The thing I admired and loved most about Emily is how she could make people feel like they belonged. The first time I met Emily was on my first Lake Powell trip. I was nervous and quite frankly intimidated to join the LP crew for their yearly summer adventure but Emily made me feel like I was part of the crew from day 1. Scum. Skinny dipping. Cheering me on as I learned to surf with zero grace. I left that trip feeling like I had made a whole bunch of new best friends in just seven days time, Emily being one of them.
I don’t know if it was the way she made you feel like you were already in on the inside joke with her witty comments and perfectly executed tv show lines, or if it was how she asked you about life and listened with genuine interest when you answered, but she was incredible at making people feel seen and loved. She cheered you on. She asked about your kids. She cared about what you cared about. A whole year could pass between seeing each other in person and I felt like the convo could pick right up where we left it. She was easy to talk to because she cared about you and you could just feel that.
Even when we lived in different states she never missed any of the big life moments. A text right when each of my boys were born. Texts more recently when Andrew was in his accident. And that’s something I hope to live by. To make people feel seen and loved like Emily did.
3
Auntie Em,
This time last year we were sitting together on the couch at your parent’s home in Atherton. It makes me miss you even more.
I’m sorry that I wasn’t there for you as much as you needed. I’m so sorry that I didn’t FaceTime you more, and I’m so so sorry that I couldn’t understand you better.
Thank you for welcoming me into your family. I hope that you know that I’ve always admired you. Your wit, your style, your edge, and especially your feminist perspective.
I’ll make sure that Clayton will not forget his Auntie Em 💙 we will always miss you and will think of you often. I look forward to seeing you again. Till then, I’ll look for Auntie Em moments. From eating a good piece of chocolate, to wearing the herringbone blazer that you gave me, I’ll think of you and smile.
Love,
Ashley
6
2012, Junior Prom, Menlo School
Junior Prom! May 2012
— with
Caroline Broderick,
Meg Jenson,
Talie Warner
and Emily Crowder
2
2013, Palo Alto, CA, USA
I first met Emily as an adult leader in our church's youth program. The one thing that always stood out to me was her big beautiful smile. She has the best smile. She had a lot of friends and was clearly fiercely loyal to them. A trait that continued throughout her life. It was fun to watch her excel in so many things in high school, then college and into adulthood. I was honored that a few months ago she attended a dinner for my birthday. I am grateful to know Emily and her wonderful family. She will forever hold a tender place in my heart. Love you Emily and the Crowder family
4
Dear Crowder family, Just want you to know how much I am thinking of you. I hope it's okay that I posted these Christmas card pictures of you. I was hoping that they didn't post yet and I was going to get your permission. It has been a lot of fun going through all my old scrapbooks and pulling them back out. Your mom, my cousin Alisyn, is fantastic at sending Christmas cards and this is how I have watched you grow up over the years. Your have many, many cousin cheerleaders and great aunts and uncles, that are so proud of each and everyone of you! Our hearts go out to each of you at this time as you mourn the loss of your wonderful sister Emily! Alisyn and Dave we love you so much and our hearts are breaking with you! The knowledge of forever families is what keeps so many of us going! I know it's what keeps me going. Love you all so much! Thanks for sharing your lives with us! We look forward each and every year to seeing how you have changed and the fun additions to the family! Much love! Heartfelt prayers being sent your way! Love always, Julie H. Ottley
3
Share with others
