Delivered at Cheryl Monyak's Memorial Service held in Los Angeles on October 22

Cheryl, you are so missed. Together we would have had a thousand laughs by now. Your love ❤️ of life is always with me. Miss you my sweet friend.

Hi Auntie, Grandma, Miranda, Dad and I miss you so much. Love you forever and always <3

Thinking of you today my friend. I always remember our single lady nights together out on the town in Los Angeles. Love to you. Love to your family.

I miss you Auntie❤️ Dad, Grandma, Miranda and I, love you and think of you always❤️

I was honored to have worked with Cheryl @ New World Entertainment in LA. She was an awesome co-worker...a great, fun & delightful person. A heartbreaking loss. 💔

Cheryl, You and I never met. But we are from the same home town and went to same high school, only a generation apart. I learned your name as a 15 year old sophomore at Regional 7 in 2001, and I think about you a lot since then. When I got to visit the memorial in NY I looked up your name and said a prayer for you. The world has changed a lot since you departed but you are still not forgotten despite all that has passed.

miss you dearly cheryl. thoughts and prayers 🙏🙏🙏

I remember her well - our jobs interfaced many years ago. She was working in the insurance department at Universal Pictures and I was with Industrial Light & Magic. That was the beginning. Our roles interfaced for several more years as we each changed jobs. She is thought of often and not just on 9/11.

Cheryl, you are so missed. We created so many impactful and fun memories together. You are loved. xo Fay

All I can say is I miss you The great times we had The 4th of July at dawn at the beach watching the fireworks or the Hollywood Bowl on a summer night Not a day goes by not thinking about you

You will always be with me. I miss you and think of the good times, the challenges, the laughs, and the tears. You are a part of me. Xxoo

Today was my first time visiting this memorial page. I have only been with Marsh 4 yrs (2016) so I had no friends or colleagues from Marsh that perished that fateful day. I do have a close friend whose brother was in the towers and never found and I remember him every year. As I looked through some of the testimonials, photos, and memories shared by family and friends I was struck by how vivid my memories of that day still are and I got emotional. Then I randomly clicked on this name, Cheryl Ann Monyak. I saw the picture above and nothing else... and that made me sad. That picture says so much about a woman - a mother - I never knew. What struck me was the fact that those beautiful baby girls really never got to know their mother either. As I stared at the picture and thought about it, I felt like I got to know Cheryl and her daughters a little bit. The love and the pride that Cheryl had toward her daughters is so obvious... I can tell - and feel - that they were her number one priority... her pride and joy. I can also see how safe, and happy, and content the girls felt in her arms. I have no doubt that Cheryl Ann Monyak was a spectacular mother, an incredible employee, a loyal friend, a lover of life, and an all around wonderful person. It is my hope and prayer that those little girls have grown up with that knowledge and comfort about their mother and that they are thriving in their lives 20 years later. One picture is worth a thousand - or a million - words. I am humbled and in awe of Cheryl Ann Monyak. Please let me know if I can ever do anything for your family as Cheryl and her daughters touched my life today. God Bless.

I met Cheryl in 1999 when she lived in Los Angeles (Studio City). I miss her very much and treasure our time spent together. She's always in my thoughts. Michael

Cheryl and I became friends in the 1980’s when we were both single in Los Angeles. We were living fun times in the insurance business. We had such great adventures and she was a wonderful friend. I was saddened beyond belief on 9/11/2001 when I learned of her tragic passing because of the terrorist attracts. A life cut short. A beautiful soul. I think of Cheryl often and certainly each 9/11 that comes Linda Leigh Long

Cheryl was my boss over 20 years ago while we worked at an Aon company in Universal City, CA. She was tough, but extremely supportive. I was so young, but she treated me like I could be the most amazing woman ever if I just worked hard enough. I’ll never forget when I saw her name scrolling on the television just after 9/11. It’s 2019 now and she still comes to my mind out of nowhere. Much love to her memory and to her family. May we never forget.❤️

I rode on America's 911 Memorial Ride (final ride this year for 15th Anniversary) for Cheryl. I did not know her before. I did the ride for all. But then I read about her. My ride became personal. I believe I know something about her. I am proud to have ridden for her and to keep her memory alive. Thank you Cheryl for your bright light in the lives you touched. God Bless.

