Marsh McLennan Companies Memorial: Tributes

Leah Oliver

Family Tribute:A Dad’s Brief Remembrance of His Daughter

For Leah Oliver, by Walter Oliver, 10/20/2001

Of all the people in the world I could quote at a time like this, I am most moved by the words of comedienne Gilda Radner, taken from us early by cancer, who said 'I wanted a perfect ending. Now I’ve learned the hard way that some poems don’t rhyme and some stories don’t have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it without knowing what is going to happen next.'

Life is about not knowing. Surely the last few weeks have proved that to all of us. But bringing Leah into this world is one thing I know for certain I’ve done absolutely right in my life. I love all my children equally, and I’m equally proud of each of them. Leah was just that little bit special because she was my first. As oldest children often do, Leah marched through life with a sense of purpose, determined to be successful. And she exceeded my expectations all along the way.

Despite this determination and her young age, she stopped frequently to look around her and enjoy what God’s earth had to offer. She brightened everyone’s life with a heart full of genuine concern, an ear always willing to listen, a hand ready to help, a cute little wink and the most beautiful smile in the world. She loved life, and she loved us all.

Leah was like me in many ways and we understood each other. Sometimes I thought to myself 'how awful for her', but more often I reveled in it. Oh, she could be cranky now and then, like her dad, but no one who knew her needs to be told that she was a warm, kind and sensitive person. I hope her dad had something to do with that, too.

For a time we shared one of my passions - motorcycling. We’d head out on beautiful Sunday mornings to tour the countryside of northeastern New Jersey and up into New York State. We had an intercom on the bike that allowed us to share our thoughts about the ride as we passed interesting things along the way. We both enjoyed the way motorcycling or even driving a convertible with the top down can make you a more active participant in the modern mechanical world - closer to the smells and textures of the outdoors. We felt so free. She was a wonderful passenger and it was always my pleasure to have her along - on the road, as well as in my life.

I am filled with sorrow at having lost my daughter. Grief recedes with time and grace, but we will never forget all the possibilities and hopes we had for Leah that are left unrealized. Part of my soul has been ripped away from me, and I will never be the same.

We had several jokes between us, but the one I enjoyed most went like this: 'Leah, did you know you were my favorite daughter?' And she would always reply, 'but Dad, I’m your only daughter.'

Leah, you will always be my only daughter - frozen in time one day before your 25th birthday.

I know that you have passed into a better world. And I pray that someday, we will tour the wonders of that world together.

For Leah

(by our friend Dennis Kleinman)

Beautiful, right from the startA sparkle deep in dark, dark eyesSmart, oh my yes, very smartAn open heart turned 'smart' to 'wise'Even Time, the friend of fewBlessed her with each passing yearAnd increased all that was good and trueMade dearer what we held so dearThere are no words, although one triesTo recreate what now is goneA sparkle deep in dark, dark eyesThat in memory sparkles on.

