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Emma Louis-Dreyfus Obituary
June 16, 1974 - Aug 13, 2018
Emma Louis-Dreyfus, a San Francisco Bay Area resident and social worker, died on August 13 in Nevada County, California. She was 44.Emma lived in Oakland and worked in San Mateo County. Raised a New Yorker, the Bay Area became her adoptive home since moving to San Francisco in 1998. Emma loved the city life and she also loved the countryside, particularly the Sierra Nevada and Teton mountains. One of her favorite weekend getaways was the Yuba River. It was along that river where Emma died of an apparent seizure while camping with friends near Purdon Crossing.
Born in New York City on June 16, 1974, she attended the Bank Street School for Children and Ethical Culture Fieldston School in New York City, graduating in 1992. Four years later, she graduated from Brown University with a bachelor's degree in Psychology.
Emma was a large presence despite her short stature, filling rooms with her exuberance and irreverent laugh. Dinner party games were a must with her. Favorites included charades, cards, Balderdash, Twister, Monopoly. She enjoyed the camaraderie and the competition of playing sports (soccer, touch-football, tennis, softball), drank Tab and always had gumballs and Werther's in her bag to hand out.
A brilliant, progressive thinker and supporter of social justice, Emma's desire to help those in need is what led her to complete a Masters in Social Welfare degree in 2002 from the University of California, Berkeley. Outside of work, Emma loved to hike, camp, ski and travel. Nicaragua, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Peru. In Barcelona, she watched Spain win the 2010 World Cup with a friend. With her mother, she traveled through Asia.
In her career, Emma was a clinical social worker and family therapist, a calling that included child advocacy, community activism, training and supervision. Most recently, she worked as a bilingual clinician, fluent in Spanish, for the StarVista and Community Well organizations in the Bay Area. She was also a Graduate Fellow in Infant Parent Mental Health. Earlier this year, she received a certificate in Neurosequential Modeling of Therapeutics (NMT) to help address issues around childhood trauma.
Emma adored children, especially her niece and nephews, and was an ardent animal lover, which included her beloved dogs: the late Eisadora (Eisa), whom she shared an email address with, and Obatunde (Oba). Eisa was known for stealing sandwiches in Golden Gate Park – Emma was known for buying new ones to replace them.
Emma is survived by her mother, Phyllis; sisters, Phoebe Eavis and Julia Louis-Dreyfus and their husbands, Peter Eavis and Brad Hall; brother, Raphael Penteado; niece, Victoria Eavis; nephews, Henry Hall, Charlie Hall, and Isaiah Eavis; and her partner Sean Kim. Her father, William Louis-Dreyfus, died in 2016. In Emma's honor, memorial donations can be made to the Community Well - http://www.communitywellsf.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Emma Louis-Dreyfus
John Guglielmelli
June 23, 2024
John Guglielmelli
June 23, 2024
John Guglielmelli
June 23, 2024
John Guglielmelli
June 23, 2024
John Guglielmelli
June 23, 2024
John Guglielmelli
June 23, 2024
Hi Emma Bunny,
Seldomly but I do drive by your home where the bowling lanes of roses stood behind your home on pillars on a slant Oakland spread to the left and the San Mateo mountains to the right
Going to play pool as we kick around stuff on your messy car inside of your messy car and we played pool in a bar that's so small you have to bend your elbow and sort of angle the pool cue to fit the room I thought it was hilarious sitting in naugahide red sort of pizza parlor kind of atmosphere but very nice people Emma you you taught me silence you taught me stealth steadfast love I believe that you regarded everyone that you came across equally and with the same genuine interest as a friend or stranger you're
You took chances the funny thing is and this is sort of private I've never told you this or anybody else but the fact that you never got your bottom tooth fixed even though you could at any moment I love that you said so what I'm Emma and you know what the only reason I noticed it is because I'm John and I'm stupid sometimes but I think about that and I think about you and your pitbull doggies and how much you love to ISA your choice and wisdom to live a life where kindness is your legacy
John Guglielmelli
August 17, 2022
Emma I think of you often
As a writer painter photographer whatever or I am you are one of the pieces of exquisite furniture in my interior life I found him of love that glistens in the interior sunshine and the iridescent of infinity because time serves us it serves as Emily would say forever is composed of nows
John Guglielmelli
August 8, 2022
John Guglielmelli
August 8, 2022
John Guglielmelli
August 8, 2022
Almost 4 years my dear I still can't come to terms with this sadness that I'll never be able to hug you and laugh with you and walk down the street and just admire your kindness but you're in my heart you're in my every breath I'm so glad we met the six years we shared will always be a beautiful accessory to my demeanor you made me a better person I love you and I miss you but I know that you're with all who love you
Joan Cenedella
August 7, 2022
Such a great sadness, a great odd. I remember her well, even though she was not in my class. My condolences to her family and to Phoebe especially. xxx
Jim Burril
August 17, 2021
Dear Family Members,
Emma and I always had nice talks when she was always using the copy machine in Psychology at Brown University.A very kind person. I bought us lunch down on Thayer Street and she was nervous on graduating(1996). I sent flowers to her apt in PA before she arrived and she sent a very nice letter.Always will be remembered fondly!!!! I knew her without her real name as Brown U does and only found out later who she was.A kind person!