Thank you Cheryl for your friendship and all the great memories at Universal Studios. We had the time of our lives in Universal Florida. I will never forget.

Cheryl, Your family and friends will forever be in my heart. I will never forget your wit, your charm, your laugh! I am truly honored to have known you. With Love, Beth

Your smile and energy are very much missed.

13 years , Looking back on the time we shared together,going too the Santa Monica pier at 4a.m.with my son to watch the fireworks at sunrise and the Hollywood Bowl on the 4th. of July. Lot's of great times . I'll always have a spot in my heart for you :)

After all these years, I still think of her and remember her fondly. A true professional with a collaborative way about her.

Words are still impossible. I miss you is such an understatement. I can't tell you how often I just shake my head and say out lout 'Cher, I wish you were here.' What a great and loving friend...I was so lucky. I toast you tonight. Here's to all the wonderful, wacky times we shared! All my love always. Martha

Cheryl, As the rest of us, we all sadly remember that day 11 years ago. Our last names are similar, and a blood line might exist. I never knew you, but I feel as if I know you. Related or not, my continued condolances to your loved ones. My sister's name is 'Anne' and my brothers' is 'Michael' PEACE

Been so long..Yet I can see your smile. You never pulled any punches and I respected you for that. Wish Miranda and Corinne could have known you more..have no fear we remind them. There is a tree planted in the yard in your name. Love..miss you and can always use a conversastion with you

Cheryl and I were in 4th grade together at St. Mary's School in New Hartford, CT. She was the first girl I ever had a crush on and so became part of the narrative of my life. The last I talked to her was probably in the late 60s. When I heard of her passing on 9/11 it took a part of my past away and it still hurts. Your smile and energy are still with me in 2011. Next time I am home in CT I will visit the bench erected in your name in New Hartford were you grew up. We miss you so very much.

I can't believe 10 years have past. I think of her often, especially on 9/11. I miss her terribly, and the close friendship that we had. I recently got married and felt a void not having her be part of my wedding day. I have shared many stories of Cheryl with my new husband and wish they could have met. There will always be a piece of my life missing without Cheryl in it. She was my best friend.

Hi my name is Araceli, I live in Downey Calif. Today I attended mass at Olph & we were ask to draw a name from a basket at the exit doors. The names we were drawing were of people that had passed away on 9/11. I drew Cheryl Ann Monyak's name and I will pray for her, her family & friends who were personally touched by her unfortunate passing. I am honored to be doing this. Thank you for this memorial page that is permitting me to see her beautiful face and her precious girls. God Bless you all!

I will never forget our trip to Florida with Annie. We had so much fun hooking up with Mike Burmeister when he was working on Edward Scissor Hands. Our canoe ride through the shallow waters infested with crocodiles and you making sure that it would be alright! You were so much fun to work with in Risk Management at Universal. I will never forget your smile, your laugh, your passion for life! We will miss you, Cheryl, always and forever. Love you! Beth

It's been 10 years and I still see that great smile of yours .

I met Cheryl and helped train her in Travelers National Account Dept in Hartford may many years ago around 1980. She had completed her MBA at UCONN, and was hired by our department in Hartford. She spent two or three weeks with various Account Executive as part of her training. She was so much fun to work with and you could tell that she was going to be a great success. On Fridays we all would go out to Happy Hours at the local bars, and I will never forget her comment to me when I was checking out a pretty young lady at the bar, 'Down Boy, Down Boy'. You could tell that she was a class act.

Cheryl, It has been 20 years since I worked with you at MCA INC. in Risk Management. I will never forget our trip to Florida with Annie. I still look at the pictures of our trip and how much you made us all laugh and smile. You had so much energy! It was hard keeping up with you. I think of you often and your memory will never be forgotten.

