Waleska Martinez Obituary

Waleska Martinez Rivera was a passenger on board of United Airlines Flight 93, hijacked on Sept, 11, 2001. Waleska Martinez was the only Boricua on board United Flight 93.

She grew up in Caguas, Puerto Rico, graduating first in her class in 1986, from the University of Puerto Rico , Rio Piedras, as a Computer Science Specialist. She taught computer science in two Universities in Puerto Rico, before moving to New Jersey.

On Sept 11 2001, she was traveling to a computer operations conference in San Francisco with co-worker Marion Britton.  

She recruited and trained others computer specialist in The US Nation.

 " Waleska could make a computer Sing", said Kenneth C. Meyer, currently a special assistant to The Associate Director for Communications, was a former New York regional Director. He has known Waleska since 1988.

" Waleska was always considered one of the top  computer specialist in the regions, Waleska  offered guidance from years of experience and unique perspective on how automation fits into the Census Bureau", said Rob Reed, regional office computer specialist.

" We never had to worry about the automation area, because Waleska had it under control", said  Alfonso E. Mirabal, from  Dallas Regional Director US Census Bureau.

" She was a respected and valued colleague and those of us who knew her will miss her greatly", said  Arthur G, Dukakis, from Boston Regional Director  Of US Census Bureau.

" Waleska embodied the caracteristics that signify professionalism  and dedication, the Charlotte staff who worked closely with Waleska will always  remember how she expressed her joy of life when sharing innovative techniques and information with the other regions or merely performing routine activities", said  Susan B. Hardy,from Charlotte Regional Director.

To memorialize some one is to Honor them and keep their memory alive, it is difficult to measure such a qualitative value with just a few words, for  Waleska Martinez this prospect is equally, difficult, but we remember her with the words that God would choose... Good, Honest, Virtuous, Kind, Knowledgeable and Wise. She was all of these thing to those who knew her, she was a person who made others feel at ease, and there is one more word that we must use to describe her in her last hour....HERO. Let us all remember her with joy and gladness.

 

Born: Oct 15, 1963 in Santurce

Died: Sep 11, 2001 in Pennsylvania