Emily Victoria, was the second oldest of four daughters: Courtney, Emily, Meghan, and Lily. Emily would often refer to her birth placement as the best- old enough to still make her own decisions and roll with the big cousins but young enough to still have fun and enjoy life! Later on, she would be the only sister to be able to play sports and attend high school with both Meghan and me.  She was the little girl who made me a big sister; and the other best older sister to Meghan and Lily. She made my parents, Brent and Amy, incredibly proud. Our beautiful Emily Victoria was born on June 17th, 1999. It’s impossible to comprehend how much she was loved and cherished by our family – grandparents, aunts & uncles and cousins, along with friends, and peers. From an early age, we spent all of our time together; fostering not only a relationship as sisters, but as best friends. Our times were spent playing outside on Kentfield Drive, playing in the basement surrounded by bins of barbies, polly pockets or American girl dolls- with Emily always finding the way to get the best house, and making up dances, and making up obstacle courses in the backyard.

In elementary school, Emily could often be seen on the North Hill Elementary field playing soccer at recess, sporting her two braids and Abercrombie graphic t-shirts. She looked forward to gym class and because learning came easy to Emily, she excelled in school and was able to complete homework at the last minute. It didn’t hinder any of her scholarly achievements though; she knew how to get it all done. Emily played basketball, soccer, and volleyball during her middle school years; developing a love for soccer, and continuing to play basketball because our dad wanted her to play with me – she really liked that answer 😉 We were often called twins, until Emily decided she wanted to be taller, and then she was thought to be the eldest.  What captures most people about Emily, is her incredible smile…I think Emily was the only kid who thought she looked better in braces than without them.  Confidence radiated from her character and contagious laugh – she was always dancing through life and pure entertainment for our family. Some of Lily’s fondest moments with Emily are creating dances in our living room which included rearranging the furniture, memorizing moves, and jamming to those great Kids Bop tunes. We hope you’ve found the best dance floor up in heaven, Emmy.

As she grew into a special young woman, she flourished in all aspects of life. Emily had a consistent group of friends since elementary school and loved to spend time with them. She made the varsity soccer team freshman year at Stoney Creek High School and then varsity basketball her sophomore year. It was a privilege to play with her on both the field and court – and later Meghan would join the soccer team to help Emily wrap up her next two years at SCHS. On Emily’s 17th birthday, her golden birthday that is, Emily scored the game winning goal to clinch the first ever state title of Stoney Creek’s women soccer. After scoring the goal, Meghan and Emily met halfway in the field and embraced each other in their arms with Meghan being held by Emily.  It’s one of my dad’s favorite picture perfect memories of his girls playing together.  Emily was often seen driving around Rochester in her white Jeep Wrangler she named Montana, a nod to her childhood icon, Hannah Montana. And while we’re there, it wouldn’t be fitting if i didn’t mention the fact that our 21 year old still loved to play Webkinz.

Emily went on to study marketing at The Ross Business School at The University of Michigan and would be a rising senior this year. She joined Alpha Phi sorority and the UM women’s club soccer team her fall, freshman year and lived on the 6th floor of Couzens Hall. She quickly made more friends than most people have in a lifetime and soon learned how the college lifestyle worked. Emily met her current boyfriend, Peter Bonomi at the end of their freshman year. She was quick to say yes to friends and family and always, always lived life to the fullest! Her summers were spent between our home in Rochester with us and traveling. We cherished our family vacations — a credit to my mother that our family had such an impactful, amazing bond and a collective love to travel to new places. Emily often shadowed my mom’s quit wit and they could be found exchanging back rubs and head massages.

Her sophomore and junior years of college brought some of the her most incredible friendships.  And, Em persisted that she would study abroad for her second semester of Junior year, despite any other opinions.  That was Emily – her mind was made up before she even asked the question and she found a way to make it all happen. She experienced so many worldly adventures in her 21 years. Some of her favorite places were Interlaken, Switzerland and Seville, Spain. With most of life’s experiences, we have memories that make them – with Emily, they were more than that, she lived them to the fullest in every instance and we love her so much.

Our sweet, sweet Emily, our lives are forever changed. God called you home on June 19th. Your wings are soaring high, but our hearts are not ready. You were and are, without a doubt, the illumination of our lives. You’re quick wit and beautiful self are what make you such a joy and so wonderful to be around. You are forever loved, cherished, and missed.  We all love you, Emily!