[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 108 (Thursday, August 1, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S7868]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
IN MEMORIAM: NICOLE CAROL MILLER
Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I take this opportunity to share with the
Senate the memory of one of my young constituents, Nicole Carol Miller,
who lost her life on September 11, 2001. Ms. Miller was a lovely 21-
year-old college student when the flight she was on, United Airlines
Flight 93, was hijacked by terrorists. As we all know, that plane
crashed in a Pennsylvania field, killing everyone on board.
Nicole's memory lives on in the hearts of those she loved. She took
great joy in life and exemplified this with her wonderful outlook and
tenacious personality. Nicole's radiant smile could light up a room and
she energized those around her. She knew how to be an outstanding
friend.
Nicole was blessed with two families. Her father and stepmother,
David and Catherine Miller of Chico, California and her mother and
stepfather, Cathy and Wayne Stefani, Sr., of San Jose, California.
In her father's words, ``She had that sweet baby quality. She could
make you smile and forget your troubles for a little bit.'' Friend
Heidi Barnes describes Nicole as ``very friendly and welcoming. She had
a big heart and it was open to everyone.''
She lived in San Jose, CA, with her mother and stepfather, Cathy and
Wayne Stefani, Sr. She attended local schools and graduated from
Pioneer High School in 1998. A talented softball player during all four
years of high school, Nicole won a college softball scholarship during
her senior year. Even though she had never been a competitive swimmer,
she tried out for the Pioneer High swim team as a freshman and made the
team.
At the time of her tragic death, she was a dean's list student at
West Valley College in Saratoga, working part-time and weighing whether
to transfer to California State University at Chico or San Jose State
University.
Nicole is survived by her mother, Cathy M. Stefani; stepfather, Wayne
Stefani, Sr.; father, David J. Miller; stepmother, Catherine M. Miller;
and her siblings, Tiffney M. Miller, David S. Miller, Danielle L.
Miller, Wayne Stefani Jr., Joshua R.D. Tenorio, and Anthony D. Tenorio.
None of us is untouched by the terror of September 11, and many
Californians were part of each tragic moment of that tragic day. Some
were trapped in the World Trade Center towers. Some were at work in the
Pentagon. And the fates of some were sealed as they boarded planes
bound for San Francisco or Los Angeles.
I offer today this tribute to one of the 51 Californians who perished
on that awful morning. I want to assure the family of Deora Bodley, and
the families of all the victims, that their fathers and mothers, sons
and daughters, aunts, uncles, brothers and sisters will not be
forgotten.
Thank you. I yield the floor.
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