February 13, 2009
Father we entrust our sister Beverly to your mercy. You loved her greatly in this life: now that she is freed from all its cares, give her happiness and peace forever. Welcome her now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
May God hold Beverly in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My deepest sympathies.
Alfonso Zamora
February 13, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with Beverly and her family.
doris rainey
February 13, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Sharon Johnson
February 13, 2009
Dear Karen, Ray, Eckert and Rooney Families,
My heartfelt sympathy goes to all of you in the tragic loss of Beverly. I will keep all of you in my prayers
ROSEANNE CHARTIER(SCOTT)
February 13, 2009
THERE IS NO WORD TO SAY HOW SORRY I AM .NOW YOU ARE WITH YOUR HUSBAND IN HEAVEN FOR EVER TOGETHER REST IN PEACE.AMEN..
Sharol Olson
February 13, 2009
All I can do is cry when I read the story about Bevery and Sean, and trust that, however tragic, they are again together. I cannot imagine the courage that both put forth in this life and I pray for their peace and happiness now.
God Bless them, family and friends.
Melanie
February 13, 2009
Trying to wrap my head around the irony of this.
Beverly...may you and your husband live happily together in the after life.
Patricia Fanizzi
February 13, 2009
My sincerest condolences to Beverly's family. May memories of better times be a comfort to you now.
Kristin Bentson
February 13, 2009
Karen & Ray - My prayers are with you and your family at this time.
February 13, 2009
To the family and loved ones:
May you find peace at this terrible time knowing that your loved one is with her heroic husband. May god bless you all!
Jeffrey Tennant
February 13, 2009
A sad day... May GOD bring you and your husband together once again... in Heaven!
Douglas Truesdale
February 13, 2009
Ray & Karen,
May God Bless and comfort you and your family during this most difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always.
Anonymous
February 13, 2009
~~~My prayers for the family and friends of Beverly...When you remember Bev, may Gods peace remind you that above all else...Sean and Beverly... Are together again~~~
Michelle
February 13, 2009
God bless you and your family.
a friend
February 13, 2009
Your wait was not so long my love,
The time was not so rough,
Others wait eternity,
and never find their one.
I missed you love, as you misssed me, your pain, your cry, I heard,
And waited for you patiently
Among the saints in heaven.
Your wait was not so long my love,
and the years, you used so well,
a boat, a fight, some lonley nights,
but now we rest together
Showing 1 - 81 of 81 results
Make a Donation
in Beverly Eckert's name
How to support Beverly's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Beverly Eckert's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored