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Emily Strow Obituary
SPRINGFIELD - Emily A. Strow, 26, of Springfield, IL passed away at 5:37 a.m. on Friday, May 28, 2010, in Springfield, IL.
She was born on June 25, 1983, in Springfield to Brian V. and Marcia A. Pickard Strow.
Emily is preceded in death by her grandfather, Ted K. Pickard, and grandmother, Margaret M. Strow.
She is survived by her son, James Eric Stiner; parents; sister, Meredith L. Strow; brother, Andrew V. Strow; grandparents, Delores M. Kurwicki and Dr. Wallace F. (Patricia) Strow, all of Springfield; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Emily was a volunteer for Multiple Sclerosis and American Cancer Society. She was a graduate of Springfield High School. She was a student at Lincoln Land Community College pursuing a degree in nursing.
A family prayer service will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 1, 2010, followed by a visitation from 4-7 p.m. at Staab Funeral Home. A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 2, 2010, at Christ the King Church. Monsignor David Lantz will officiate. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the James Eric Stiner Education Fund.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Emily Strow
December 13, 2010
Emily, You are truly missed. Keep shining your smile down on James and all of our family and your friends.
Emily and her son James at Festival of Trees 2009
June 29, 2010
June 25, 2010
Emily, Happy Birthday. You are not forgotten. Love Aunt Dee Dee, Uncle Jimmy, Counsins Jenna, Meagan and Kirstie Smith
Eisis Wigren
June 13, 2010
Emily, I am saddened by the loss of your life. We just got reconnected after both trying to find each other the last few years. We had so much to catch up on and we never had the chance to do so. Our timing was never right. I am glad I have pictures from our freshman year of high school together and all the memories to keep in my heart. I love you.
Jana Harvey
June 12, 2010
Marcia and Family,
I can't imagine the pain you are feeling with the loss of your beautiful girl. Please know that I am thinking of you.
Katie Raffa
June 11, 2010
Emily,
I still cant believe that you were taken so soon. Such a beautiful person inside & out. my prayers are with you and your family. I know we kinda lost touch these past couple years but u were still my girl. We have tons of memories, they will stay with me forever. Say hi to both the Adams, Stanley, & all the others we have lost along the way. I love & miss you Em
Tyler Wayne
June 10, 2010
I have known Emily since we went to lincoln and grant middle school she was always a beautiful person. I am keeping her and her family in my prayers.
Angela Beckman
June 8, 2010
I went to high school with Emily and ran into her a few months back.. I remembered her just the way she looked that day, after years apart. She will be sadly missed.
Emily Thompson
June 6, 2010
Emily was a student of mine at Lincoln Land. She took Art Appreciation last fall even though it was not a requirement for her degree. I know the past year presented Emily with struggles, however, she handled them with an amazing attitude and was always positive and smiling no matter what life handed her. She was passionate in her studies, volunteer work, and most of all, motherhood. My heart goes out to her family during this difficult time, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Hailey Raffa
June 5, 2010
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Amanda (Oota) Long
June 4, 2010
Emmy Ann,
I'm struggling with the loss of such a great and long time friend! I think of you everyday!! I was aunty Oota and you will still be aunty Em....you were soooo excited when you found out the babe was coming in December! This has sincerely broken my heart :( Marcia, if you ever need anything please call! Your daughter was and will always be such a loveable yet feisty girl which is probably why we got along so well! I am truly missing her very much!
Deborah Brothers
June 4, 2010
I have been out of town for several days and just learned of Emily's passing. I'm so, so sad to know that she is gone. What a brilliant mind and an energetic, compassionate spirit Emily had! I grew to know her during one of her biggest life's trials this past year, and I admired and was more than a little amazed by her determination and capacity to keep on learning, growing, and helping others. I am so grateful to have known her and to have had her as a student. My heart, prayers, and thoughts are with Emily's entire family.
Beverly Brooks-Ashley
June 4, 2010
Marcia, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, you and your family have my deepest sympathy and have been in my thoughts and prayers.
From one of your Longaberger Sisters.
