Family Still Grieving Over Daughter's Death On Sept. 11
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Among those being remembered this week as we look back on the 9-11 attacks on America 10 years ago, is a 39-year old woman from the city's Northwest Side who had moved to New York.
As WBBM Newsradio's Bernie Tafoya reports, Christine Olender's parents still proudly display her high school senior picture in their clothing store on Fullerton Avenue.
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Her mother, Stella Olender, says she only has "sad, sad memories" when she thinks back to September 11, 2001.
Her daughter had called her that morning to let her know she'd be at her regular spot at the Windows on the World Restaurant on the 106th floor of the north tower of the World Trade Center. Christine had told her mother she'd call her again later in the day. That call never came.
Stella Olender says Christine had been planning the 50th wedding anniversary celebration for Stella and her husband John. That anniversary came Oct. 6 of that year but there was no celebration. Stella Olender asks, "How can you celebrate?".
This year, the Olenders will not be going to New York for the memorial to 9-11 victims. They'll mark their daughter's death by going to mass at St. Stanislaus B&M Church and visiting her gravesite at St. Adalbert Cemetery in Niles.
Stella Olender says the pain of losing their daughter with the girl-next-door looks "doesn't get any better".
What does make the Olenders feel good is that there are two scholarships given in Christine Olender's name at Resurrection High School, where Christine graduated in 1980.
