Emily Suzanne Rykwalder

RYKWALDER, Emily Suzanne, 24, and her unborn child died in a tragedy April 4, 2005, after just four months of marriage. Tampa lost a brilliant jewel and heaven welcomed a new angel. She was born July 8, 1980, in Ypsilanti, Mich., and moved to Tampa when she was 6. Emily was laid to rest at the Myrtle Hill Cemetery on April 6. She is survived by her son, Matthew (2), whom she dearly loved; her parents, Thomas and Nancy; younger brothers, Brett, Sean, Stephen and Eric; maternal grandmother, Ruth Achauer of Ohio; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins throughout the country. As a young person, Emily was mostly home schooled. At age 17, she was sponsored by the Rotary Club of New Tampa to spend her senior year of high school in France. When she returned to the States, she furthered her studies at Hillsborough Community College in the honors program. Emily's radiant spirit and kind heart touched all who knew her. Her winning smile lit up a room. She had a passion for music and theater, writing po etry, and reading. Her life was positively affected by her association with Mary Kay Cosmetics as a consultant, and most recently through her work with Primerica Financial Services as a financial analyst. Emily had a strong desire to be of service to others in any way she could. As a member of the Baha'i faith, Emily gently taught others of the Baha'i teachings such as the unity of all mankind, the essential oneness of all religions, and that world peace is not only achievable, but inevitable according to God's divine plan. The Baha'i principles of justice and the equality of women and men were particularly important to her. Emily was a special person and a wonderful example to others. She was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. She will be missed by all of us. Everyone who would like to remember her is invited to a Celebration of Life Service 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 30, 2005, at the Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club, 5811 Tampa Palms Blvd. If anyone should wish to make a do nation in memory of Emily, they can send their tax deductible gift to Character Development of Tampa Bay, 405 S. Dale Mabry Highway, #341, Tampa, FL 33607. The mission of CDTB is to empower children to recognize and strengthen their God-given virtues, a task that mirrors the pattern of Emily's life and the path she chose for her own son.