Kristen Montanaro’s Singular Life
Identical twins aren’t identical. Sure, they begin with the same genetics. But life unfolds differently even for those who shared a womb. Kristen Montanaro displayed a unique character just like her closest sister even though they were born minutes apart. She spent her lifetime establishing herself independently.
Watch for behavioral cues. Kristen was more wild than her twin Karen despite their matching appearance. It was easy to tell them apart once they started talking. As the more impulsive one, Kristen was apt to regularly treat herself to items like new clothes. Being nice to herself was a surefire way to establish her own path.
The closest siblings possible form distinct personalities that reflect how choices impact what’s next. Yet the twins maintained a large overlap despite their divergent temperaments. Many of Kristen’s obituaries mention how they would go to the mall together, shop separately, and end up buying the same outfits. Complementing each other was a way to compliment each other.
Employees can’t get work done without desks in place. Kristen’s job involved making it possible for others to do theirs. She spent work hours as facilities administrator at insurance broker and risk advisor Marsh & McLennan. The job involved attending to matters such as supply ordering and arranging the office, which was situated on the 93rd floor of 1 World Trade Center.
Time in between work took her home across New York Harbor. The lifelong Staten Island resident took advantage of the borough’s educational opportunities. A Curtis High School graduate who had previously studied at the College of Staten Island for a year and a half, Kristen had been pursuing an associate’s degree in business at Kingsborough Community College. She had three classes left.
It goes without saying that every part of the city endured horrific devastation on its worst day. Kristen was one of 274 Staten Island September 11 victims. Her neighborhood base is both literally in the metropolis and close to traditional Gotham landmarks. Its proximity to Manhattan’s skyline can sadly be noted by the scale of bereavement.
Many World Trade Center workers found living in the least-populated borough attractive. It’s just a ferry ride away from southern Manhattan, where the Twin Towers stood as a navigational and inspirational beacon. Richmond County’s residential character makes it appealing to those who want to live in New York City while enjoying relatively more space in multiple senses.
The multiple groups to which each victim belonged are the most painful way of illustrating how much so many lost. The darkest day saw an unbearable loss inflicted within one company, as well. Marsh & McLennan alone lost 295 employees along with 63 contractors. The attack killed everyone in the office that day.
How is it possible to move forward after losing so much irreplaceable human capital? All those still with us can do is try to persevere through sadness while keeping those no longer with us in mind. The company does so by recognizing those murdered: you may see hers listed along with every other lost staffer at their memorial in front of their relocated headquarters on Sixth Avenue.
The marker in front of the business is one of several different places where those seeking to remember Kristen can commemorate her. Her name can be found on Panel N-3 of the National September 11 Memorial. Kristen also appears on her native island’s Postcards Memorial where all victims who resided there have individual granite plaques that approximate the shape of the mailed souvenir. Each features a silhouette of the honored person facing where the World Trade Center stood.
You can additionally visit Kristen’s corner. There’s a street sign bearing her name at Hill Terrace and Maryland Avenue. The signpost for Kristen L. Montanaro Way stands on the southeast pole if you find yourself on Staten Island and would like to take a moment to reflect on her time with us. Those walking by or waiting at a stop sign hopefully realize they are in the vicinity of a spot for recognition.
A prototypical Knickerbocker also enjoyed seeing the world outside of New York City. Kristen had just gone to Madrid with Karen and her other sister Jamie along with some friends. Her next scheduled domestic excursion was to a place renowned for imitations of global landmarks: she had a Las Vegas trip planned for October 2001. A pending fun time in the desert was only the start of confiscated potential.
Kristen Leigh Montanaro’s shared birthday was August 26. She enjoyed 34 of them. Her productive career was just the start of an admirable personal legacy. A true New Yorker who balanced her life fully, she’s remembered as a twin who forged her own identity. Kristen was one of a kind.