Leah,We had reservations at the Marriott in Brooklyn to be together Columbus weekend.Now we can only be together in spirit.We were to visit the city you loved so much. 'Mom' you would say, 'I am so happy, Eric Costa is so awesome'. We were to visit Brooklyn Heights and the apartment you made your home.'Mom I want to take you to see where I work at the WTC. The view is unbelievable. I am so happy with my employers and colleagues.' She said.Leah you were on top of the world in life and now in spirit.Leah you gave the nicest gifts, love, beauty, and joy.You are the kind of daughter every parent dreams of having.We are so proud of you.With your energy you filled those around you with life and joy.Leah you are forever with us for we carry your heart in our hearts.Leah we love you and we miss you.Until we meet again.MomLeah,You were taken from us too soon So many dreams, so many plans, so much still left to do Now you will have them with GodYou’ve made such an impact on your family and friendsI am sure you will continue to be just as amazingYou could light up a room with your smile Now it lights up the sky aboveYour unique laughter, so much laughterNow you laugh with angelsI learned many things from youThe joy of givingThe true meaning of beautyMom’s success story A precious treasure she will hold dear to her heart with much prideA flame has gone out for all of usYour flame burns eternallyYou were my angel on earthNow you are my angel in HeavenWe will love you, remember you and miss you as long as we liveGood night my love, look for me.Aunty P To Leah,There are so many little things I shall never forget about you, from little greasy fingerprints on cocktail table tops, to that broad mischievious smile that quickly turned into a grin, to a serious pensive ear that grasped and understood all that was in my heart and soul. These little simple things I shall never forget about you.I watched you grow in years filled with joy and wonder. I saw you blossom into a beautiful young lady in the prime of her life. I was a witness to your many worldly achievements. I knew about your dreams, your joys and your disappointments. I shared many of your joys and some of your sadder moments.Leah, do you know how proud I am of you? From Columbia unerversity to the WTC, you led a charmed life. You were making the right choices and going to all the right places. Your life may have been short but it was a life well lived. Your life brought joy to all you touched.Yes Leah you worked hard, you partied hard, but most important of all you loved much. The love in your heart didn't know any limitations. You loved life. You loved your family. You loved your friends. You loved your fellow man. You loved your work. You loved our planet and all that was in it. In your subtle and unobstrusive way you showed me how to live my life.You are now with God and forever in my heart.'Til we embrace again, I Love You!Uncle Joe

Leah,

We had reservations at the Marriott in Brooklyn to be together Columbus weekend.

Now we can only be together in spirit.

We were to visit the city you loved so much.

'Mom' you would say, 'I am so happy, Eric Costa is so awesome'. We were to visit Brooklyn Heights and the apartment you made your home.

'Mom I want to take you to see where I work at the WTC. The view is unbelievable. I am so happy with my employers and colleagues.' She said.

Leah you were on top of the world in life and now in spirit.

Leah you gave the nicest gifts, love, beauty, and joy.

You are the kind of daughter every parent dreams of having.

We are so proud of you.

With your energy you filled those around you with life and joy.

Leah you are forever with us for we carry your heart in our hearts.

Leah we love you and we miss you.

Until we meet again.

Mom

Leah,You were taken from us too soon So many dreams, so many plans, so much still left to do Now you will have them with GodYou’ve made such an impact on your family and friendsI am sure you will continue to be just as amazingYou could light up a room with your smile Now it lights up the sky aboveYour unique laughter, so much laughterNow you laugh with angelsI learned many things from youThe joy of givingThe true meaning of beautyMom’s success story A precious treasure she will hold dear to her heart with much prideA flame has gone out for all of usYour flame burns eternallyYou were my angel on earthNow you are my angel in HeavenWe will love you, remember you and miss you as long as we liveGood night my love, look for me.Aunty P To Leah,There are so many little things I shall never forget about you, from little greasy fingerprints on cocktail table tops, to that broad mischievious smile that quickly turned into a grin, to a serious pensive ear that grasped and understood all that was in my heart and soul. These little simple things I shall never forget about you.I watched you grow in years filled with joy and wonder. I saw you blossom into a beautiful young lady in the prime of her life. I was a witness to your many worldly achievements. I knew about your dreams, your joys and your disappointments. I shared many of your joys and some of your sadder moments.Leah, do you know how proud I am of you? From Columbia unerversity to the WTC, you led a charmed life. You were making the right choices and going to all the right places. Your life may have been short but it was a life well lived. Your life brought joy to all you touched.Yes Leah you worked hard, you partied hard, but most important of all you loved much. The love in your heart didn't know any limitations. You loved life. You loved your family. You loved your friends. You loved your fellow man. You loved your work. You loved our planet and all that was in it. In your subtle and unobstrusive way you showed me how to live my life.You are now with God and forever in my heart.'Til we embrace again, I Love You!Uncle Joe

Leah,

You were taken from us too soon

So many dreams, so many plans, so much still left to do

Now you will have them with God

You’ve made such an impact on your family and friends

I am sure you will continue to be just as amazing

You could light up a room with your smile

Now it lights up the sky above

Your unique laughter, so much laughter

Now you laugh with angels

I learned many things from you

The joy of giving

The true meaning of beauty

Mom’s success story

A precious treasure she will hold dear to her heart with much pride

A flame has gone out for all of us

Your flame burns eternally

You were my angel on earth

Now you are my angel in Heaven

We will love you, remember you and miss you as long as we live

Good night my love, look for me.

