Jennifer Wong

Jennifer Y. Wong was the first child born in an English-speaking congregation of a Chinese church in Manhattan 26 years ago.

She was also the first of three born to her proud parents, Ben and Joyce Wong.

On Oct. 13, more than 1,000 family, friends and members of Chinatown’s Chinese Evangel Mission Church attended a memorial in her honor. At the service, a book of memories written by family and friends helped them remember a woman they called a role model and, in many cases, 'the older sister I never had.'

Wong had returned from a week in Italy with two close friends Sept. 10.

The next day she went back to work as a risk management technologist with Marsh & McLennan on the 96th floor of Tower One in the World Trade Center.

The Whitestone resident generously shared her professional successes with her family, her father said.

'Jennifer has always been an encouragement to me,' her sister, Stephanie, 22, wrote in the book of memories and pictures. 'Whenever we played ’school,’ she would always be the teacher and I would be her little student, following and listening to her.'

She began Sunday School at age 8, joined various Christian youth groups as she grew older, and taught two summers of Vacation Bible School while at Townsend Harris High School in Flushing. Later, she became a Sunday School teacher herself. She organized a Christian group at SUNY Binghamton, where she studied business management.

She was so dedicated to her church that, after college graduation, she delayed the start of her first full-time job to serve as director of the church’s vacation Bible school.

She tried to balance her profession with her values. Her family shared part of her 1997 prayer journal: 'Allow me not to be consumed by the idols I sometimes set up around me ... wealth, greed, materialism, status and ’economicisms,’' Wong wrote.

'At home, no matter how busy she was, she was always ready with a helping hand, a car ride, her beaming smile or gentle advice,' her cousins wrote.

But she also valued her quiet time, sometimes watching movies on tape by herself - 'It’s OK to watch movies alone. I like to and I do it a lot. It’s fun to just be by myself sometimes,' her cousin Kristen Yu recalled her saying.

Sandra Mark, a friend, wrote, 'I remember every night in Italy ... she would do her quiet time. I admired her consistency. And because of this, it encourages me to be more diligent in my quiet time with God.'

Many ended their memories of Wong by saying they are sure they will meet her again.

'I know that God has you running around heaven right now setting up rooms for everyone that you left behind,' wrote her brother, Michael, 23, in a letter to her. 'I hope you save me the room next to yours ...'

Deeply Religious, Devoted to Family

Jennifer Wong was a Christian, and when it came to life, she didn’t just talk the talk. She was kind to people and deeply devoted to her family, with whom she lived in Queens.

Wong, who worked at client services in the risk management division of Marsh & McLennan, was a 1997 graduate of Binghamton University.

She is survived by her parents, a brother and a sister.

