Connecticut Remembers Beverly Eckert

People across Connecticut were stunned by the death of Beverly Eckert, of Stamford, who was killed in a plane crash in Buffalo late Thursday.

She was well known for her fight for answers after her husband, Sean Rooney, died on Sept. 11, 2001 in the World Trade Center.


Sue Borque, Eckert’s sister

"We know she was on that plane and now she's with him," she told The Buffalo News.
 
 


President Barack Obama met with Eckert was at the White House last week during a meeting with relatives of those killed in the 2001 attacks and the bombing of the USS Cole to discuss how the new administration would handle terror suspects.

"She was an inspiration to me and to so many others, and I pray that her family finds peace and comfort in the hard days ahead," Obama said.


Gail Armondino, Eckert’s neighbor

“She was just the loveliest woman I ever knew. Her husband was fabulous. I don't know what else to say. I'm so shaken up from the whole thing," Armondino said.


Gov. M. Jodi Rell

Gov. M. Jodi Rell has ordered the flag at the 9-11 memorial on Sherwood Island in Westport to be lowered to half staff and that a rose be placed on the commemorative plaque in memory of Eckert.

“Beverly’s strength, passion and courage was – and will continue to be – an inspiration to us all,” Rell said. “Her advocacy following the 9/11 tragedies was compelling and effective. In her grief over the loss of her husband, she found a way to bring about public good. We felt this gesture at Sherwood Island would be a fitting tribute to Beverly. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family and friends.”
 


Sen. Joe Lieberman

Sen. Joe Lieberman met with Eckert several times about the 911 commission and intelligence legislation. He issued a statement Friday.

"I am deeply saddened by the terrible loss of life in the plane crash outside of Buffalo. This tragedy has taken the life of Beverly Eckert of Stamford who lost her husband in the attack on America on September 11, 2001,” Lieberman said. “I was privileged to work with Beverly in the creation of the 9/11 Commission. Beverly worked tirelessly to honor the memories of those who lost their lives on that day and now we should pay tribute to her. Hadassah's and my prayers and wishes are with Beverly's family and with all of those families who lost loved ones in this tragedy."


State Sen. Andrew J. McDonald, D-Stamford 

“Beverly was not just a constituent of mine, she was a friend and neighbor. From my home, I daily see the one she shared with Sean. While many knew Beverly as a passionate advocate for the families of 9/11 survivors in both Hartford and Washington, we in the Glenbrook section of Stamford knew her as a kind and wonderful neighbor. She will be dearly missed by all of us who admired her so much.”

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