Queen Elizabeth II September 11 Memorial Garden
Conseleya 9/11 Memorial
Dewitt 9/11 Memorial
Montclair State University 9/11 Memorial
East Newark 9/11 Memorial
Fair Haven 9/11 Memorial
Freehold Township 9/11 Living Memorial Tree Grove
Crescent Beach Park - Flagpole/Memorial for 9/11 Victims
Garrison Elementary School American Patriot Garden
Raised in Bensonhurst, [a section of Brooklyn, New York City, ed.] Gilly was a cheerleader at Lafayette High School and always had “an effervescent personality,” her mother said. She went to Kingsborough Community College for two years before joining Tower Airlines, which is now defunct.
“She saw places you could never even think of,” her mother said.
Gilly spent nine years traveling to far-flung destinations such as Kuwait, Russia and Thailand. One of her favorite places was Israel, where she could lie on the beach, Fribourg said.
At one point, Gilly lived in Jakarta, Indonesia, for three months to work strictly on flights ferrying Muslims there on a holy pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
Gilly lived in Bay Ridge with her two cats. She often went out with the young staff at Cantor, usually on Thursday nights and often to Windows on the World, the restaurant on the 107th floor of Tower One.
And she always relished her times at the shore. There, Gilly would always cap a day in the sun with a night at the bars and clubs. Gilly and her two good friends – Fribourg and Danielle Hoffman – knew everybody, and rarely had to pay for anything, especially at Jenkinson’s, their favorite nightclub, they said.
Hoffman said she calls on Gilly’s constant optimism and happiness to get past some of the sadness of losing her.
“She had such a positive outlook. If you were worried about something stupid, she’d say, ‘Just get over it.'” Hoffman said. “She’d say, ‘I have a choice to be happy or not, and I am going to choose to be happy.'”
Steven Kretytak of Newsday
New York Times Portraits of Grief
For nine years, Laura Gilly traveled the world, all expenses paid; a perk from her life as a flight attendant. She saw Paris, she saw Rome, indulged in the exotic sights and sounds of Egypt, Jakarta and Kuwait.
But the thrill of being up in the air, away from family and friends eventually subsided. Ms. Gilly wanted out of her job with Tower Airlines. "She wanted a 9-to-5, so she could make plans without breaking them," said Phyllis Gilly, her mother. "So many times she wasn't home for Christmas or New Year's. She was really looking forward to stability."
And 16 months ago, she found it in a job working in technical support for Cantor Fitzgerald. Life was finally sweet and somewhat predictable, and Ms. Gilly, 32, was enjoying every minute of it, her mother said, recalling a phone conversation she had with her daughter weeks before Sept. 11.
The joy Mrs. Gilly heard in her daughter's voice has made it all the more difficult accepting the irony of her death. "We spent so much time worrying about her flying here and there, and to have her go like this: killed by a plane as she sat in an office building. All she wanted was a real job at a desk in a building."
The day itself is etched in
The day itself is etched in my soul forever. To know of the incredible loss of Laura to you and your family is so terribly painful that all I can do is think of you on this day especially and remember you in my heart always. I wish I knew her as an adult and not just as a child. The pictures of her and everything else help me to get just a glimpse of her life. You had the wonderful benefit of having her in your life and the unfathomable pain of her loss. I wish you strength in your daily life to laugh remember and carry her with you forever. With great affection, from my heart to yours.....Sheila
Posted by Sheila Jacobs
I only met Laura a few times
I only met Laura a few times but she made quite an impression on me. She was a beautiful young woman who literally had the whole world at her fingertips.
Posted by Carole Grossman
Today 9/11 was very sad to
Today 9/11 was very sad to think that Laura is not with us. She had a bright, charming personality and we'll always remember her.
Posted by Janet & Arnie Bron
always sweet, always kind,
always sweet, always kind, always lovely, you will never be forgotten
Posted by Marty & Marian Perlman
Dear Laura.....
Dear Laura.....
Can hardly believe that 8 years have gone by since Laura was taken from us. It seems like forever, and yet, I can clearly remember her wonderful smile, upbeat personality and especially fun conversations we had while doing our laundry or running into her in the building. Laura was a delightful neighbor and a joy to know. We will always remember her fondly. May her wonderful soul rest in peace.
In loving memory
Juliana and Hank
Posted by Juliana Heerskovitz
I will never forget you.
I will never forget you. When we were children You were he light in my darkness when i was lost. I remember the first time we met across the street from John Dewey H.S. Your life was a great loss to this world. At times I think of my childhood and how you are responsible for all my success. I will never forget you!
Published by John Soltys
My family and I visited the 9
My family and I visited the 9/11 memorial today from Ohio. Very moving... I randomly remembered one if the first names I saw and planned on looking up that persons name later to hear his/her story. Laura Gilly was randomly the first name I saw.... Prayers for her and her loved ones. Her memory is never forgotten....
Posted by Erin Dodds
I will never forget you Laura
I will never forget you Laura Gilly.
Posted by Michael Rambus
You will never be forgotten.
You will never be forgotten. Luv and miss you always!
Posted by Lori Sicker
We met 12 years ago in June
We met 12 years ago in June 2001. I am so happy that Jen & I rented the house down the shore next to Laura, Phyllis & Danielle. We became friends. We had a WONDERFUL summer. The summer right before 911. We all called Laura s cell phone that day and kept calling...she did not answer. I remember you Laura and all others who lost their lives. I think about your family and friends. My thoughts today on 9/11/2013. Never forgotten. xo
Posted by Maureen
Posted by Maureen
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