(c) 2001 Newsday, Inc. Reprinted with permission. www.newsday.com

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Dearest Jennifer, You were the sweetest and most humble person. You were an amazing student while we studied at Binghamton University and your faith in Jesus was priority. I miss you my friend! Continue to sleep in peace and in the arms of Jesus!!!!
Kimberly Reed, Friend
Sep 11 2023 7:53PM
I remember Jennifer especially this time of the year. We were colleagues and friends at our time at The Bank of New York. I knew her boss too Jeff who later recruited her to Marsh. Jen, I, and Tommy (our other colleague) used to hang out after work. We used to worked out at the gym together. I remembered NYSC had a discounted membership deal and Jen encouraged us join together, so we did. It helped us to unwind and de-stress after work. I used to lived in Chinatown and Jen's church was in Chinatown. We used to walk together to Chinatown on Fridays after work. We would talk about our work, our lives and boys as we walk :). I will always remember her as this sweet, bright, funny, honest, beautiful, humble young lady who had everything going for. Miss those times! Miss you. RIP
Kimberly Cheng, Colleague
Sep 11 2023 1:43PM
Rest in peace Jennifer. When i started working @marsh you were a real support and very Nice to me. I could see your amazing values shine through your behaviour...we worked together one year and a half....same boss (RIP Jeff) same Floor and we were 2 cubicles away...must admit that it is still hard to understand why some of us made it while others didn't...all my condolences and support to your parents and to all your relatives. Hakim.
Hakim Ben Yedder, Colleague
Jan 15 2023 1:40PM
Continue sleeping in peace with the Father, Jennifer! Will see you again one day… Kim Binghamton ‘97
Kimberly Reed, Friend
Sep 11 2022 9:33AM
Just thinking of you as I do fairly often, but especially at this time of the year. God's blessing to your family.
Tracy Evans, Friend
Sep 13 2021 0:02AM
I met Jennifer at the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship in Binghamton University. She was a great leader for the fellowship at her time. She was one year behind me. We were not close friends. But when we talked, we talked heart to heart. She was being so understandable and could really read your thoughts. Out of college, for the first 2 years, I worked at the World Financial Building area which was next to the Twin Towers. We reconnected when she started working in the area. I would never forget how happy we were when we met up in the Winter Garden for a lunch and a catch up together outside of college. We were happily walked around and under those beautiful and tall palm trees inside the garden. And talked nonstop for the hour. Sadly, this was our first meet out of college and also the last meet in life. But her friendly and happy face stayed in my heart forever. On the afternoon of 09/11/21, as the 2 older kids learned about 911 stories from schools and wanted to see the memorial plaza. We took the family there to do a tour. They learned to find the name of Jennifer and located her name in the North Pool area, learned about her short but pure friendship with me back in college times, paid our tribute to her. It was a meaningful trip. 20 years have been passed, but Jennifer, your face and smiles will always be in my heart. Love to read the stories about you shared by your parents, family and friends. Love, Jenny Z Friend from Binghamton University
Jenny Zhao Ng, Friend
Sep 13 2021 4:18AM
My thoughts and prayers go out to Jen's family and friends. Jen, you will forever be in my heart as one of the kindest people I've ever known. May you be at peace and feel all the love in God's kingdom.
Jacqueline Clemente, Friend
Sep 12 2021 3:45AM
It was an honor to know and serve God on earth with you Jennifer. I know that you are praising God in heaven. Will see you again one day… Kim Binghamton ‘97
Kimberly Reed, Friend
Sep 11 2021 10:59PM
I worked at Landstar in Jacksonville FL. Jennifer and I worked together on a software rollout at my company. I think about her often and it always brings a tear to my eye. I will never forget where I was that moment 20 years ago. I had a conference call scheduled with her and wondering why I couldn't get though. Some time shortly afterwards, a coworker informed me of the news unfolding. Jennifer, thinking of you and your loved ones today. You were taken way too soon and the world was cheated out of all the great things you would have accomplished. I will always remember you my friend!
John Bonaccorso, Colleague
Sep 11 2021 1:18PM
Thinking about family and friends of Jennifer's today. God Bless!
Diane Lynn Wren, Colleague
Sep 11 2020 7:04PM
Your love for God and mankind was amazing. You are missed, but I will see you again on that great day!!!! Continue to sleep in peace....
Kimberly Reed, Friend
Sep 12 2019 3:10AM
Remembering you praising Him for what a blessing you've been to so many of us. We're very much comforted knowing exactly where you are and we look forward to see you again.
Marie, Friend
Sep 11 2019 5:29PM
Forever in my thoughts my friend. Continue to Rest In Peace!!!!!
Kimberly Reed, Friend
Sep 11 2018 11:47AM
Jennifer, continue to sleep in peace my friend!!!
Kim, Friend
Sep 11 2017 8:05PM
Jennifer will forever be in my heart and thoughts!!!!!
Kim, Friend
Sep 11 2015 11:58PM
Jennifer and I went to high school together... Life has a way of reconnecting and interconnecting. As a new Marsh colleague it has been heartbreaking to hear of the many loss lives..and to think our paths could of once again crossed as alumni and colleagues. I am sorry that could not be realized. Never forgotten!
Desann Jackbir-Ingram, Colleague
Aug 8 2013 10:20PM