Tera Spellbrink
June 4, 2010
Everyday I learn of more people who I know who also knew Emily and they all have nothing but wonderful things to say. Her smile and kindness had great impact on her friends and even people who barely knew her. Your family and friends miss you Emily……your cuz Tera
Jessica Russell
June 3, 2010
I knew you when Adam was here and I found you again in our CNA Class--all the mornings that we called each other to make sure we were awake and not late!! Jayceline loved playing with James at Trinity, on the last day of school I said hey chicy see ya in 3 weeks, you will be forever missed in my heart. The Strow Family, I am truly sorry for you loss.
Emily and I on our graduation night from CNA
Jessica Russell
June 3, 2010
June 3, 2010
I only met emily a few times w my daughter nikki my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family GOD BLESS>
June 3, 2010
My deepest condolences to Emily's son and her family. I had the honor of working with Emily a few times in the Learning Lab at Lincoln Land Community College. She was always wearing a smile and was extremely kind. She will be missed but not forgotten.
Amy Chernowsky - LLCC
Courtney Androski-Paul
June 3, 2010
To the Strow Family,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Emily. She was a wonderful person. I lost touch with her when I moved away, but I will never forget how thoughtful your family was to welcome us when we moved down the street on Arlington. May God be with you in your time of need.
Cheryn lawson
June 3, 2010
I only met you once, you were such a bright light to all people. Rest in peace my dear.
Kevin Boehmke
June 3, 2010
Emmy, goodbye. We will miss you always, but you'll always be in our hearts and memories. Our heartfelt sympathy to your family and especially to that little boy who will grow up not knowing the wonderful mother he had. Jeff and Kevin.
June 3, 2010
Emily, Love you forever.
Aunt Dee Dee, Uncle Jimmy & Cousins Jenna, Meagan and Kirstie Smith
Suzanne Pulcher
June 3, 2010
Marcia and Family, I hope that in this wrenching time you are able to find great memories and smiles from James to help keep you shinning. May love and prayers keep you going.
Torrie Jones
June 3, 2010
Emily stood by everything she believed in. One of those things was me, and I will be forever grateful for her encouragement and faith. I cannot offer enough condolences to her family, especially her son. Her light was extinguished too soon. Thank you for your spirit Emily, and for your effect on all those around you.
All my love
Tori Zimmerli
June 3, 2010
To the Strow family and loved ones... My thoughts and prayers are with you. Em was one of the sweetest people I have ever known. She will be missed and loved by everyone that got a chance to get to know her. May she rest in peace.
J C
June 2, 2010
Our deepest sympathies to Emily's family. The National MS Society and the thousands of people living with MS in IL thank Emily for her volunteer contributions. (Chicago, National MS Society-Greater IL Chapter)
June 2, 2010
To Dr. Wallace Strow and Marcia Strow: I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with you at St. John's Hospital on the 6th floor. I will pray for the Peace of God to be your strength whenever you think of your loss of this wonderful child. Sandy Schubert RN
June 2, 2010
Emily, I remember meeting you for the first time when we both worked together at LoneStar back in 01 ! You ALWAYS had a smile that would light up the whole place !! You knew just what to say when I was having a bad day.. or a good one.. and your hugs.. were the best !! I cannot believe this has happened, it makes no sense at all ! My heart breaks for James and your family ! I pray for God's comfort and peace for them and I pray that your memory will live on through each of us that had the pleasure of getting to know you in life !! I moved away over 2 years ago and have not seen you much since then.. but last year when we crossed paths in May.. and I got a big hug from you.. it was like we had never skipped a beat !! You will ALWAYS be missed.. and NEVER forgotten ! R.I.P sweet Emily and please watch over us all !! Love you !
~ Amanda (Booth) Decatoire ~
mandy ross
June 2, 2010
emily, you will truly be missed by all. your memory will live on forever. i know you will keep everyone you loved safe and be their guardian angel. your now one of gods beautiful angels but will be always be missed down here.
Brenda Duel
June 2, 2010
Emily, I am glad to have known the child you were. I only got to hear about the awesome woman you turned out to be...this was my loss. My Mike quoted the great James Dean after we left the funeral home..."dream as if you have forever to live and live as if today is your last..." He felt that you had lived your life that way....Rest my friend, play with the butterflies, and sail on the wind....You will live on in the hearts of the people you have touched with your kindness, smile, and spunk!
amanda dodson
June 2, 2010
Emily...may u rest in peace now.it was a pleasure getting to know you while i cared for your son at his daycare.you were too young to go but i guess god wanted you and now you may be at rest!! you were a very outgoing and funny girl who was always happy and smiling.now you can watch down on james and watch him grow and be his angel..with love
June 2, 2010
To the Strow Family- my thoughts and prayers are with you during this hard time. Take some comfort in knowing what a shining person Emily was. I'm sure she is watching over everyone now with that contagious smile and laugh.
