Chapelle Renee Sarker WTC
The following tribute was originally published at http://buitengewoon.web-log.nl/buitengewoon/2006/09/_chapelle_renee.html but is now defunct. I am reproducing it here so that the thoughts expressed are not lost:
[Start of Original Article]:
I joined the 2996 memorial, a tribute to the 9-11 victims.
Each person pays a tribute to a single victim.
Not for political reasons, but to give a face to someone who died among thousands of others.
Some people left lots of traces on internet.
But I couldn't find very much on Chapelle Sarker.
At first I thought I'd made a huge mistake in joining.
I'm not american, my main language isn't even english and I have a limited vocabulary, and there is so much murdering going on in this world and so many people are forgotten by almost all people in the world, that it felt as injustice to search for one person and leave all others unnoticed.
The deep sadness that followed from realising that through the ages and even at this very moment people are killed for all sorts of reasons was almost laming.
Then everything was brought into perspective again.
My own little two daughters who died some years ago, just by the force of nature, are forgotten by almost everybody.
But their memories are still warm in my heart, as are the memories of Chapelle Sarker and all those others that are in death with her, that are in the hearts of their families and friends.
On internet I found some caring, touching messages to her and the people who were left behind.
They nested in my feelings and from there a picture of Chapelle emerged.
Chapelle was born september 28, 1963, in New York. In Brooklyn.
(which was founded by Dutch traders in 1646)
She was the first born daughter of Roderick D. Stewart and Dorothy R. Stewart Belcher, and received the names:
Chapelle Renee Stewart
Her little feet made many steps in Queens Village and Brentwood, New York.
Chapelle was a drama student and cheerleader at Flushing High School, where she graduated in 1982.
She was a beloved daughter, family member, and friend.
Those who knew her, respected her.
She was a caring person.
A family member called her "A spectacular, spirited woman".
People who worked with her remembered that she was always friendly. She had an eye for everyone. Greeting. Giving little presents from the heart.
The picture of Chapelle that developed during the time before writing this, was of a very lifely woman, with a warm heart and an open eye for those around her.
And she not only was a New Yorker, she enjoyed New York.
Other favorite hobbies were travelling and sports.
She became a computer consultant and married to Donald Sarker.
They had no children.
Chapelle worked at the 98th level of the North Tower.
Maybe she was overhearing a call from a collegue, who just told her husband that she might be pregnant.
Maybe she was greeting someone, or talking friendly with a client.
The plain struck at almost the exact place she was working.
With her more than 70 collegues of the same firm died.
Like Chapelle was part of her living world, she was part of those who lost their lives at one moment in time.
Somewhere photo's of her life are carefully kept and cherished.
Wonderful memories and sadness will go together when people think of her.
A little bear is special, because it's a memory of the love she had for the people around her.
My thoughts on this special days are for all those who have known this special person.
She has found a special place in my heart and family and she will always be part of our lives.