JOHN GUGLIELMELLI
August 17, 2021
I love you Emma.
James Burrill
June 21, 2021
Dear Julia,
My overdue sympathy to you and your family
I actually worked at Brown University and used to always have nice conversations in the Psychology Dept where I cared for animals . I eventually also went out to lunch with your sister and then when she got ready to graduate she gave me her address in PA where she was heading.I actually sent her a bouquet to be at her apt when she arrived .
I got a very nice Thank You card.
Later.
People kept telling me years later I was friends with Julia Louis Dreyfus sister and I couldn't pin point who they meant.
Well, she was very nice and we had a great lunch. I didn't know for years that my new friend was really Emma Louis Dreyfus!!
Jim Burrill
879 Nooseneck Hill Rd
West Greenwich,RI
02817
John Guglielmelli
August 17, 2020
Love and Miss You
Tim Glover
May 13, 2020
She was one of my students when I taught physics at the Fieldston School in New York. She was a very sweet girl, warm and engaging. I'm not surprised that she was in social work - she always seemed kind and caring.
Noel Good
February 23, 2020
Emma,
Today, I'm thinking about you more than usual. I'm thinking about the ways in which you made me feel about the world and how we must inhabit it.
You've always been an inspiration.
Noel
John Guglielmelli
December 11, 2019
LOVE
Briana Maldonado
November 5, 2019
iii still remember you as a small child at St.Ambrose school when you were a guidance counselor for us + you helped me through many tough times as a kid. Always taking the time to teach me new ways to creatively express my frustrations + lessons. 16 years later + Im now pursuing a career in art + still finding new ways to creatively express myself. Thank you for all that youve done.
John Guglielmelli
August 17, 2019
The world is a different place without you in it but I know youre amongst those who love you with that bright smile and infectious laughter but we miss you
Claire Way
July 25, 2019
Rest in peace Emma. I think about you often and I am heartbroken to hear of your passing. I often think of our chats through that funny shared office at school and know you have left a legacy in the many students and adults you connected with. You had a huge heart. Rest easy, you really will be missed xxxxx
March 7, 2019
thinking of you often
your smile, laughter and exuberance
your caring way, your enthusiasm for others
your dedication to love
your honesty, your modesty
your strength and your light
John Guglielmelli
February 14, 2019
I miss you
i miss you friend
john gughlielmelli
January 30, 2019
beautiful emma
john gughlielmelli
January 30, 2019
emma and sean
john gughlielmelli
January 30, 2019
January 6, 2019
I wish I could tell you that I overcame my fear of dogs and got to carry a pug last week. And I wish I could tell you that I made it through my first semester at Berkeley. I know you would be so proud of me. There are so much I want to say to you. I admit I get angry and more depressed thinking about you being gone but I am very thankful for meeting you. You continued to see me despite the fact that I lost my medical insurance. Your passion to help others is truly inspiring. There is no one who can understand me like you did. I wish I could express my feelings better and Im sorry... I will try to believe in myself like you did. I miss you.
My Beautiful Friend
John Guglielmelli
December 19, 2018
We all miss you Emma.
John Guglielmelli
December 17, 2018
A mighty force of Love.
John Guglielmelli
December 17, 2018
A friend and shoulder.
John Guglielmelli
December 17, 2018
R V
December 13, 2018
I will always remember you as a gentle soul with a competitive spirit. You are no doubt shining your light where you are now just like you lit every room you entered. Hike, run and dance on Emma but soothe the hearts of your loved ones.
john Guglielmelli
December 13, 2018
i love you friend
My Beautiful Emma
john guglielmelli
December 13, 2018
John Guglielmelli
December 13, 2018
She told me I was someone she would like to spend time with , someone with whom she would like to be friends. I was and am honored she felt this way, and it was mutual. Without any fanfare or pretense she would visit me in the Tenderloin and walk the gritty streets (often buying and heating food for the homeless and passing it out as we walked). We attended drag shows where she would excitedly tip the performer with much enthusiasm. She wore t-shirts and jeans, loved her dogs and coached soccer. Always kindness flowed from her, she was committed to making this a better planet and did what she could through volunteering throughout the world, donating large sums of money and goods to the needy. I shall miss her.
My beautiful, kind and thoughtful friend Emma
john guglielmelli
December 13, 2018
Beautiful Emma
John Guglielmelli
December 13, 2018
Sandy Pendleton
December 12, 2018
To the family of Emma Louis- Dreyfus. I am so vey sorry for your loss. She sounds like a beautiful person, inside and out. God Bless you all.