Cheryl, I was just thinking how much you would have loved web 2.0. You would have been staying up late to keep your twitter, facebook and linked in account humming. Miss you mucho! xo Fay

My daughter is visiting UConn right at this very moment celebrating her 30th birthday. She currently lives in Hermosa Beach,CA, but 30 years ago, she was born in Connecticut, and we lived in a salt box cape home on Storrs Road. I worked at the University of Connecticut and met Cheryl Monyak. WOW! My life would never be the same. We worked together in the School of Business and later in UConn's Office of the Vice President of Finance. She worked as my student assistant while she was attending grad school. Cheryl even babysat my daughter, Sarah, from time to time. When she moved to California, I was only able to connect with her twice. I didn't even know she had moved back East again until I heard the terrible news. I think of you often,Cheryl, and will never forget your laugh, your wit, your charm, your beauty, your honesty to high morales, your friendship. I remember one time driving together in my car, and I was complaining about a noise in my car. You said, 'Oh, I know how to fix that.' I was amazed. Then you reached over and turned my radio louder, and said 'There, no more noise!' I have told many people about that story, and have laughed so much over that! I will never ever forget you, dear friend. Love, Gloria

You will always be in my Heart and Mind ! Alan L. Myers

You were so vibrant and full of life. The last time I saw you, you made me laugh so hard. I'll never forget that moment, or you.

It is hard to believe that it has been 5 years. I think of you all the time. Cheryl, you were loved by all, your laughter and your smile will never be forgotten.

Cheryl, I think about you often. Whether it is five years or fifty, you'll always be remembered for being such a great person to everyone you meet.

I am thinking of you, Cheryl, on this 5 year anniversary. How can it be that is has been this long? Your sense of adventure, your warmth and energy, your fun ways--still those are with those of us who had the great pleasure to know you. We won't ever forget.

Cheryl we have a picutre of you & Gwenn in our kitchen. The two of you are somewhere in Italy. We tell Cheryl stories often, and I can always hear that laugh of yours. We love you, miss you and are blessed to have you in our hearts.

I cannot believe that 5 years have passed since we lost Cheryl. She continues to be a part of each day of my life. Cheryl approached each day with the desire to make it as good as it could be. She truly brought out the best in people. I am forever greatful to have had her as my friend. I try to honor her by living my life with some of her positive and ineffectious enthusiasm! I miss you, Cher! Martha

I went to grammar school with Cheryl, in New Hartford, Connecticut. And, though, we were little, the town had a Firemans's Parade and Carnival and I went on my first 'date' (that's how I remember it after all these years) with Cheryl. I used to have a poloraid of Cheryl standing in front of what I think were lilacs near the convent of St. Mary's, the paraochial school around the bend next to the graveyard and up the hill from the church in New Hartford. She was in her school uniform and I must have been wearing mine as well. When my sister Lisa told me about Cheryl having been in the Towers, I was shocked. As I look at the picture of her on this site, and see her all grown up yet still the little girl I remember, I am sad again. Soon after the tragedy I wrote a memorial to her on the MMC site. I think the date was 9/17/01. And here we are some years later. Through work I was in NY City last Septemeber and visited ground zero. I photographed her name. It is in my camera. I can only speak from my memory. And Cheryl lives inside me. I remember her smile. As someone who shared her youth, I extend my thoughts to her family and friends.

Cheryl was the Head Resident of Holcomb Hall when I was a Resident Assistant there. She was a true 'mother figure' to the girls in the dorm, as well as to her staff of RA's. She was always kind, cheerful, available to talk or give advice and was very supportive of all of us. It saddened me so much to learn the news of 9/11. Cheryl will not be forgotten by those who were lucky enough to have met her.

I remember Cheryl fondly from our days as Head Residents at UConn. She was lovely, gentle, kind and bright. We lost touch after leaving UConn but she lives on in my memory as a special person from a special, simpler time. My thoughts are with Cheryl's family and friends.

I meet Cheryl at the University of Connecticut in 1977; she was part of the “New Haven Hall Gang” that I meet my junior year. Unfortunately we lost touch after she moved west in the 1980’s. It was an incredible shock when I saw her name in the paper, I didn’t know she had moved back east. As I read the other tributes here I realized Cheryl surely never changed in the years since we had last gotten together. Her laugh, her smile, her friendship to all those she meet, is the Cheryl I knew. She will be missed, but never forgotten, by all those who had the good fortune to have known her for even the briefest of time. May she be with God now, and may God be with her family and friends. Thank you Cheryl for giving me the honor and privilege of having known you as a friend.

