Emma Kiefer Darling

Emma Kiefer Darling was born in Yugoslavia on April 3rd, 1945, and died on September 9th, 2024, in Fairfax, VA. At the age of five, Emma moved to the United States with her mother, Theresia Kiefer. Raised in Chicago, Emma later attended the University of Maryland where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Business. Emma met the love of her life, United States Army Colonel Gregory Darling while working in Vietnam. The two wed on December 30th, 1972 at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey.

After traveling the world together they would eventually settle in Fairfax, Virginia, where she would become a successful real estate agent for RE/MAX. After retiring, Emma devoted her time to showing her Airedale dogs, with one winning first place for the breed at Westminster, and also winning twice at the prestigious Montgomery Kennel Club Show. With her boundless love of animals, she became a lifetime member of the Old Dominion Kennel Club and was its secretary for over 20 years.

Emma is preceded in death by her mother, Theresia Kiefer, and her husband of 50 years, Gregory Darling. Surviving Emma are her grandchildren (China, Rose, Salvatore, and Maya), five great-grandchildren, and her cat, Misty.

A visitation for Emma will be held Saturday, October 19th, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Demaine Fairfax Funeral Home, 10565 Main St, Fairfax, Virginia 22030.

Emma will be laid to rest next to her beloved Gregory in Arlington National Cemetery, 1 Memorial Ave, Arlington, Virginia 22211.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a tax-deductible donation in Emma's memory to ATCA Rescue and Adoption National Airedale Rescue, Inc., 8524 Maggie Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89143-1326, or through their website at the link below.