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Emily Shalit Obituary
1957-2012
Emily Grace Shalit of Stockbridge passed away in peace on November 28, 2012 at the Great Barrington Rehabilitation & Nursing Center. After decades of living with multiple sclerosis, the immediate cause of her passing was ovarian cancer, against which she fought heroically for three years
Emily Shalit, born August 22, 1957, became a writer, poet, pianist, animal rescuer (she rarely had fewer than three cats living with her), and a friend to many. Along the way she worked the front desk at the Red Lion Inn; became a Kripalu resident in its early years; enthusiastically filled multiple positions with the Berkshire Public Theater in Pittsfield where the Barrington Stage Company is now located. She first arrived in the Berkshires to serve as a Guide and backstage aide with the BSO at Tanglewood. In recent years she helped form a Berkshire support group of Multiple Sclerosis sufferers to serve as a rallying point to exchange views, provide advice, buttress each other's confidence, and in every way combat the MS scourge.
Emily received her early education at the Anna C. Scott School and the Dwight School for Girls, both in northern New Jersey, and then on to college at Indiana University in Bloomington. Among her very happiest years were her family's summers on Martha's Vineyard, where, as a child, she made friendships that flourished throughout her life.
Among Emily's mourners are her loving husband John Gelpi; her sisters Willa and Amanda; her brothers Peter, Nevin, and Andrew; her father, Gene; and an array of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, uncles, and aunts.
Her mother, Nancy Lewis Shalit, died of cancer in August, 1978.
Emily was blessed by an extensive circle of friends who continually provided devoted active support during her last years.
Contributions in Emily's memory may be sent to the Berkshire Humane Society, 214 Barker Road, Pittsfield MA 01201. A memorial service celebrating her life will wait for spring, as she wished.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Melissa
December 1, 2024
You are still thought of fondly and missed emily. My uncle still misses you and has your photo where he can see it everyday.
Robin Mallory
December 1, 2024
Still think of my visits in the Pink Van to groom Emily´s big black pooch! Such wonderful conversations! Always chatted longer than I expected!
Robin Elyce Mallory
December 3, 2023
Every once in a while a wonderful memory of spending time with Emily pops into my head & I smile
Robin Mallory
December 6, 2022
I think about Emily now and then, especially when I am grooming a big black dog! Wonderful memories of our long chats when I was in my Big Pink Grooming Van....
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Melissa Gelpi
December 1, 2021
With Uncle Johnny and going through things... So many memories of you. He loved you so much. He still cherishes everything. You are still missed Emily.
Melissa Gelpi
December 1, 2020
You are still thought of fondly Emily. your spirit is missed as well. Praying your in Heaven healed and with loved ones, until we see you again.
Stephanie Marlin
January 1, 2017
And here it is, more than four years later, and I am just finding out. I am devastated.
Emily was my best friend in college; we lived together in several houses and apartments, shared our deepest selves, fought, loved and then lost each other. I cannot hear Joni Mitchell or James Taylor without thinking of her, and have been trying to find her for so long. She came to see me once here in Nashville, but dropped in and out of contact. She is the face and memory of my youth.
November 30, 2013
So sorry to hear of Emily's passing. We were friends at Dwight. My sympathy to the family. Jane McDonald Estes
September 30, 2013
I am so sorry emily that you passed away I wish I could have been there for you.I will always remember our talks that we had. As sad as it is that your gone, but you did wonderful things with you life. I will always remember you. Love you lots until we meet again
Ken Le Blanc
September 17, 2013
Please accept my deepest condolences. Emily was beautiful women; caring and intelligent and always generous in
spirit. I will miss her.
Simon Friedman
May 27, 2013
I am shocked and saddened to hear of Emily's passing. We moved into Kripalu around the same time in the 80's, and we remained close friends for many years after although we weren't always in touch. She was a warm, loving person, intelligent, curious, and always a seeker. Her influence helped me to become a cat lover.
Deborah (Benjaminov) Gurman
May 2, 2013
I am saddened to learn of Emily's passing. I feel truly fortunate to have known her. Emily was a kind, loving human being.
Don Crumlin
March 10, 2013
I am so deeply saddened to read of Emily's passing. My heart-felt condolences to the Shalit and Gelpi families. Emily and I exchanged several letters many moons ago and saw each other when she visited Willa at Oberlin College, and I had the honor and privilege of visiting with Willa, Emily and Mandy during the Summer on Martha's Vineyard way back then, when we all went together to visit precious Mother Nancy in the hospital before her passing. She was always a beautiful, kind, gentle, incredibly wonderful soul, with an abundance of inner and outer beauty, and the wisdom to perfectly compliment it. We will miss her terribly, but heaven is blessed to have such a special angel. God Bless!
Jim Noble
January 21, 2013
I'm so sorry to hear of Emily's passing. It's been so many years since we were classmates at Anna C Scott in Leonia...I moved away very young, but her, I remember. She was a very funny little girl! She could make me laugh out loud, then assume a perfectly innocent expression when the teacher came over to restore order. She could keep me in trouble all day! I didn't mind, the laughs were worth it. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Christine
January 7, 2013
I was sad when I learned of Emily's passing. I remember Emily from childhood in New Jersey and a brief time that we spoke to each other in the Berkshires and shared memories with each other. Her smile could light up a room and her gentleness and love of animals was beautiful. She will be missed by all the people who's lives she touched. My condolences to the Shalit family and all who were blessed to have her in their lives. Emily was and always will be a beautiful person and shining star of hope, strengh, peace and love.
