Emily Roebken

1985 - 2017

Emily Anne Roebken, age 32, one of God's unparalleled creations, died on All Saints' Day, November 1, at her home in Denver. She was a devoted mother, a loving wife, a caring sister, and a daughter way too accomplished for the gene pool she came from. She was truly an original, a beautiful young woman who profoundly affected all who knew her. Emily Manion was born to Karen and Mike Manion on July 30th, 1985 in Wheat Ridge, CO. Erin, age three, was thrilled to have a baby sister. Emily graduated from D'Evelyn HS, attended the University of Denver, and received both her undergrad vocal performance degree and Master's Degree in Education from Regis University. More recently she has been a music teacher at St. Francis de Sales Catholic School in Denver. She was a singer with a preternatural gift. Her love of God seemed to come alive whenever she sang at church. For years, she cantored Masses, mainly at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Golden. Parishioners from other churches would come to hear her, to get their "Emily fix". When asked why she didn't take her vocal gifts to Hollywood or New York, her response was, "No way. I want a normal life". She was also a consummate educator. She taught in Highlands Ranch, north Arvada, and Denver. To her, a kid was a kid was a kid. It didn't matter what the socio-economic status was. She loved them all and wanted to give them a chance in life. The troubled home lives of some of her students broke her heart. She pushed them academically and set high expectations. The progress these students demonstrated by year's end was extraordinary. She once said, "I don't care if I get into trouble. I'm going to hug my kindergarten students every day and tell them I love them". In turn, they deeply loved her too. One of her happiest times was the day she married the love of her life, Todd Roebken, in September 2015. She was a stunning bride and since her favorite color was purple, her beautiful bridesmaids were dressed accordingly. With tears in her eyes and flashing her beaming megawatt smile, she walked her unsteady dad down the aisle to meet her soon to be husband. A year later, they welcomed their curly-haired blond baby boy, Ryan. He is truly a gift and has inherited his mother's same smile. Sadly, while pregnant with her second son, Walker, Emily left this world way too soon. Our bright shining star was extinguished. Emily, may God bless you, your family, and your unborn son for all eternity. Emily was preceded in death by her grandfather Albert Bucholz, and grandparents Joseph and Margaret Manion. Emily is survived by her wonderful husband Todd Roebken, their son Ryan, sister Erin (Jeff) Swetnam, nephews Michael and Matthew Swetnam, parents Mike and Karen Manion, grandmother Rita Bucholz, in-laws Mariann and Kirk Roebken of Edina, MN, sister-in-law Heather (Jeff) Reimann of MN, and their children, Blake, Brooke, Cooper, and Piper. She is also survived by numerous loving aunts and uncles, and she would want a special shout out to her 14 first cousins, with whom she shared an incredible bond. she also loved her friends, and her two cats, Peanut and Penelope, who all meant so much to her. Visitation will be held Thursday, November 9th from 6 to 7 PM, with a rosary to follow at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 12735 W. 58th Ave., Arvada, CO. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, November 10th, at 10:30 AM at the same church. A reception and celebration of her life will follow in the Orleans Hall. Burial will then occur at the Golden Cemetery, 755 Ulysses St., Golden. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to Mile High United Way-Emily Roebken Early Childhood Fund at www.unitedwaydenver.org. Emily dedicated her teaching career to providing the children she taught with the foundation for high-quality learning, self-confidence, and life success. Emily's legacy of love for children and passion for teaching will continue to shine. Please include Emily Roebken's name to assure proper allocation. Thank you. Also, please share condolences at aspenmortuaries.com. Finally, funeral attendees are encouraged, if so moved, to wear Emily's favorite color, purple.