Diane Simmons 9/11/01

I have the honor of paying tribute to Diane Simmons. Both she and her husband of 19 years George were killed on 9/11 on American Airlines Flight 77. Wow they had a lot of friends and were very loved by friends and family.
Here are some messages and memories that I found to them both on legacy.com.... so sad reading how much they are missed. Great, great people.
Diane miss you and George today and everyday. Think of you every single day thanks for being my big sister, love and miss you. Freddy Helm, Kew Gardens, New York
Diane and George had a unique ability to always make you feel at home, when you were with them. No matter where that was. They had initiated a yearly family gathering in 1992 at Rehoboth Beach at Easter time, that continues today. It is because of this gathering that Trish and I had decided to retire in that area. We try to emulate ourselves after them by continuing to share their legacy, by keeping the family traditions alive and well. Thanks to you and George for the love that you gave. We miss you both. Andy Ficarella, Lewes, Delaware
Thinking of you and George a lot these days. Sure do miss you guys. Andy & I had house built down in Lewes, Delaware the town next to Rehoboth. We'll be retiring there next year when Andy turns 55. If it wasn't for you and George we would not have known about this great Southern Delaware community. Wish you were here to enjoy this time with us. Love & miss you,
Tricia Ficarella, Massapequa Park, New York
Well Diane another birthday today for you and my 60th was two weeks ago I wish you and George were still here to celebrate with me I miss you guys today and think about you everyday. I had a hard time dealing with that awful day 9/11 but things have gotten better after talking about it in therapy, you know me never could handle loss. Thanks for being my big sister and never giving up on me, even when times were not going good for me and I was ready to give up on myself. They are building a national memorial at the WTC site with all the names of people lost on 9/11 you guys will be remembered always.LOVE FREDDY
Freddy Helm, Kew Gardens, New York
Ken and I were in Napa Valley CA on 9-11. We picked a restaurant we knew Diane and George would love and had a champagne toast to honor them. They were truly two of the finest people we have known. Marcie Reinertson, Johnson City, Tennessee
can't believe it has been 6 years....it all still seems so real. I was going thru old pictures for Dad to put in a collage frame and came across quite a few of you. Pictures with Mom at our house, her wedding shower just family get togethers. As always you were smiling....I don't ever remember you not having a smile on your face. It was hard moving away from family and losing touch as I did. Although I will always have fond memories of spending time with you I feel a great sense of loss! I think of you often and back to days of yesteryear and smile. As always you are loved...
Kathleen Lewis (aka McMahon), Eugene, Oregon
It's so hard to get through each and every day without you but even harder today on the 6th anniversary.We miss you and all you meant to our family. Life does go on but it's not the same without you to enjoy it with. Miss you so much. Tricia Ficarella, Massapequa Park
cannot believe it's been six years. I still think of you and George often and I still ask myself what you would do when faced with difficult decisions. I am expecting my first baby at the end of October. I hope I can instill the same values and powers of positive thinking that you have in me. I miss you both deeply. Melinda Schnur, Falls Church, Virginia

Ruben Ornedo 9/11/01

I have the honor of paying tribute to Ruben Ornedo. Ruben was 39 years old on 9/11. He was a passenger on American Airlines Flight 77. He lived in Los Angeles with his wife of one year. She was pregnant on 9/11. Ruben worked for Boeing and was an Engineer. I found this essay written by Ruben's wife Sheila, is touching and heartbreaking. I'm so sorry you lost him.

Sheila Ornedo wrote this essay on Dec. 10, 2001. She planned to submit it to the Salt Lake Organizing Committee, seeking to carry the Olympic torch in memory of her husband, Ruben. Before she could submit the text, she was invited by the committee to participate in the relay as one of the 11,500-plus Torchbearers. Below is an excerpt of her words:
The tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, drastically changed my life forever. I lost one of the most important people in my life. On that day, my husband Ruben Ornedo boarded the ill fated [American Airlines] Flight 77 that crashed into the Pentagon. Yes, my husband, along with many others, was a victim of terrorism. There is no doubt in my mind that my husband and the other victims are heroes. They all died for our freedom. The men who took their lives wanted to sabotage our freedom. They detested our freedom and peace and did not understand the meaning of the word "tolerance." ...
As the days move on, people come to tell me what a kind and loving person Ruben was. I knew how special he was. As his wife, I experienced firsthand his love and dedication to his family. When my health and the health of our yet-to-be-born baby were at risk, he stayed by my side night and day. He never complained about any inconveniences. His main concern was for me to get well and to save our baby. ...
Ruben was not just a loving and dedicated husband, he was a very caring and compassionate son. One touching story is that when his mother became terminally ill with cancer, Ruben took it upon himself to take care of her and try to ease her pain. He did not want to leave his mother's side [and stayed with her] as much as possible. He slept on the hard wood floor of his mom's bedroom just to be with her. Although he knew it was a losing battle, Ruben never complained. He just did the best he could. ...
As I ponder all these wonderful accounts and memories of Ruben, I become more resolved to tackle and fight back against the blows of this tragedy. My husband, who was a kind, wonderful and selfless human being, has given me the courage and strength to move on with my life and take care of our baby and the people he loved. Ruben was a very strong man—not just physically, but also in his convictions. He was a pacifist. His belief was to stand firmly for your rights, but persuade gently with words and not with violence.
Ruben is truly my inspiration. Even though he is no longer with me physically, I still feel the security and comfort he gave me. Again, the events of Sept. 11 have changed my life forever. But my husband Ruben has inspired me to continue his legacy of kindness and peace. We must believe in tolerance and compassion for one another. This was his belief. I hope someday that everyone, all nations, and all people will feel this way. I would like to tell my daughter someday that her father was truly a hero and an inspiration to all whose lives were touched by him.
—Sheila Marie G.