I first met Cheryl when I was working as a Production Coordinator in the TV Division at Universal Studios. At the time of our introdcution, I was the Coordinator on a show called 'Quantum Leap', and was introduced to Cheryl by Annie Martino (Bardelli), who was working with Cheryl in the Insurance Department. I liked Cheryl immediately, because in a business where many people are too busy and/or self-impressed to give other people the time of day, Cheryl was just the opposite. She scheduled an appointment in my office to fill me in on all of the new rules and regulations of the insurance game and put together a specialized insurance notebook specific to the show I was working on and the projected needs we might have. She was warm, friendly and so enthusiastic in her zeal to help educate me for my own benefit, that after she left my office,I called Annie Martino (Bardelli)to tell her I had just concluded my appointment with Cheryl 'Maniac' and that a new favorite studio person had just entered my life. Annie and I still joke about the Cheryl 'Maniac' moniker, as it brings back fond memories of Cheryl and her warm and enthusiastic ways. She is thought of and talked about often in our get-togethers with old Universal friends, and I feel privileged to have known her. I suspect she occupies a place in heaven similar to that of her earthly existence...helping all she comes in contact with feel better and more secure in whatever endeavor they are about to embark upon. 'A light that burns so bright...that everything in its path is warmed by the brilliance of its glow'. Thoughts and prayers to Cheryl's family and friends during this Holiday Season...

I too met Cheryl at Universal. Shortly after we met, she decided to look for a new apt. There was a condo for rent in my building and voila, she moved in. Her ability to take anything and mold it into something beautiful was one of her many gifts. Her place was so warm and cozy and always filled with friends. Cheryl and I took our morning walks at 5:00/5:30 a.m walks to get a jump start on the day. It was during that time we had great conversations on love, life, and sometimes work!! Cheryl was such a positive influence in my life. I think about her every day, knowing what a wonderful impact she is having leading the crowd upstairs. I will always treasure the time we had together and I will never forget the gifts she gave to me. Love to you and your family, Debbie

Cheryl entered my life in the 80’s during her time at Anistics , and when she worked with me at Tillinghast. We did a lot of meetings together in California and clocked many miles in her VW trying to help Risk Managers with computer technology. She had perpetual energy and drive, a never ending smile, and a zest for life. She loved her family and friends very deeply and often spoke of how important their constant strength and support were in her life. Cheryl always saw the opportunity in life, embraced the challenge and was always compelled to make it a success. She had a unique way of making the day brighter and inspiring you to be nicer a person. I’ll miss you “kido”, you made the world a better place.

It is a year now since we lost you and not a day goes by that we don't think of you. We miss you more than words could ever express. Your nieces will never have the experience of your love, laughter and kindness that have touched so many people who have been lucky to know you. We have been so fortunate to meet so many friends and colleagues who have supported us and have helped keep your amazing spirit alive. We will always love you and never forget. Mom, Dad, Michael, Terry, Corinne and Miranda

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Monyak, Thank-you. Thank-you for making and shaping Cheryl into the person she became. She became my friend while working at Universal together. My first impression of her was WOW! She is so dynamic, smart, beautiful, vivacious, and professional. When I got to know her, while laughing and sharing stories about our dating escapades, I learned that she is just as beautiful inside. I know that her love, compassion, and kindness must have started with you her family and I thank you. She really touched me by being so real and funny and down to earth. I will always remember her and I will be praying for you today and everyday I see her face in my memories.

Cheryl was a great person to work with as well as having her make me and others always laugh. I will never forget her smile as well as 'her' wonderful laugh! Cheryl, Annie and I took to trip to Florida along with Mike Burmeister to check out the opening of the new Universal Studios Tour in Florida. I was a great trip and probably one of my most memorable. I would love to get in touch with her parents if they read this. I have a wonderful photo album of this trip and would like for them to have it. She will always be remembered in my heart and my prayers. We all love you Cheryl! God bless you and your family. Beth

Cheryl and I go back many years to when we attended graduate school together at the University of Connecticut. Bottomline, there has never been a nicer, more gracious human being in the world. Her laugh, her friendship is something I will always remember. The world is a sadder place without her presence.

As the anniversary of September 11th draws near, I am feel compelled to write about my dear friend Cheryl. She lives inside my heart so strongly, that I feel her presence as I go through my day-to-day life. When I am sad or confused, I ask for her counsel; and when I am happy or experience something wonderful, I check to make sure she also is enjoying. Cheryl touched everyone she met - she was larger than life - beautiful, brilliant and full of love and compassion. Her presence on earth was far too short, but I know she is organizing all the parties in heaven! I will miss her every single day of my life, until I join her.

