Elena Ledesma
Elena Ledesma was the heart and soul of her extended family. On camping trips, she was the first to pitch the tents. She was the one who administered insulin to her 66-year-old diabetic mother and took her to the doctor. She was raising two daughters and working full time.
Ms. Ledesma, who was 37, worked at the World Trade Center as a maintenance coordinator at Marsh & McLennan. She was responsible for maintenance on Floors 93 to 99. The divorced mother of a 12-year-old and a 17-year-old, she lived in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Her mother, aunts and cousins all lived in the same building.
'My sister was a giving person,' said Nelson Hernandez, her older brother. 'She was always the one we turned to for anything. I had a lot of dreams. We were going to buy a house together for our mother.'
Belkis Mercedes, a friend, said she believed that many family members still expected Ms. Ledesma to reappear. 'She was their source of light,' Ms. Mercedes said.
Copyright (c) 2001 by The New York Times Co. Reprinted by permission.
Add Your Tribute
Tributes
On this anniversary I want to honor and remember my MMC colleagues. While I didn't know Elena, I am a former employee of MMC, Mercer. Wishing Elena's family peace and love during this sad anniversary. Know that many people are thinking about her. My personal tribute is to read about one colleague on the anniversary each year to honor and remember them.
Diane Ruffo, Colleague
May your soul rest in peace and in everlasting paradise. Sending my love & prayers to your girls Angelina & Shanhellen. Love, Cristine.
Cristine Jacquez, Family
Elena was a colleague at MMC; however, once we spoke for the first time, we clicked and became friends. I admired her courage and determination as a single mother, provider and friend. She enjoyed taking weekend camping trips with the family, she would give me tips on places to go to. I miss her positive attitude and great advice she would give me as a friend, but at times I saw her as a mother.... :) It's been 10 years and I've become a parent of two beautiful girls (like yours). I wish I still had you around, but I know it has to be until we see each other again my friend! I miss you!
Cathy Cam, Friend
It's been 9 years but it still seems like yesterday for me, but it will always seem like yesterday for me because everyday that I wake up I pray to Jesus am I going to see her today, but its still not time for me I guess, I hope and pray that it's soon. Because Elena(mi prieta) with GODs help I know I'll see you again.See not every one understands that your still very much alive because GOD is GOD of the living, Angie& Shannie shes better than ever. Angie I looked you up in Facebook but could not find you or Shannie I would Love to speak to you guys again if the Lord permits it. Hope you guys are o'k, GOD BLESS, My e-mail is corchadoc@ymail.com. P.S. Elena Ledesma I Love You 4ever, until next time Love Carlos C
Carlos Corchado, Friend
thank you to those who remember my angel...Carlos we need to get in contact with eachother! Im on facebook...GOd bless!
Angelina Jimenez, Family
It`s taken me all these years to say anything but I feel it`s time to speak of my best friend.Elena was the best thing that personally ever happened to me. If you you would of met her you would see that like her were few if any.I would always ask her 'Where are you from?, and she would tell me her birthplace and I would tell her no your not because your differnet, your not from here and she would ask me so where am I from and I would respond your from a place where a few come from and she would smile,boy I miss that smile.See Elena was an Angel from GOD I know because I knew her very personally she was the most peacefules person you can meet,the most kindess person I came across if I could turn back the clock I would of taken her place that day because when she was taken that day most of me was taken also,and my friend,my love I will never ever ever forget you,until we see each other again TE AMO MI PRIETA for ever.I pray to see you soon. Carlos the one that never forgot.
Carlos Corchado, Friend
I am listed as a friend, even though I never met Elena. But on September 11, 2002, I wore a pin with her name on it, and sang in the Rolling Requiem that went around the world. I have put her name in my music folder, and every time I sing another concert (four or five each year), I remember her and honor her memory. I wanted her family to know that someone in Michigan is thinking of Elena. I'm sorry I never knew her -- it is easy to see from the articles written about her that she must have been a loving, strong and very courageous person. My heart goes out to those who knew and loved her. Sincerely, Betsy Trogan
Betsy Trogan, Friend
'THROUGH THICK AND THIN..SHE WAS THERE...THROUGH GOOD AND BAD...SHE WAS THERE...AS A MOTHER, DAUGHTER,SISTER AND FRIEND...SHE WS THERE. WE WILL NEVER FORGET THE STRUGGLE SHE WENT THROUGH AND THE OBSTACLES SHE OVERCAME...ALL FOR HER FAMILY. IF WE COULD WISH FOR ONE THING IN THE WHOLE ENTIRE WORLD THAT WILL MAKE US HAPPY AGAIN.....IT WOULD BE FOR OUR MOTHER. WE LOVE YOU MOM.....YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR HEARTS!
Angelina Jimenez and Shanhellen Jimenez, Family