Laurie Pignatelli- Schiff
December 28, 2012
I worked with Emily years ago at the Front Desk of the Red Lion Inn. She left a lasting memory on all of us because she had a unique kindness, and spirit that no one else could duplicate. We shared many laughs too. I was lucky to have known her. My condolences to the Shalit and Gelpi families. She was a gem!May she rest in peace.
December 16, 2012
Linda Calero
December 14, 2012
Emily you will be remembered as the warm and friendly person I was so lucky to have met. My sympathy to the Shalit and Gelpi families.
Mercedes Kent
December 13, 2012
I will never forget eating dinner with her and her family around the big family table, being an only child this was quite and experience for me, especially when I learned that her dad was famous. We lost touch over the years but I have thought often of those dinners and how I was warmly welcomed.
Colette Dalton
December 12, 2012
Gene, I have had the blessing of knowing Emily, as I was just one of the many drivers she has had over the years. Over our rides through the Berkshires to her appointments at BMC, we spoke of life and love and children.
She called us 'kindred spirits' and I looked forward to our rides together. I left the Berkshires in April, and more than anyone, I miss my passengers. Emily, her husband, her lovely pets, and you, will all be in my prayers. She will be greatly missed. Such a beautiful lady, and a great loss.
Judy Pirnie Smith
December 11, 2012
My condolences to the Shalit family and Peter, a high school friend, on the loss of his dear sister.
John Ramsen
December 10, 2012
Very sad to hear of your death. I remember a lovely, peaceful hour or so listening to Court and Spark with you. You had just bought the album and were anxious to hear it. We listened together in a room off the library where I had been reading. Not sure exactly why, but it is one of my most cherished memories of high school. RIP Emily
December 8, 2012
Emily has always been a shining bright light of love. She had a way of reaching out with kindness and generosity. May you be at peace Emily. Love Eileen Quinn
December 8, 2012
What a shock. To me Emily was life and light personified -- and how poignant to see the names here of high school friends, Rachel and Ellen. Isn't life remarkable from this vantage point? Love to you on the other side Emily.
Susan Buffington
Lisa Cantrell
December 8, 2012
I was at Dwight as a PG in 72 and often walked to school with Emily. She was always bright and beautiful and I am so sorry to hear this. Condolences to all her family and friends. Lisa Cantrell Dwight '72
Betty Tower
December 8, 2012
Emily-- You were always so nice to me when I came to visit. Will remember you always.
December 8, 2012
Wonderful and deep memories of highshool sleepovers , the Vineyard and Cambridge in our 20s.
Berkshires in our 30s. Rachel Sagan
December 8, 2012
R.I.P emily you will be missed
Ellen Blickman
December 8, 2012
I remember Emily as a free spirit who always followed her heart and her personal vision. My deepest condolences to her family and dear friends.
Ann Marie Spencer Miller
December 7, 2012
My first job in high school was at The Red Lion Inn and Emily was one of the first people I worked with. To this day I have such fun memories of working with her and feel lucky that she was the person who trained me in the work world. In the years to follow we would catch up when she shopped at Guido's. At this point she was dealing with the challenges of MS, but I always marveled at how she met this challenge -her outlook on life staying positive and strong. To Emily's family I extend my sympathy-this world has lost someone wonderful.
Nancy Simanson Dartford
December 7, 2012
May Emily's beautiful spirit be at peace.
My heart and prayres are with all of your family. She was a loving friend and a wonderful comrad on our journey of Yoga and MS.
Max and Seamus
Robin Mallory
December 7, 2012
I am so saddened by the passing of Emily. I met Emily in 2007 when no one else would groom her sweet dog Max, becuase he was so, so big! When we arrived, yes indeed, he was big! My husband & I met Emily and hit it off right away. What a deep love she shared with Max. It was a daunting job, but Emily's spirit guided us thru the 3 hour ordeal! To see her face light up, and the tears roll down her eyes in appreciation of what we had done for her best friend Max, her gratitude was overwhelming! From then on we visited with Emily on and off. Her sweet dog Max passed away, but we were able to groom her special friend, Seamus, a rescue dog whom she never gave up on. we lost touch with her over the past year, but never ever forgot her genuine warmth, her big heart, and her deep, loyal love to her furry companions. Yes, cats were always about. emily brought much joy into our lives. we could always count on a very long message on our answering machine thanking us profusely of the wonderful grooming job we had done and how much she appreciated us taking the time to visit afterwards. Emily, we now will leave you a message....Our world was made better by knowing you, Max and Seamus. Thank you for all your kindess and warmth. I know you are in a wonderful place surrounded by all of the creatures that you loved! Enjoy your wonderful journey.
Melissa (Missy) Gelpi
December 7, 2012
Hard to believe it was just 5 short years ago that you joined our family. Although you leave many people who will miss you dearly, it is a comfort to know you are in Peace now.
Lou DelMasto
December 7, 2012
John, sorry to hear about your loss, my sympathy to you and the family.
Regina Sherman
December 7, 2012
So sorry to hear of the loss of you. I remember you from many years ago, Anna C Scott School.
Regina Crowell Sherman
Marge Kilmer
December 7, 2012
I only recently met Emily in May while she was in Fairview Commoms. My 94 year old friend and I would go and sit outside and many times Emily would sit and chat with us. She was very friendly, open and had a big heart for animals, especially cats. I was blessed to have known her, even though it was for such a short time. My deepest sympathy to her family, friends and her animal companions. She will be missed by many.
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