I am filled with fond memories of Emily.  I can vividly bring to mind her toughness and determination while learning to wake board, surf, water ski, etc;  her creative talent at making music videos with the six girls and editing videos of our Lake Powell trip;  her low voice and sly smile saying "Hey, Stace" or "Stevis?";  dinner with her in Paris during her internship - I was blown away by the competence and bravery with which she tackled that job;  long hours on the phone with her during her study abroad in England as she wrestled with big questions;  her repeated efforts to prioritize her mental health, even after difficult setbacks;  and, never to be forgotten, her outrageously funny impromptu performance on the Alaskan cruise.

I feel her loss personally and feel it again as it impacts Adam, Julianne, and Ellie.  She was truly their friend and forged personal relationships with each of them.  My heart breaks at the suffering she endured and I will cherish my memories of her.  My life has been enriched by knowing and loving Emily.

My heart goes out to the entire Crowder family.  I am so grateful to have known Emily and to have shared some beautiful memories with her when she lived in Utah during the summer of 2022. She was always up for an adventure. 

I was so touched by her kind heart and vulnerability. On a backpacking trip to the Wind Rivers we spent one afternoon laying on a rock in the sunshine, talking about the pain and beauty of life. I was inspired by her strength and endurance (not only emotionally and mentally, but physically - she practically ran up that mountain effortlessly!)  She was observant to the world around her in a way that ensured she was always growing and learning - a truly rare quality that has certainly left an impact on me. 

Love and big hugs to the Crowder family as you navigate this incomprehensible loss. My thoughts are with you. 

I am proud to be Emily’s brother-in-law, but more importantly, I am her friend.

The first time I was able to spend a significant amount of time with Emily was on a Crowder family trip to Israel. Eliza and I were still dating at that point, so Emily was asked to bunk with us for the week. After accepting this assignment, she joked all week about how she was our “chaperone.” She joked that it was a burden, but I think she secretly loved having 10 nights of sleepovers with us. I know Eliza and I enjoyed it! During that trip, I got a taste for my two favorite things about Emily - her sense of humor and her knack for holding interesting, genuine conversations.

This past summer, Eliza and I moved in with Dave and Alisyn. I was originally excited for an opportunity to get to know my in-laws better, save money, and enjoy the convenient location near my office. However, the best blessing of this stay was spending time with Emily. Before I started working, I had lots of free time on my hands, so I became friends with Emily. We often spent our afternoons together. We played card games (she was an excellent competitor), watched movies, and exercised. We liked to go on walks with the dog and talk. We would chat so much that the dog would get sore from the lengthy walks! Our conversations were always interesting and unlike any conversations I had before. Emily is genuine. She is transparent. She told me exactly what she was thinking and feeling. It wasn’t until I chatted with Emily that I realized most people, including myself, don’t do that. We didn’t have superficial small talk. We had deep conversations. She made me think. I enjoyed these chats and will miss them.

I come from a small family, so joining the Crowder family was slightly intimidating. All of the Crowders were welcoming, but for some reason, I first felt most natural and comfortable around Emily. She is kind, genuine, humble, and unassuming. Plus, her sense of humor keeps every family gathering entertaining!

Although I have only known Emily for 3 years, I am grateful for all the time that I was able to spend with her. I am grateful for the good memories that we made together, and I will always remember her by them. I will raise my family to know these memories and the legend of Auntie Em. I am grateful to be Emily’s friend, and I look forward to seeing her again soon. 

Love you, Emily.