Aunty P

To Leah,There are so many little things I shall never forget about you, from little greasy fingerprints on cocktail table tops, to that broad mischievious smile that quickly turned into a grin, to a serious pensive ear that grasped and understood all that was in my heart and soul. These little simple things I shall never forget about you.I watched you grow in years filled with joy and wonder. I saw you blossom into a beautiful young lady in the prime of her life. I was a witness to your many worldly achievements. I knew about your dreams, your joys and your disappointments. I shared many of your joys and some of your sadder moments.Leah, do you know how proud I am of you? From Columbia unerversity to the WTC, you led a charmed life. You were making the right choices and going to all the right places. Your life may have been short but it was a life well lived. Your life brought joy to all you touched.Yes Leah you worked hard, you partied hard, but most important of all you loved much. The love in your heart didn't know any limitations. You loved life. You loved your family. You loved your friends. You loved your fellow man. You loved your work. You loved our planet and all that was in it. In your subtle and unobstrusive way you showed me how to live my life.You are now with God and forever in my heart.'Til we embrace again, I Love You!Uncle Joe

To Leah,

There are so many little things I shall never forget about you, from little greasy fingerprints on cocktail table tops, to that broad mischievious smile that quickly turned into a grin, to a serious pensive ear that grasped and understood all that was in my heart and soul.

These little simple things I shall never forget about you.

I watched you grow in years filled with joy and wonder.

I saw you blossom into a beautiful young lady in the prime of her life. I was a witness to your many worldly achievements. I knew about your dreams, your joys and your disappointments. I shared many of your joys and some of your sadder moments.

Leah, do you know how proud I am of you? From Columbia unerversity to the WTC, you led a charmed life. You were making the right choices and going to all the right places. Your life may have been short but it was a life well lived. Your life brought joy to all you touched.

Yes Leah you worked hard, you partied hard, but most important of all you loved much. The love in your heart didn't know any limitations. You loved life. You loved your family. You loved your friends. You loved your fellow man. You loved your work. You loved our planet and all that was in it. In your subtle and unobstrusive way you showed me how to live my life.

You are now with God and forever in my heart.

'Til we embrace again, I Love You!

Uncle Joe

Add Your Tribute

Tributes

Thinking of you...

Nagesh A, Colleague

Sep 11 2024 2:05PM

You are in my thoughts and prayers...so often. I sat in the back of the church during your memorial service, listening to all of the beautiful remembrances of you. I had promised myself I would introduce myself to your family, but I felt responsible for what happened to you, and I did not have the courage. Jeff and I were responsible for hiring you. We saw so much promise in you. I have felt some level of guilt about the loss your family felt and still feels. But as I re-read the beautiful words, I know that you were so well loved, because everyone you knew saw beauty and promise in you. I am sorry you are gone, but so glad for the influence you had during your way too short time on this earth. You were a blessing to many

Bob H, Colleague

Sep 11 2019 11:59AM

Leah, You will never be forgotten. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers today.

Breda Keating, Colleague

Sep 11 2013 2:30PM

We met when I was 8 and you were 10 you are such a wonderfully person , Me and Darren loved spending time with you guys it made are summerx You were are American friendsx and all ways will be x David&Darren; Xxx

David Norris, Friend

Sep 11 2011 12:24AM

Leah and the Oliver family are in my thoughts and heart this morning as the news of Osama bin Laden's death is being broadcast. I knew Leah when she was a child, bright, sunny, and filled with such potential. Her cousin, Patrick, is also in my thoughts this morning. Patrick died in Iraq, a young Marine who wanted to respond to her tragic death by joining the war on terror. The Olivers have given so much, too much. All my love, Priscilla Bates