My heart breaks for poor James. Her spirit will always live on through him.
Jenni Geist
June 2, 2010
we will all miss you emily!! you will be in our thoughts and prayers every day!! so glad i got to know you and i could call you a friend!!
Kyle Blakeman
June 2, 2010
Emily,
I can't believe that you have left us so early. We haven't talked that much lately but I still remember the huge smile and big hug that was waiting for me whenever we saw each other. I know there is one waiting for me someday when the old Colony West crew is back together again. Say hello to Adam for me in the meantime. We'll miss you.....
The last time i saw you..... a day to not be forgotten much love Em
Kristabelle Dietrich
June 2, 2010
Em, You will never be forgotten! You had a spirit and a smile that lit up any room. In the short almost 3 years I was blessed with knowing you we shared a lot,our children shared a lot. Those memories will stay with us forever! The kids tell me that they know your up there watching over us all..such innocent words but so true. You were an amazing person that always knew how to make someone smile and laugh even in the hardest of times. Many thoughts and prayers are with James and your family. We love our Miss Emily.. may you rest in peace and bless the skies with your humor and beauty. Love Kristabelle,Zach,Zachary, Madison, and Alliebelle Deitrich
June 2, 2010
To Andrew and family - you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. The Hughs family -Beverly,Dean, Caren and Kevin.
June 2, 2010
Emily,
If we could bring you back again,
For one more hour or day,
We’d express all our unspoken love;
We’d have countless things to say.
If we could bring you back again,
We’d say we treasured you,
And that your presence in our lives
Meant more than we ever knew.
If we could bring you back again,
To tell you what we should,
You’d know how much we miss you. My comfort now is knowing I will see you again, but for now you will forever be in my heart.
SMOKE
June 2, 2010
Emily,
If we could bring you back again,
For one more hour or day,
We’d express all our unspoken love;
We’d have countless things to say.
If we could bring you back again,
We’d say we treasured you,
And that your presence in our lives
Meant more than we ever knew.
If we could bring you back again,
To tell you what we should,
You’d know how much we miss you. My comfort now is knowing I will see you again, but for now you will forever be in my heart.
Carrie Jacobs
June 2, 2010
I remember Emily from her visits to the Learning Lab at LLCC. She always had a wonderful, upbeat disposition. Her pride and joy was her son. She happily shared stories or pictures of him. I saddened by her passing. I wanted her family to know what a lovely daughter and mother she was. May God bless and keep you all during this most sad of times. Carrie Jacobs, LLCC
"Sra." Elaine Kuhn
June 2, 2010
Meredith and Andrew: Please accept my deepest sympathies as well as those of Jonathan. May God bless you and your family in this time of great sorrow, and may you find comfort and peace in the support of your family and friends.
Neil Patel
June 2, 2010
we will miss you emily
Kimberly Ramey
June 1, 2010
Emily-
You where my very first best friend. We shared so many thoughts and dreams when we where children. You taught me so many things and I don't think that you even know half of them! As we grow up we took different paths in live. I was heartbroken in your passing, but I know that your spirit will be with me every day of my life. I'm will be forever blessed that God placed you in my life. I will never forget you. I hope that you rest in peace that only the Lord can give you. My comfort now is that I know both my grandparent will be with you. I love you and there will forever be a place in my heart where your memory will be.
June 1, 2010
To the Strow family, our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow. Gus and Rose Marie Morris Springfield, Illinois
June 1, 2010
Her light will burn forever
Jane Willman
June 1, 2010
Marcia, May your memories bring you comfort.
Heather Zake
June 1, 2010
A thousand times we needed you
A thousand times we cried
If love alone could have saved you
you never would have died
A heart of gold stopped beating
two twinkling eyes closed to rest
God broke our hearts to prove he only took the best
never a day goes by that you’re not in my heart and my soul.
