'I Ask Peace'

By Leslie-Ann Holt

Bodley's parents say their daughter would have called for tolerance

More than 850 people attended last Friday's memorial service for Deora Bodley in the Mission Church. The service, which began at 1 p.m. and was presided by University President Paul Locatelli, S. J., celebrated the life of the 20-year old junior who was a passenger on United Airlines Flight 93 that crashed near Pittsburgh, Pa., on Sept. 11.

A press conference was held before the service in front of the Mission Church, next to the temporary memorial for Bodley. Her parents, Derrill Bodley of Stockton, Calif., and Deborah Borza of San Diego, Calif., spoke to local media about their daughter. Students gathered to hear what Bodley's parents had to say.

Bodley's mother described her as a young, vibrant and fiercely independent woman who was a leader.

"As an American, I refuse to let my daughter's death be in vain. My daughter made a difference everywhere she went. Let this be our call: to live our lives in such a way that makes a difference for all fellow man with no one left out, and let her light shine brightly for all people for all time," Borza said.

She read something her daughter had written in one of her journals: "People ask who, what, where, when, why, how? I ask peace."

Bodley's parents repeatedly called for peace and tolerance among all people, and said that was what their daughter would have wanted.

"Even if the perpetrators of the crime considered it an act of Holy War, we must not retaliate in kind, as if our cause allows us to destroy innocent lives. Justice is one thing, a complicated thing, but it is not retaliation," Derrill Bodley said.

At the service, Bodley's family and friends and other members of the community gathered to remember her and celebrate her life.

The service began with the singing of "Amazing Grace," and Bodley's friend, Holli Ogle, did the first reading.

The reading and the homily given by Father Locatelli were followed by tributes to Bodley.

St. Clare School Principal Kathy Almazol recalled how the students at her school adored Bodley. Second graders, the students Bodley worked closest with, sat on the right side of the altar and sang "Amazing Grace" again.

Junior Bridget Madell, Bodley's best friend, said she had learned a lot from Bodley and looked up to her.

"She was my rock, my heart, my best friend," Madell said.

Bodley's mother thanked the community for their thoughts and prayers, and encouraged people to carry on her daughter's spirit.

"Anything that you see in my daughter is in you. If you see a bright light, you are a bright light. If you see love, you are love. If you see Heaven on Earth, you are Heaven on Earth."

Bodley's father said his daughter taught him a lot about what it means to have strong relationships with people.

Toward the end of the service, all who had gathered hugged and shook hands with those around them -- a sign of the peace that Bodley's family urged everyone to seek.