Priscilla Bates, Friend

May 2 2011 7:06AM

Leah, I still remember your first day of work after college at Cambridge. You were both excited and a little nervous about entering this new stage of your life (I too was a little nervous because I was going through a career change). While attending our orientation session up in Boston I whisper to another colleage that I thought you were just the perfect person very beautiful, very intelligent and such a nice person. I always enjoyed our conversations and I still miss your smile. I still remember you giving me a ride from Bridgewater (where Cambridge had an office) to the Newark train station (in your father's car, I think it was a Saab)so that I could get back to nyc at an early time. I often think about you and I just think you are the greatest. You will always be loved and never forgotten. Mike Rucker

mike rucker, Friend

Jan 13 2011 4:28PM

I remember crying for not anyone i personally knew, I was devastated with grieve at such a tragic loss for so many, I cried so much that night my husband had to shut off the tv and comfort me, that night i had a dream of Leah oliver. Never met her never knew her or any of her aquaintances. A dream I will never forget , She was guiding me clearly in New York. up a very long ladder into the clouds. She was running excitedly as if in mischief. all the while telling me no matter what happens it will be alright , she continued to climb and I was left there looking up. I live in new bedford. Never had met this beautiful angel. and still to this day for whatever reason think of her. Today she was memorialized under a friends facebook, Leah your parents were blessed with a beautiful daughter, Your message that no matter what happens it will be alright, because eventually we all end up in a better place with God by our side. Give my dad a hug

grace gibbs, Colleague

Sep 11 2010 4:18PM

Leah, beautiful, beautiful girl, miss you deeply still, God bless

Kathy P, Friend

Sep 11 2010 1:01PM

First of all my deepest condolences...I do not know you all or your beautiful daughter. She seemed like a person that was just as pretty on the inside as out. I just stumbled on this site...I think it was Gods plan I just lost my sister tragically(murder) and your story has been so inspiring...I will keep you all in my prayers..thanks again for giving people courage by sharing your story...

Barbara Martin, Friend

Jul 12 2010 11:25PM

Leah, You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers today. Breda Keating

Breda Keating, Colleague

Sep 11 2009 5:38PM

I am in utter shock at this time. Leah was my first true best friend. She grew up down the street from me until her family moved away. The Oliver's would come to visit East Brunswick and Leah and I would visit again with each other. We lost touch with time but I have never forgotten her. I have spoken very highly of Leah to my family and anyone else that has come to be in my life. I have just learned of this beautiful life coming to an end. Leah will always be in my heart and soul, along with my prayers. To the family, I am so sorry.

Erin Cairns, Friend

Jul 1 2009 10:49AM

Still in our thoughts.

carl clark, Friend

Dec 9 2008 5:05PM

Leah, Its been seven years since that horrible day. I still remember it like it was yesterday. I miss you more and more everyday. I don't think it get easier. The day Christian and I got married I know you and Patrick were there with us. It was the perfect wedding day and I know my two cousins had something to do with that. HAPPY early BIRTHDAY. I will be thinking about you tomorrow on your birthday. Love you and miss you always. Your cuz!

Liz, Family

Sep 11 2008 7:16AM

Our 10-year college reunion is coming up. I was just thinking how I won't see her there. We still miss you, Leah.

Nate Strauss, Friend

Feb 21 2008 12:04PM

Your tributes from your family made me cry. Yes, while sitting at my desk here at work at Marsh MMC in Iowa. I didn't know you, of course. I wasn't even working for Marsh at the time you left this earth. But in some strange way, we have that connection. I know you're okay now...I will pray for your family and friends and know that God will take care of them, too. Until we meet...

