1 Photo
Karen Rickenbach Mesiha, daughter of East Hampton Village Mayor Paul F. Rickenbach Jr. and his wife, Jean, died December 12, with her family at her side, of cancer. She was 54.
Born at Southampton Hospital in 1961, Ms. Mesiha was raised in East Hampton where she attended school and graduated in 1979. Shortly after graduating, she relocated to Manhattan, where she pursued her love of writing and music at Brooklyn College. While working in the financial district during the day, it was her passion for creative writing that truly inspired her. The author of many short stories and poems, Ms. Mesiha was a published author who often reflected on nature, animals and humanity. A common thread in many of her writings echoed her encounters with the simplicities of life across all cultures. Her love of music drove her to establish her own record label, as well as produce many recordings of various artists, mostly in the reggae genre, both here and in London. She was also known for her love of animals. She wanted all animals to be fed, sheltered and loved and was a big advocate when it came to rescues and shelters.
Ms. Mesiha was employed by the law firm Sidley, Austin, Brown and Wood, located in tower one of the World Trade Center. Unlike many of her friends and co-workers, she miraculously survived the attack on September 11, 2001. She exited the World Trade Center moments before it collapsed and as she attempted to reach safety she not only breathed in toxic chemicals, but was covered in toxic dust. Although she escaped the building that horrific day, the medical issues to follow were just the beginning.
On Christmas Day 2002, she was married to Sherif G. Mesiha of Brooklyn at the Main Beach pavilion in East Hampton by her father.
In addition to her parents, Ms. Mesiha is survived by her husband and a daughter, Yasmin, both of Syosset; a sister, Cynthia; and three nephews, Nicholas, Brendan and Noah Filippelli of Westhampton Beach.
A funeral Mass was held at St. Edwards Church in Syosset and burial was at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery in East Hampton.
A memorial tree fund has been set up in her name at the Ladies Village Improvement Society at 95 Main Street in East Hampton.
on Jan 4, 2016