I was reading an old Readers Digest magazine and found the article talking about Emily and her battle with Scleroderma, that made me want how she was doing in her life and I found this - She was such a warrior and I'm sad she has passed away. Big hugs to you Emma and I hope You're doing amazingly in life. May her soul rest in peace... ❤️❤️

I just learned of Emily’s passing today, we are so sorry for her family . We have know all the Nitz family for years and miss all of them. Emma we trained your Grandpa Don horses and you used to swim with my kids when you were young. So sorry for your loss. Please tell Joanne we miss her. Your mom was an incredible lady with a very kind heart. Love the Krichke

Keith, Maureen, Faith and Hope

On the way to get 711 slurpees!

My condolences to Emily's family. We first met Emily when our daughters became the best of friends.  Our girls were on the Wester Middle School soccer team and inseparable.  Through the years Emily, Kevin, Michelle, Jeff and I became bleacher buddies for 7 years of soccer games.  Rain, snow, heat, and sunshine, we spent hundreds of fun filled evenings together laughing and cheering our girls on.  After the first season Emily, Jeff and I would make an event of it.  We would ride together, grab dinner and wine before or after and sit visit and laugh.  I have wonderful memories of this time in our lives and will always hold Emily close to our hearts.  Emma, we love you and are so grateful to have shared these joyous times with you and your Mom! 

Emily was one of the kindest and strongest people  I have known.  Always smiling and ready to help others, she was a ray of sunshine!  

All our love to you and your family!  

CEN10 HOCO — with Emma and Emily

Headed home to see Emily’s Parents — with Emma Woods, Ellie Cline and Emily Woods

We loved Emily so much. 

We had so many adventures through many years. Every talk was always right to the heart of things. We shared our histories and heartbreaks and we laughed and laughed. So many stories. Em said later, that when she called with the news of her wedding the next night in Key West that she thought we might show up. We drove all night to be there.

 She and I shared special time when I stayed with her in Chicago during her Stem transplant.  There was a Saturday afternoon, Saturdays were different than weekdays, it was quiet, our room was on a high floor and there was a very big thunderstorm. I opened the curtains that covered the big window and we listened to Nora Jones in the dark watching the lightning crack over and over.  I always think of that time when I hear "Sunrise".

We talked when we needed each other and we hadn't in awhile. It's good to see all of the Texas friends that loved her.  

She hasn't left my thoughts since I heard that she was gone, we just keep remembering times we shared with Emily. For years I never cooked with much garlic  and when asked why I realized it was because Emily didn't like it.  The three of us had a special bond that I will hold dear.

What a light. I can hear her laugh now.

Emily driving the boat

Us and Emily — with Don

Emma, 

What a treasure your mom was to all that knew her! She was such a caring and thoughtful person, even when she was in such pain and dealing with all her health issues. My fondest memories with her are our outings to Mi Cocina while you and Paxson were away at Tech, just catching up and sipping margs. She will always live on in you and all the ways she left an impression on us all! All my thoughts and prayers are with you as you navigate through the loss of her laughter. I know you will honor her and make her proud as she is smiling down on you, with your grandpa, in heaven. 💞

Emily and Zeke’s First Visit

Heartbreaking news. This photo was taken at our rehersal dinner in Orlando the night before our wedding - October 4, 1996. The smile that launched 1,000 ships.... RIP sweet girl.

It is with heartfelt sadness that we send our condolences to the family. We enjoyed spending time with Emily each year in Cancun. Our hearts and our prayers go out to Emma, Joanne and all of the other families and friends. She will be missed. 

Dearest Emma,

My heart aches for you with the loss of your beautiful, extraordinary, Mother.

It was a privilege and blessing to have known her. The first time I met your precious Mom, many years ago, I immediately felt that special aura of serenity that surrounded her!

Her numerous attributes and accomplishments cannot be overstated, and the daily challenges she endured would have defeated most.  Your amazing Mother was always the epitome of grace and courage!

And her love and devotion to you was immeasurable!

Your Mom was a friend and inspiration to many, but none more so than to my daughter, Jennifer.  Emily was Jennifer's "chosen Sister".  A very special relationship not born from blood but created from love and admiration.

Emma, you've been blessed with a unique, cherished, and enduring legacy that will sustain you as you travel through this journey called life.

You will meet many who bring sunshine into the lives of others, but very few who can make rainbows.

Emily Anne Woods made rainbows for all who knew and loved her! May she rest in eternal peace our beautiful rainbow maker!

Emma, my prayers to our father in heaven are for an abundance of comfort, strength, and a peaceful heart to embrace you for the challenging days ahead. And remember, we love you dearly!

With Love and Blessings,

Sandy Heverly

My condolences to Emily's family. I had the pleasure of meeting Emily thru Lori Starzynski. Heard so much about Emily thru Lori and Emily heard so much about me, that when I met her, there was an instant connection and felt as if i had known her much longer. Only wish I could have spent more time with her. 

Buckeys

Emma’s graduation — with Emily, Emma Woods and Jennifer Heverly

Andes Bocelli — with Jennifer Heverly

It is with a heavy heart that I am writing this condolence regarding my precious friend Emily Ann Woods. We met when our children were in second grade at Curtsinger Elementary.  I knew right away we would be friends! Over the years we have celebrated and grieved together but Emily always knew how to find the positive in almost every situation. Emily was not only my friend but my confidant and partner in crime!!! lol We celebrated many holidays together and always got together to watch political rallies. She would frequently request shrimp cocktails, crackers and cheese and of course always show up with a bottle of Pinot or Vodka! Dessert was always chocolate truffles!!!! Emily always dressed to the 9”s dripping in diamonds with a cool sweat suit! Going out with Emily her fashion would knock your socks off. Not only was Emily my friend but she was like a second mother to my daughter Jordan and adored my son John. They loved her very much. Emily ways there for them offering sound loving advise. Emily and I made the trek Lubbock to get our girls moved into and decorate our daughter’s dorm room at Texas Tech where our girls were  dorm mates. Although she didn’t feel well she made the trip and toured the campus without a single complaint. When it came to Emma, Emily would do whatever it took to be with her and not miss out on any events. Emma was Emily’s pride and joy. I can’t say enough about the incredible mother she was. When you look at Emma, Emily’s eyes shine through her. Emma is the kind of daughter anyone would be proud of and if she continues to become more and more like her mom then we will always have a piece of Emily and another incredible woman in this world. I’m attaching some pictures from over the years. I hope you enjoy them as I will treasure them forever. You will forever be in my heart Emily. I love you and miss you already.