SONIA was named after SONIA ORTIZ, who paid the ultimate price in the attack on America September 11, 2001. Sonia Ortiz of Flushing, Queens, New York, a native of Colombia, age 58, was employed in a janitorial capacity and elevator operator with ABM Industries at the World Trade Center. Ms. Ortiz was murdered at Tower 1, 83rd floor that fateful day. When Ms. Ortiz came to the United States in 1971 and got a job at the World Trade Center, her son said, "She was so excited working in such a tall building near the sky." Ms. Ortiz is preceded in death by her son Wilson and is survived by her children Victor and Alejandra and grandchildren. She enjoyed sewing ornate dress. We salute Ms. Ortiz, a hero, and name this beautiful kitty in her honor.

(Source: New York Times 10/9/01)