May God + Bless ur family and friends through this hard time*
Heather Zake
June 1, 2010
A thousand times we needed you
A thousand times we cried
If love alone could have saved you
you never would have died
A heart of gold stopped beating
two twinkling eyes closed to rest
God broke our hearts to prove he only took the best
never a day goes by that you’re not in our hearts & souls.
Even though I didnt know u I still wanted to write sumthing*God took sumone great and its sad to see sumone soo young have to go*:( Every one loves and misses.RIP Emily Strow*
Nancy Harpring
June 1, 2010
I will always remember the fun times at SBS with all of your childrem. My deepest sympathy to your family.
Ashley Kil
June 1, 2010
Emily,
Im very sad that you have past away. Please know you were loved and will be missed.
June 1, 2010
Strow Family you are in my prayers, I remember Emily as a wild but sweet little girl at Step by Step.I am sorry for your loss.
Miss Carol Uzman
Jill Pelosi
June 1, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
June 1, 2010
Emily you will be missed very much. We have had some great times together and I will never forget you. Love you!!!
Kelly Snyder
June 1, 2010
To Emily's Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Emily was one of my students at Enos. I thought very highly of her and remember her for her beautiful smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Godspeed Emily.
~ Mrs. Snyder
Jim Watts
June 1, 2010
Andrew, Dr. Strow and Family,
Our prayers are with you and may God Bless you.
Jim & Robin Watts
Lisa Lukaszewski
June 1, 2010
Em I will remember water aerobics at SRFC and it was great running into you the other day...I just wish we really did have more time to catch up on things...you have such a big heart and will be missed by many!
Faye Bilyeu
June 1, 2010
Marcia-I am sooo sorry about your loss! She was such a wonderful girl and was ALWAYS there for me whenever I needed it and YOU welcomed me in your home anytime and anyday when my cousin Adam Rose passed away and it meant soooo much to me. Watch over James for all of us and Im praying for the whole family!
Emily- You will be missed by EVERYONE! You were such a wonderful person and would go out of your way to help someone out! You were one of a kind sweetie! I love you and miss you and we WILL NEVER forget you! I know Adam and you will watch over us!
Emily Gillman
June 1, 2010
I remember when Emily and I were in the 7th grade together. I had received a poor grade on a test, and was so upset, I ran out of the classroom. Emily ran after me to see if I was okay. She was such a sweet girl. My prayers are with her and her family.
Larry Franklin
June 1, 2010
emily we all loved you and didn't want to see you go but god must took you to be a god angle and influce over all you loved and that loved you in return
June 1, 2010
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
--Sara Halada
Rob Brockamp
June 1, 2010
My thoughts are with you and your family during this hard time. Emily will be missed by many.
Misty Erwin
June 1, 2010
To Emily's family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Erika White
June 1, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time. May god give you all the strength to get through this sad time.
Amber Mack
June 1, 2010
We will never understand why god takes our loved ones from us, but we do know that Emily had a heart of gold and will put it to much use in heaven!
Paula (Tupy) Hubbard
June 1, 2010
Marcia and family, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God's peace surround you at this time of sorrow.
Kristin Knox
June 1, 2010
Em...I'm still at a loss for words. You and Bean go way back but then we began our own friendship. You were there for me during some rough times in my life and I will appreciate all of the support, advice and encouragement you gave me for always! Your smile, I will never forget. You were beautiful inside and out. Although so many of us lost a friend, God gained one heck of an angel! Watch over us all and we will meet again someday! Forever missed, and loved, never forgotten! Xoxo
Dan Steven
June 1, 2010
Bye Em
Dawn Melcher
June 1, 2010
Emily, I remember meeting you when Melissa was watching James for you and Brooke for my son. You were always smiling and always had a word of encouragement for me through all the drama. I really appreciated it. You will truly be missed but I know that you are still smiling and watching over all of us helping us through this. James and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. God has a beautiful angel next to him now. Miss ya!
Steve and Julia Wang
June 1, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this very difficult time.
Amber Stanton
June 1, 2010
We are shocked and sadened by your loss. Please accept our condolences.