Elizabeth Nickelby
December 12, 2018
She sounds like a remarkable person. Being an advocate for children is a tough job. My best to your family.
William Self
November 3, 2018
Our prayers are with you and your family .
William Self
Sue Stadtfeld
November 2, 2018
Our deepest sympathies, Phyllis to you and your entire family.
Nick & Sue Stadtfeld
Linda Hook
November 1, 2018
I just heard about Emma and am very saddened she is gone. I live at 465 28th Street. I would often see her with her dog and the dog loved our house and would run thru my garage and up 3 flights. Emma and I got a real kick out of this. She was a pleasure to know. My love to the family. Linda Hook
Simeon Good
October 29, 2018
Dear Emma,
You know what's interesting? Years ago, not sure why exactly, I adopted this philosophy of sorts, this idea that the less things I'm attached to, the better. And so I went about purging the things in my life that I felt I could live without; photographs, small trinkets, memories and keepsakes that people stow away for sentimental reasons.
A few months ago, perhaps in early August, I was confronted with that choice again, to throw away some old, dusty books and post cards. There's one post card I came across that was from you. It was addressed to me, not terribly long after we had met. When I left California, you wrote me a lot....letters on small pieces of paper, postcards and notes. And so years later, there I stood, at the dumpster, caught between my philosophy of purging and this feeling that these things are something I should keep.
Early this morning, I found out, with great heartbreak, that you passed away around the same time I had been standing in front of that dumpster.
I don't know if it works that way or not. If God or the universe drops small, subtle notes about things to come, about why some things are worth keeping.
I'll miss you Emma.
Simeon
Roz Watkins
October 28, 2018
Julia and family, praying God give you HIS comfort, He is the God of all comfort. Bless you and your family.
Bishop Richard & Roz Watkins
October 16, 2018
We will miss you Emma . You were a beautiful soul God have you in his glory. It was a pleasure being your dentist and your friend.
Darien Picart
October 3, 2018
So sorry for your lost my condolence for the dreyfus family. I'm learning about this just now. Please give them the comfort and prayers they need my prayers are out their. I love Seinfeld you played a great part as elaine I know your sister was beyond proud of you. God bless.
September 9, 2018
I think about you everyday. Friday's feel different now. I don't know how I can survive without you. You were the only person who truly gets it and I am here now because of you. I really miss you. Hope we can meet again someday. Thank you for everything.
Coommunity Well
September 6, 2018
In loving memory of Emma Louis-Dreyfus.
Emma passed suddenly and left everyone at Community Well (CW) with a heavy heart. She was someone who believed in our mission and was full heartedly present to help to heal our community. Her dedication to her work and her clients was inspiring to all of us.
We'll always remember her with a smile on her face, laughing or sharing at one of our practitioner potlucks. She expressed to us on several occasions how much she loved CW, the energy in the space. We know that she was an active participant in contributing to the loving and healing energy that CW holds.
On Thursday, August 23rd CW held a Remembrance & Life Celebration for Emma. Tereza Iñiguez-Flores facilitated the gathering and everyone present had the opportunity to share about Emma and contribute to an altar in her memory. We will all miss Emma in her physical form, but we know that her caring energy and spirit will forever be part of CW. Our thoughts are with her family and friends who are mourning her passing.
In loving memory of our sister and beloved practitioner we'd like to share Emma's obituary that tells more about how she lived her life
Con amor,
Community Well Family
Beth Wacome Keck
August 31, 2018
What I would say to Emma:
I loved how you were with my children, and now I appreciate, even more, how (and why) you kept those pictures of our family visit when the film canisters got mixed up at your parent's house.
I am so grateful we connected again in the past few years & We were very much looking forward to connecting with you in person in CA, as you and I discussed, for Thunder's games.
Everything was wrong about how we were near each other two weeks ago, at your memorial. Everything was wrong EXCEPT hearing from and seeing so many that deeply loved you, gathered in that place, trying to make sense of it all, and reaching deep within themselves to give each other comfort in your absence...
You (will) remain a gentle, loving, open-hearted Soul in my mind and within my own heart, Emma. You were a Phoenix on this earth, and my prayerful hope is that you are a Phoenix in the hereafter, unfettered within the fullness of the The Greatest Peace.
August 28, 2018
Thank you for being there for me. I really miss you.
August 24, 2018
What a beautiful person and a big loss for this world. Tu vas me manquer. Thank you for being you and always making my day better.
Such a positive energy is inspiring.
Love
Emilie
Rebecca Coyte
August 24, 2018
Love you, Emma! I'll never forget the sandwich incident at Big Rec. I cherish the memories of time spent with you ❤
Maria Santos
August 23, 2018
Emma you will be forever in my heart!
August 23, 2018
So sorry for your lost. May God give you comfort . He will make you firm, he will make you strong,he will firmly ground you.1 peter 5:10
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