Val, Colleague

Sep 10 2007 5:18PM

Leah, I knew you in college. You always made me laugh. I know you made a lasting impression on everyone who met you. I was deeply angry when you were taken from this world and felt helpless when I went with our college friends to your memorial service. By the second anniversary of your death I was saluting the flag as an American soldier. This coming September will be the first time I won't be in uniform, which is a strange feeling. But even after all this time, I still feel angry and helpless when I think of what happened to you. I just wanted you to know that all throughout my time in the army I would stop occassionally and think about you. Remembering you would fill me with happiness when I reflected on your vibrant personality, and remind me why I enlisted in the first place when I reflected on your death. -Joe Macaluso

Joseph Macaluso, Friend

May 24 2007 8:45AM

Happy birthday, Leah. I have an old picture of a group of us at the West End, when we celebrated your 19th birthday. It's your wide smile that makes the picture. I miss you very much, Perdue, and I know that you are in heaven. I will never understand why you were taken and wish a million times over that I could change it. I believe, however, that you are with the angels, as you were one while here with us. You brought a smile to everyone's face. With love, John

John Fitzgibbons, Friend

Sep 12 2006 1:17PM

I can't believe it has been 5 years. I still think about Leah every day. I miss her so much. I will always love her and miss her. She and Patrick are together now...I know they are there to see all of the great things that are happning in our lives! She will always be in my heart and in my thoughts. You were an amazing person. Until we meet again....

Lizzy, your cousin

Sep 11 2006 4:16PM

Walter- Your tribute evokes the power of love for one daughter from one father, so another father and colleague might acknowledge you both. I am sure you will always be your daughter's favorite father. From a father and colleague at a sister company

Jonathan Baker, Colleague

Sep 11 2006 9:20AM

I never had the chance to meet Leah. I found this site completely by accident. I didn't know anyone that lost their life in what happened on 9/11. But reading about Leah and learning about her life made me unbearable sad. I've cried so much for her yet I didn't even know her. I hope I'm not out of place writing here. She was 24 years old when her life was taken from her. The same age I was at the time. She was unebelievably beautiful it would appear in every sense of the word. She had a bright future taken away from her. I really wish I could have known her..... Rupesh Patre (rupesh@patre.com), London, United Kingdom

Rupesh Patre, Friend

Aug 23 2006 4:37PM

I knew Leah back in high school... we met througha mutual friend when Leah was visiting her dad in NJ. We used to write to each other, and as happens sometimes we lost touch over the years... even though I hadn't seen or talked to Leah in about 10 years, I'll always remember her.

Tara, Friend

Aug 17 2006 1:10PM

I worked with Leah in 1999. Leah was a bright, attractive, and dedicated young lady who created quite a sensation among the young men (especially the Brits) in our little e-commerce startup. She brightened eveyone's day. As a father with children approaching Leah's age my heart goes out to her family. What a piercing loss.

Bob F, Colleague

May 25 2006 12:39AM

I miss you Leah. Every Septermber I wish you a Happy Birthday and i pray to you. I love you.

Katherine Graham, Family

Apr 10 2006 11:47AM

I remember watching tv on that all consumable day. I couldn't take my eyes off the news..I saw 2 (if my memory serves me)young ladies looking for there sister and had a sign up with Leah's name and picture and the company she worked for Marsh USA. A lot of things went through my mind because my sister works for the same company here is St Louis. Her name also a deep memory for me. I am a health care worker and my first pediatric death about 23 years ago was names Oliver too and for me to see that the name,my sister and just the tragedy of it all I just had to know more about that beautiful young lady with a generous smile.I never had the pleasure of meeting her but I promise I will never ever forget her..God Bless the lucky people who had that pleasure...Sheron Hedges

Sheron Hedges, Friend

Feb 19 2006 6:35PM

Leah was such a great friend. So charismatic a personality that everyone she knew incorporated Leah-isms into their day-to-day lexicon. I met Leah early her 1st year at Columbia and was blessed to be one of those touched by her endlessly fun and caring personality. I mean this kid... as a puny freshman at the head of the table at The 'Stend... leading games of 'Thumper' and berating 250 pound ex-football player seniors to drink. She had that certain something where she could just take over a room and get everybody on her team, laughing and joking around. Post-college, Leah was that friend that you loved to catch up with and who actually called you out-of-nowhere just when you realized that it had been too long since the last hang. She was a great listener and a great friend... be it whether I was overwhelmed by work or she was coming off of some relationship... she always had a way to really make you feel special. Hanging with Leah was totally theraputic. She was also that someone who you could count on to do wacky stuff with. I left NY in 1999 for a year in Israel... but saw her at my going-away party or just before... ended up meeting my wife... so looked forward to Leah meeting her. In June 2001, I moved back to NY. I remember that a few weeks before 9/11, she was supposed to come to some gathering. I don't even know if we talked... I think we just played phone tag... she couldn't make it. Had no idea that was the last time I'd hear from her. Ugh. Leah, I want you to know that we all still miss you and love you and think about you. Every 9/11 there is a memorial wall of candles at the Museum of Tolerance across from my place in LA, and every year I make sure that the Leah Oliver candle is there and it's lit (and when it isn't I make them make one and I light it). Look, 4 years later on some random night I end up finding myself Google-ing you. I agree with your Godfather that G-d wanted you so you could bring your love and joy to heaven. Your friend, Adam/Stu/Magilla

