Sept. 11, 2026, marks 25 years since the most devastating terror attack in America’s history. Its impact was felt deeply here in the Bay Area, specifically by the family and friends of the passengers and crew on United Airlines Flight 93.
The youngest passenger on the flight was Santa Clara University (SCU) student Deora Frances Bodley. The 20-year-old Bodley was from San Diego. She was studying French and psychology at SCU. Bodley was on United 93 traveling back from New Jersey after visiting friends.
The Weekly’s reporters attended a memorial for Bodley at Mission Church following the September 11th attacks.
Deborah Borza, Bodley’s mother, told those gathered, “Anything that you see in my daughter is in you. If you see a bright light, you are that light. If you see love, you are that love. If you see heaven on earth, you are heaven on earth.
“My daughter made a difference everywhere she went,” continued Borza. “Let this be our call to live our lives in such a way that makes the biggest difference possible in the lives of our fellow man, with no one left out. No one! Let her light shine brightly for all people for all time.”
Bodley’s father, Derrill Bodley, also spoke to the crowd of more than 600 people.
“I can’t change the physical things that have happened,” he told the people gathered. “I can only (and I do this every day) try to make something good out of it, to make it right. For me, this is her message to me now: ‘Work to solve the root problems that caused these events: the lack of respect and love by all human beings for all others, the lack of peacefulness within each of us which would promote peace among us.’”
Dozens of notes were left at the memorial for Bodley with words like:
“Deora made the sun brighter, S.D., God bless you.”
“Deora, you left me with enough memories to last a lifetime. I wish I could only have a chance to thank you for all you’ve done for me…”
“You always seemed to be there when people needed you the most. Your smile inspired, your touch soothed, your voice calmed people, me … You affected me in the most profound way. I can’t believe you are gone.”