I met Cheryl a couple of years ago in New York after she had been hired to manage our Marketing Team. I was immediately impressed. She had such tremendous energy, intelligence, focus and sense of humor. That first week of getting the Marketing group together was a long one. We all worked hard and drafted plans of action. One night while we were there Cheryl and I went to Windows on the World to check out the Manhattan skyline. We spent hours drinking cosmopolitans and talking about ourselves, work, etc. That was when I knew she wasn't just going to be a great boss and mentor but a friend as well. Working with Cheryl was challenging. As ambitious and professional as Cheryl was she really cared about her team. She promoted us, set goals for us and helped us to achieve them. She also expected us to have fun - but you definitely had to do the work. Cheryl was one to speak her mind and she used to say 'you'll never get blindsided by me, you'll always see me coming.' She was in Portland, Oregon in July (2001) to attend my wedding. I was excited for her to see Portland and I gave her the scoop about the great sites to see and great restaurants to try. When I asked her what she had done she said once she Found Saks she couldn't find her way back. She laughed her wonderful laugh and said 'I loaded up - they were having a huge sale.' The last conversation we had was Monday September 10th. One week prior to a major product launch. You would have thought we would have only discussed work - which we briefly did - but we spent about 20 minutes talking about situations going on in our families. Cheryl was like that. Just when you thougth she was all business you realized she kept a great perspective on what was really important in life. So what do I remember about Cheryl? She loved her family intensely. She talked about them all the time and I know one of the reasons she moved to New York was to be closer to them. She loved her friends and it's clear that her friends loved her. It seemed she was always traveling to California or somplace to attend a wedding or to spend long weekends visiting friends. I will remember her laugh - which I still hear - her calling me 'kiddo,' her style, her intelligence (man was she smart), her guts and her heart. The world was and is a better place because Cheryl was a part of it. I am honored to have worked with her and to have called her my friend.

Cheryl and I met in California and she was a great influence to me in making life decisions. I always called her my lucky charm because good things happened when she was around. She was the strength that allowed me to make changes in my life which included moving to Chicago- for awhile I thought she would join me. Instead she found the opportunity at Marsh in NY. Every time I went out with Cheryl we met new people. She lit up a room. I met my fiance one night in Chicago when Cheryl was visiting. I truly believe she brought us together. She is truly my lucky charm and will always be in our hearts and prayers. She will be a special part of our wedding day. I know she will be with us. I miss her very much.

After starting out together at Universal in the 1980's, through all of life's trials and tribulations, joys and rewards, from California to New York, ending with our both working at Marsh, we've been colleagues and friends for many years. Cheryl has been the most positive and upbeat person I've ever had the pleasure to know, and she certainly inspired all around her. I think of her with a smile on my face and a hole in my heart. We love you, Cheryl.

I have known Cheryl since 1986. She was the best friend anyone could have ever asked for. She was such a positive person and always saw the glass half-full. I miss her every day, especially that wonderful laugh. I feel like a part of her will always be with me.

Cheryl was a dear friend to me and my wife Martha and to our children. As such she was very much a member of our family. She helped me personally in many ways over the years through her insight and positive, active approach to life. I can still hear her unique, warm and enthusiastic laughter every time I think of her. As my daughter says: If you look up in the night sky...Cheryl is a star that will forever shine brightly on us all.

Cheryl and I moved to California together in 1985 and established an incredible friendship that will be with me forever. She was another member of my family and a wonderful source of warmth, inspiration, commaraderie,fun, and love. Cheryl brought a pure, positive energy to everything she did. She wasted no time and made the most of every situation. I miss her everyday. As my daughter, Caroline says, 'Mommy, Cheryl is still with us. She will be in your heart forever.'

Cheryl was a spark of light. The room lit up when Cheryl entered it. She was energetic, intuitive, intelligent and a good friend. I have known Cheryl since the mid 80's and always enjoyed her humor, even in times of turmoil. My family and I will miss her quick smile and enthusiasm. But somehow, I feel like she's still with me. I know she will always live in my heart.