Adam Sinclair, Friend

Nov 21 2005 5:31AM

Leah, I remember you from the field hockey team in high school. Although I was younger than you and we didn't spend much time together outside of games and practice, you were always one of my favorite people. I admired your genuine character and was deeply saddened to hear of your passing. ~A

A, Friend

Sep 26 2005 8:21PM

Sur la web j'ai trouvè votre image et vous ètes devenue le visage de cette tragedie. Paix a toi. un inconnu

Requena françois, Friend

Sep 11 2005 4:58PM

Leah, I can remember freshman year at Columbia where we met. Our senior year, we lived together and we shared great memories together. I remember the last time we met for lunch on Wall Street, talking about the directions that our lives have taken, and also the paths that we were choosing. You inspired me to go after my dreams. Years later, I still think of you, and your family - knowing the pains that they suffered. I just want to let them know that they are not alone. Smile for me.

Augi, Friend

Jun 11 2005 10:48PM

My name too, is Leah Oliver. My maiden name is Marsh. My heart to this day, goes out to the family. On the anniversary date, when names are remembered, I listen for Leah's. I'm 51 years of age, older than your precious daughter. Although I am a stranger, my sincere compassion for friends and family is real.

Leah Oliver, Friend

Feb 22 2005 8:16PM

Leah, All my life I have looked up to you, you have been my inspiration. You always led a happy, positive life. You worked hard and had fun. Everything I do in my lifetime is dedicated to you. I graduate from college next year and I know you will be there to walk me through. You always told me how proud you were of me and I will hold that close to my heart when things are tough. I work hard because I know thats the way. You have showed me the way and I know you will continue to give me strength. I will always miss you and always love you. Until we meet again...

Liz, Family

May 11 2003 4:39PM

I just started working for Marsh about five months ago. Although I didn't know anyone who had perished on Sept 11, I am deeply sadden by it. I didn't know Leah but from reading her memorial I feel like I do. I would just like to say that everyone who has perished, their families and friends are all in my thoughts and prayers everyday.

Carrie Ogle, Colleague

Sep 11 2002 5:04PM

Leah, Just want to let you know that you're in my thoughts this week, and especially today. You were a person that when thought about, created a smile immediately in one's head. I hope you knew how rare that really is in this world. I know that you had found a truly happy life in NY and I am so happy that you were able to achieve that. I also know that anyone who's gotten the chance to have known you went away more blessed than before. On the lighter side, I was jogging yesterday here in SF and just thinking about you helped me go another mile..thanks for that, Leah. Miss you. - Eric, friend, 9/11/2002.

Eric Littell, Friend

Sep 11 2002 2:46PM

The world is a lonelier place without you, Leah. We will never forget you.

Former Co-worker, Colleague

Sep 11 2002 10:25AM

Not knowing Leah but having just read through her tributes I am left thinking what a remarkable lady! How lucky you all are to have known someone as beautiful as Leah.

michelle pridue, Colleague

Sep 11 2002 2:12AM

Leah, 'Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget.' - G. Randolf You were, and continue to be, a great friend. I miss you.