Here are some memories and messages left to Ruben and his family from strangers and friends...

A prayer to the Orneado family. Rubin lived the American dream in liberty and peace and his sacrifice is remembered on this day.
Steve Gasparotto, Hawthorne, California

Ruben and I played basketball together at the Westside YMCA in Los Angeles. He was a real competitor and a gentleman at all times. My thoughts to his family and love ones.
Jonnie Hargis, Pacific Palisades, California

I miss you. Robin is growing to up to be such a smart and beautiful girl. You should be proud. =)
Tiffany Ornedo, Carson, California

May God bless you and your family. Your seat at the Mariposa Ave. Starbucks is still reserved for you... Flash, Northern VA

Rest in Peace Ruben, Know you will never be forgotten.
Proud American

Karen Kincaid 9/11/01

I have the honor of paying tribute to Karen Kincaid. Karen was 40 years old on 9/11. She was a passenger on American Airlines Flight 77. She was married to Peter Batacan and she was a Lawyer in Washington DC. From Karen's brother I found these words to describe her:

Hardworking. Industrious.
"This bashful, shy kind of girl really blossomed," Kincaid said, "really did well professionally."
Kincaid-Batacan, a graduate of Central College and Drake Law School worked as an intern for Sen. Charles Grassley and later as a clerk in the Iowa Supreme Court. In Washington, D.C., she served as an attorney for the Federal Communications Commission and later entered private practice in communications law for Wiley Rein and Fielding in Washington, D.C. She was a new adjunct professor at Catholic University's Columbus School of Law.

A quote that was said to be a favorite of Karen's was read at her memorial: “Life is short, and we do not have too much time to gladden the hearts of those who travel the way with us. So be swift to love, and make haste to be kind, and the peace of God will be always with you.”

Below are messages left both for and about Karen by friends and strangers on Legacy.com. She is loved and missed..... I'm sorry.

It has been another year....I will never forget...and as long as this is here...every year I will write to give remembrance. My heart to Karen's family..God Bless...
Robin Ketchum, Des Moines, Iowa

To Karen's family: I enjoyed meeting Karen at Wiley. She was a very kind person to the junior attorneys. I think of her every 9/11.
Former Wiley Associate, Washington, District of Columbia

To Karen's Family: We will never forget Karen. Her name and memory carry on each and every day at our firm as we all remember her and her shining smile.
Debbie Jones (Wiley Rein), Washington, District of Columbia

I went to high school at WSR in Waverly, Iowa and church with Karen. We had so much fun in both. I think about her often and miss her. She has been and is always in my prayers. I miss you Karen and god bless.Your long time school and church buddy.
Kim Eveland, Overland Park, Kansas

A day doesn't go by that I don't say a prayer for you, Karen. You touched my family's life in so many ways. The world has been a sadder place since you were taken from us. To Peter, I ask that God give you the strength to carry on without your wonderful Karen. All my love, Joe Cesaitis Columbia, Maryland

To my dear friend, Karen: I miss you in my life. You were not only my friend, you were part of my family. I live with a hole in my heart, but I am trying very hard to live the way you showed me, with love, compassion, and an infinite capacity to forgive. I'm coming up short, Karen, but I'm trying. Know that I love you, that I will forever keep you with me, and I pray for Peter and your brothers and sisters every day. Love always, Maureen Ellicott City, Maryland

I long to hear your voice, see your smile and hear your infectious laughter. I love you and miss you, my sister. Kay Damico, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Karen was my sister. Such good childhood memories fill my heart - times of laughter and playing Matt Dillion and Miss Kitty, or swing on the porch swing at 404 2nd St., our childhood home. Karen was a shy child - but grew up into a powerful and most accomplished lawyer, though she would never say so. Her values never changed - for she carried them in her heart. Farewell, my dear sister, I say, but only for a little time. I will see you in the heavenly mansions, never to be separated again. You taught me much. I love you. Kris Kincaid, Dubuque, IA

On the morning of September 11th, I lost a better part of me. The hole in my heart is crippling. I love you and miss you Karen. Oh, to touch your hand or hear your voice. Karyl Kincaid-Noel,
Waverly, Iowa