Emily passed away late Monday morning after another battle with cancer. She will be missed terribly by her husband of almost 37 years, Tom. Up to the end she was admonishing the kids to “take care of Tom!”

While watching news reports or movies she would say “We were there!” when they included places we had visited, including Switzerland, Russia, Argentina, Italy and the many attractions we visited on our river cruises in the U.S. She never got over how a girl from little Mt. Healthy was able to travel to such places.

But her fondest vacation memories were of camping with the grandkids at Cowan Lake and East Fork state parks. Tom set up the camper, then had to leave so she and the boys could have the week to themselves. There are stories only she and the grandkids know, and they had a chance to recount some of those with her in her final days.

As the first and only female Ohio Township trustee, she couldn’t operate equipment, so she wrote grants. With the support of her fellow trustees, her efforts resulted in the township receiving more than $160,000 in grants in her five-year tenure, most of which went to make improvements to the township park. Those projects included resurfacing the tennis courts, overlaying a pickleball court, adding new children’s playground equipment, purchasing new picnic tables and improving the walking trail.

Before becoming an elected official, she worked in the private sector, including a 24-year stint at Harte Hanks Direct Marketing where, as a Customer Service Manager, she led a team that coordinated the nationwide direct mail program for JC Penney.

After retiring in 2014 she decided to begin making scented soap to sell at craft shows and holiday bazaars. Her specialties were multi-colored soaps and bath loofas. She was especially gratified when repeat customers sought her out at these shows or called to place custom orders.

Emily maintained life-long friendships with grade school classmates, and enjoyed our dinners and group travels. She was an avid reader and it was common for her to be reading several books at the same time.

A tribute from a friend captured her impact well: “Her boundless energy and friendly personality will be missed.”

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Emily’s Park Fund, c/o Ohio Township, 2877 Mt. Pisgah Rd., New Richmond, 45157, to continue her efforts to maintain and improve the township park.