Parul, Friend

Sep 10 2002 2:14PM

LEAH OLIVER THE DAUGHTER I NEVER HAD. SHE BROUGHT SO MUCH JOY TO OUR LIVES. SHE WAS SMART,BEAUTIFUL,LOVING,CARING AND A PLEASURE TO BE WITH. SHE ALWAYS HAD NICE WORDS FOR EVERYONE. SHE WAS OUR PRINCESS. “GODFATHER” SHE WOULD SAY, “GOT A BASIC” “LET’S KICK IT UP A NOTCH”. WORDS I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER. SHE WAS ONLY ON THIS EARTH FOR 25 YEARS, BUT THOSE YEARS WERE SO PRECIOUS FOR ALL OF US. I DON’T KNOW WHY SHE HAD TO LEAVE US BUT I THINK GOD NEEDED HER WITH HIM SO SHE COULD BRING HER LOVE AND JOY TO HEAVEN. WE WILL MISS AND REMEMBER YOU ALWAYS AND FOREVER. I KNOW YOU ARE IN HEAVEN WITH MAC AND PAULINA AND WE WILL MEET AGAIN. SAVE ME A PLACE UP THERE AND MAYBE WE CAN KICK IT UP A NOTCH WHEN WE MEET. I LOVE YOU I MISS YOU AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU. GODFATHER

Godfather, Family

Aug 20 2002 8:35PM

Leah, Prima, Fonzang, It's been much too long since we last spoke as today marks a year since I've heard your voice. Even though we kept in contact through email since then, it was always wonderful to talk to you. I look back and regret not going with you to New York when you invited me, thinking there would always be another time. I never got the chance to tell you how proud I was of you, from obtaining several scholarships, to attending Colombia University and building a prominent life for yourself in New York. I sometimes pondered the thought of dancing with you on your wedding day, so happy and fulfilled with whomever was lucky enough to be with you. I imagined our kids playing together on family holidays, as we often did with our family. They would grow up together and become good friends and enjoy each company as I believe we did. The pattern has been shattered, and that I will never see you finish what you have only just started. You have completed so much in such a short span of time, one can only wonder what you would have achieved, given the chance that you so richly deserved. You will forever be frozen in time, remembered by those who loved you, encased in the beauty of a woman a day before her 25th birthday. You knew the balance of hard work and dedication by succeeding in your career, yet finding the time to be with your family and enjoy all they had to offer. There is a time and a place for everything and you seemed to know that better then anyone I have ever known. I may have been slightly older then you, but I have always looked up to you and everything you have achieved. I've always considered you like a sister to me, and will always cherish the discussions and times we shared together. When we do meet again, we'll kick it up a notch, till then, this shot of Soco is and will always be just for you. I love you now and miss you always. Your cousin, Bryan

Bryan, Family

Jun 15 2002 10:01PM

A Message of Appreciation - 09/19/2001 Leah and I grew up in Dartmouth, MA, a town of forty thousand, where we lived three blocks from each other and attended the same high school. I have been very close friends with several members of her family since childhood. But our paths never crossed in Dartmouth. Leah and I first met in this city of eight million soon after I moved here two years ago. We had so much in common, had similar goals and thought for sure that we were going to spend the rest of our days together. I can not begin to communicate the pain and grief that I, Leah's family, and so many others have been feeling since last Tuesday. The fact that her birthday was the following day and she was due to be traveling that day worsens the pain. However, I can tell you that the support that I and Leah's family have been receiving has been nothing short of amazing. I have not spent a minute alone since last Tuesday and have in fact been surrounded by several loved ones always. No less than five hundred members of our family and friends attended a prayer service in her memory this past Sunday followed by a ceremony in her honor where approximately ten thousand attended. I have received calls of support from family and friends from around the world. The support that I have received from Ramius has been especially touching. I could not imagine working with a better group of people. Your words of kindness, offerings of support and prayers have meant so much to me and will be with me all the days of my life. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Love Eric Costa

Eric Costa, Friend

May 14 2002 4:44PM

Leah, You were one of the few people who could always sense when another person was down and in need of a kind word. And you always had the right 'kind word' to say. Even without your great talents and charismatic personality, that ability alone made a great impact on others. We all miss you. An admiring colleague.

An Admiring Colleague, Colleague

May 6 2002 9:22AM