Melanie de Vere

By Ruth de Vere, sister

Photo: Alex Towle

Melanie is a much-loved daughter, sister, auntie and friend who lost her life aged 30 in the North Tower on September 11, 2001, alongside a number of other Risk Waters colleagues who were attending a breakfast meeting that fateful morning.

The events of that day had a huge impact on her family and close friends, and there were some very dark days. But 20 years on, we are now able to look back at Melanie’s short life with fondness, remembering the good times and wondering what she would have achieved in life had she not been caught up in the events of that day. We are sure she would have married, had children and achieved her dreams and aspirations, of which there were many.

Melanie had an enthusiasm and energy for life which shone through in both her professional and private life. She will be remembered for her friendship, loyalty, humour and fun-loving approach to life. She was a great person with a fabulous smile who did not deserve what happened to her on that day, and would have loved the opportunity to continue her journey through life.

We are comforted that in her short life she didn’t waste any time and lived it to the full, as endorsed by the huge turnout for her memorial, with many fun stories and experiences shared by family and friends. Unfortunately we could not have a funeral for Melanie as no remains have ever been found, but as a family we spend time reflecting on each anniversary and have had the opportunity to visit Ground Zero in New York on a number of occasions.

If you would like to view all the articles in our 9/11 commemoration, click here