Dan and Amber Stanton & family
Andrea (Price) Bennett
June 1, 2010
I had Emily as a camper when she was little and I also knew her Aunt and Uncle. This is a sad day and she will be missed. She was always cheerful. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
Emily Wanless
June 1, 2010
Marcia, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am so very sorry for your loss. Emily was a beautiful young woman. Please take solice in knowing she is with God now. Emily Wanless (SJH Rehab)
Heather Bellatti
June 1, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. Be sad that the world lost such an amazing woman, but be comforted knowing that she is now an Angel in Heaven.
Mallory Drewes
June 1, 2010
Emily, You were such a beautiful person. I thank the lord Christine introduce me to you. We had some really good times hanging around the pool and taking country runs. I will miss you very much. Luv ya!
Sabrina Frank
June 1, 2010
A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam
And for a brief moment its glory
and beauty belong to our world
But then it flies again
And though we wish it could have stayed...
We feel lucky to have seen it.
Pete Catalano
June 1, 2010
Brian and family, I am very sorry about your daughter. Your all in my prayers.
Terri Smith
June 1, 2010
Em was a great person...that smile was always there...she will be sadly missed by many...but enough friends to keep it spirit alive forever & forever.
June 1, 2010
My prayers are with your entire family God will guide you through the tough times. Bridgette Trumbo
Ashley Stewart
June 1, 2010
You were such a beautiful woman, both inside and out. We will never understand why you were taken from us so soon, but I know that you are watching over each of us and God has one amazing angel. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You will be greatly missed!!!
John Laurenzana
June 1, 2010
Emily was a good friend to everybody. I wish I could say that we had talked more in the last several months, but we just lost touch. However, I won't forget those hilarious conversations we had about the most random things possible, and about the serious stuff too. Thanks for being a good friend even when I might not have been the best one all the time. I'll keep you, your family, and especially James in my prayers.
Denise (Bethel) Newbold
June 1, 2010
My thoughts & prayers are with all of you at this most difficult time. I knew of Emily because I worked with & learned much from her mother, Marcia. I haven't lived in IL for awhile, but I know how proud Marcia was of all of her family. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Felicia (Davis) Jiardina
June 1, 2010
So full of beauty inside and out, you will be truly missed. My condolences and prayers to your family, it was too soon.
Angie M
June 1, 2010
Emily was an amazing person that always made me laugh. My thoughts are with her family at this time!
Melissa Knox
May 31, 2010
A beautiful girl with a beautiful spirit. Emily will always be remembered for her contagious smile and her undying spirit. My heart breaks for little James and the rest of the family, but Emily is at peace in a better place. You are all in my thoughts and prayers!
Jake Krumwiede
May 31, 2010
To the Strow Family,
I am so sorry for your loss, your entire family are in my prayers through these hard times.
To Emily,
You are a great friend and i will never forget the times we had together.
Jim Rychel
May 31, 2010
I'll miss your willingness to listen when others were down, despite your own hardships you never hesitated to sacrifice to help others heal. I'll miss seeing your smile when you talked about James, I'll miss having you to ride with me when nobody else wanted to, I'll miss our late night chats just to check on each other, but most of all I'll miss you Em.
Rebecca Jackson
May 31, 2010
Good Bye Em. I will miss you.
Katrina Williams
May 31, 2010
My heart breaks to hear Emily is no longer with us, prayers for all the family and friends! God bless
H. J. & Beverly Collins
May 31, 2010
Brian and Family, As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Gina Bennett
May 31, 2010
Strow Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
May 31, 2010
My thoughts are with you all during this difficult time. Always treasure the times you shared! Emily you were a very loved person and I know you will be truely missed. I didnt know Emily well but went to school together for a long time and had many of the same friends! RIP
John Parker
May 31, 2010
Damn this sucks. I knew here since christ the king. we went to springfield high together. we rode th bus to gether. She stopped and asked me for directions last winter in Salisbury. God bless your family and son.
Marlene Dawe
May 31, 2010
To the Strow Family, You have my sincere condolences on the passing of your daughter and sister. I was the secretary at Sandburg School when Emily was a student.
Brian Selinger
May 31, 2010
Brian, My most sincere condolences. Your daughter and your entire family will be in my prayers.
Jason A. Williams
May 31, 2010
It's sad to see her taken so early in life, you will be missed.
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