Dear Friends,As we pause to remember Jennifer on her 38th birthday today, we thank God for allowing us to have her for 26 years. It was 26 years of joy and happiness and many wonderful memories. We are so proud of the person she has become through the years and the many lives she has impacted with her smile and friendship. We are especially thankful for her love and commitment to God. She was, she is and will always be a special person who reflected the best of the people who graced her life while she was here on earth.As we remember her today, please allow us to share a page of her prayer journal together......Glimpses of Jennifer from her personal prayer journal (written while Jennifer was attending Basileia InterVarsity Conference, Retreat of Silence, held one week following her college graduation in May 1997)This marks the last of my college experience and I praise you (God) for what you have taught me. You have molded me and shaped me into a new creation. Yes, I'm still a sinner and I fail you time and time again. Yet you are faithful and true and it is to your open arms I find myself running towards. Teach me not to run any longer but to remain and abide in your love.As I begin to enter the workforce, I pray that I may not view the sacred and secular through two different eyeglasses. I pray that I might view through your eyes - I am still unsure of the future. I have gifts working with children but as I wrote earlier I am going into the business world - a very scary field. But with you Lord, I can do all things. Lord,I ask that you may shut doors of things I am not called to do and open doors that allow me to do your wonderful will.Give me strong passions, Lord, so that I can be a full person living for you and using the gifts you have given me. Allow me to integrate my faith and work on all levels and remove the fears instilled on my heart. As I enter my new community, I pray that there will be enough margins in my life to make me have enough time to serve God in the workplace and in the church. Allow me not to be consumed by the idols I sometimes set up around me - wealth, greed, materialism, status, and economicisms. They really have no heavenly value and I offer all that I have to you. I pray that my life would not be free from trials and sufferings but be full of your teachings and grace and mercy. Let me live by your Word and be a living witness in all that I do.Give me wisdom and discernment in all that I do. Continue to mold me and shape me into the person you in tended me to be. Your creations are beautiful and are so lavish that I am in awe of its splendidness. It is so comforting to know you are by my side. It has given me such great comfort to know that you are in control of all things in my life.In memory of her, Jennifer was honored by the Townsend Harris Alumni Association along with the 25 distinguished graduates as the 25@25 Award Recipient in the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the re-opening of the school; also, Jennifer received the Binghamton University 2001 Glenn G Bartle Distinguished Alumni Award.In our remembrance of Jennifer, the Jennifer Wong Memorial scholarships have been awarded to 3 graduating seniors at Townsend Harris High school every year for the last eleven years. Again,thank you for the wonderful sharings and supports....God's blessing to all.
Ben & Joyce Wong, Family
May 16 2013 2:52PM
Rest in peace, dear Jennifer! I remember your story, I remember your dedication to your work - if only you weren't rushing to work that Tuesday... I remember you, even though I didn't know you. You were so famous in our Chicago office that I felt like I do know you... Rest in peace and rest assured that you are well remembered and highly missed!
Marina Dudanova, Colleague
Sep 12 2011 1:18AM
Although I didn't know Jennifer well, I knew her from CEMC church. I remember as one of the kindest people I have ever met. I will never forget her generosity and dedication to God. Jennifer, you will always be missed.
Jennifer (Ng) Okula, Friend
Sep 11 2011 8:40AM
Jennifer was ALWAYS positive and smiling. We were students and friends at Binghamton and I will always remember the kind and warm person that she was. May she continue resting in the arms of our Father in heaven!
Kim Reed, Friend
Sep 10 2011 11:12PM
Jennifer's smile was infectious when I knew her at Binghamton University in the 90s and echoes through my mind as I think of her as the anniversary of 9/11. I know that she rests not only in peace but in pure joy. At the same time, she is deeply missed. 10 years later, may we strive daily to make sure that she and the others that were lost are never forgotten.
Ethan Rogati, Friend
Sep 9 2011 9:46PM
I miss her every day. We were students at Binghamton together. I will regret the opportunities I never took advantage of to catch up with her. But I look forward to the day when we will do so in heaven.
Drisdy, Friend
Sep 3 2011 10:12PM
i didnt know jennifer, but after reading this, i wept and knew that she wouldve been someone i would have called a friend too had i previously met her. God bless and peace to her, her friends and family. She is watching with God! VBS director, how awesome is that!
desha burgos, Friend
Aug 25 2011 7:04PM
Finally... Can't really say justice but... Knowing your loving and giving heart, you would never say someone deserves to die, and I used to feel the same... but this one is an exception. I know you're at peace in heaven, but this gives us a little bit of peace here. Still think of you every so often. your big smile. always so friendly and cheerful. playing vball together... saw someone that reminded me of you at vball a couple of yrs ago and i couldnt breathe... but i know you're somewhere much better. God bless your family. I'm sure this is bringing back much pain.
Jeong, Friend
May 2 2011 12:49AM
Jenn, you continue to be in my thoughts, but know that you are with our Father resting in heaven....
Kimberly Reed, Family
Sep 11 2010 9:39AM
I am reminded yearly of this beautiful young woman who touched my life very briefly. I was forever changed by her gracious, loving spirit. I will never forget her and her family is always in my prayers, though we have never met. God is good, and His mercy is forever. God bless you all as we come up on this horrible anniversary. Peace be with you.
Gail Whitehead, Colleague
Aug 24 2010 7:51PM
I remember Jennifer from Townsend Harris, sitting near her because of our last names towards the end of the alphabet - she was so warm and friendly I instantly felt welcomed in her presence. This was not a feeling I often had being shy and quiet in high school. Thank you Jennifer, for being. Your smile and warmth is remembered. It's 2010 and I still think about you.
Veronika Zielinska, Friend
Apr 22 2010 6:14PM
Jennifer is forever in my thoughts!!! Keep resting with the Father my friend!!!
Kimberly Reed, Friend
Sep 11 2009 11:01AM
Jennifer Wong was one of the nicest young ladies that I have ever met! We were students together at Townsend Harris High School. Her kind demeanor and her inner (and outer) beauty inspired everyone around her, even in the smallest of ways. My best friend in high school (also named Jennifer) used to engage in an argument with me over something (I was quite an instigator) and as a way of telling her that I was sorry and ready to make up, I would say to her 'Why can't you just be as nice and forgiving as the other Jenny?' That always made her smile because thinking or Jenny Wong was an insant inspiration to smile and to stop being petty! I think of her every year on this day and when people ask me if I knew anyone who died in this tragedy, I always mention Jennifer Wong and how she touched people (like me) that she probably had NO IDEA she affected with her warmth and loving personality. :) I hope that she knows now just how far her reach was when she was here with us.
Pia Alexander-Harris, Friend
Sep 11 2007 11:17PM
Jennifer was always smiling which was a reflection of God's love for us. I often remember her but rest knowing that she is with the Father in Heaven.
Kimberly Reed, Friend
Sep 11 2007 5:09PM
In September of 2001, I was working at Marsh in Chicago office. I was a friend of Amy Wang, who worked with me in Chicago office and who knew Jennifer personally. I still remember Amy telling us that Jennifer just got back from vacation and was eager to come to work a day earlier... What a sad irony! I found this site and Jennifer’s picture just now, and... O, God, how beautiful she was! This picture made my memory of her story even more real to me. Thanks, Marsh, for this site! Although I didn’t know any of the victims personally, I was shocked by what has happened to them. It took me almost two months to be able to express my feelings in a poem that I dedicated to all the victims of 9/11. I want my poem to also become a special memorial for Jennifer. May you always be alive in the hearts of your family and friends! God bless your spirit! Barefoot Dream /Dedicated to all the victims of the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001/ Bare-footing through the broken glass, through concrete ash and bloody mess, through melted steel, through roasting fire, I'm waking up with one desire. I wish someone could turn back time and to protect New York's skyline, to change the fate of tallest twins and save the lives... My night begins with silent prayer in my mind to keep the horror from mankind, to soothe the pain and stop those dreams, sleepwalking through the chilling screams. Still, every time I close my eyes, I see the smoking hole in skies... My mourning heart is hurt so deep - I dare not to fall asleep. Marina Dudanova November 2, 2001.
Marina Dudanova, Colleague
Sep 11 2007 4:13PM
I worked with Jennifer for a couple of years when I worked for Landstar. Jennifer was a great person and a good friend. I spoke to her nearly every day for one reason or another. She is missed and I think of her often. My God bless her family and know they should feel proud that the world is a different place for a lot of people because she was in it.
Deborah Tauro, Colleague
Sep 11 2007 1:39PM
I knew Jennifer only through the aquantience of another friend, but instantly she brightned my life. Her smile was always there, whenever the sun wasn't. Even now when im lonely, I close my eyes and think of her magnificant smile.
George Pappenou, Friend
Dec 23 2006 4:52AM
I remember Jennifer when we were students at Binghamton University. There was never a time when I did not see her smile. She was always smiling.
Jeff Kim, Friend
Sep 11 2006 8:09PM
I was just reading some of the memorials of MMC colleagues and saw Jennifer's. What a difficult loss for family and friends but what a wonderful gain for God and Jennifer. She must have had a very special relationship with Him after spending so much of her time here. May God bless all of you who were close to her here, with a close personal relationship with Him through His Son, Jesus. Then you will know that you will see her again.
Tom Lightvoet, Colleague
Sep 11 2006 3:27PM
I knew Jennifer through InterVarsity at SUNY Binghamton. She was an excellent leader of the group and welcomed me warmly when I visited as an IV Staffworker. I am saddened by the loss of her earthly witness but thankful for her heavenly witness left for all of us. Jennifer lived life as if life mattered. She reminds me to live each day to the fullest to the glory of God.
Fran Thompson-Gee, Friend
May 12 2004 11:05PM
Jennifers spirit continues on as many people have heard her life story. Her witness of Gods Love in natural and tangible ways for everyone will be the characteristic that many remember about Jennifer! God Bless her family and friends. God will sustain you and I as we celebrate her life!!
Lisa Rose, Friend
Jul 12 2003 10:36AM