Emily was truly one of a kind. Full of spirit, love, and joy that you could feel the moment she walked into a room. One of my favorite memories will always be her signature “YAAAWHOOO!” echoing through every basketball game and track meet. Her enthusiasm was unmatched, and you always knew she was cheering with her whole heart.

Growing up, she stood in as an honorary grandma for me. I found it unique that she shared a birthday with my own grandma and felt like fate that she would become such a joyful part of my childhood.

She was incredibly special to my  friend of nearly 30 years, Emily - her namesake and kindred spirit. The love between them was unmatched and was an honor to witness.

Thank you, Grandma Emily, for being someone I only ever knew by that name. She’ll always hold a warm, unforgettable place in my heart. 🤍

 Sending love to all who knew and loved her,

Angela Ortega

I have many thoughts about my mom. I like to think  when she was asked to give an accounting of her life it would go like this-“So what do you have left?”  Empty your pockets. What do you have left from your life? Any dreams unfulfilled? Any unused talents you were given when you were born and still have left? Any unsaid compliments or bits of love that you haven’t spread around?  And my mom would say, “ I have nothing left to return. I spent everything that you gave me. I used it all!        
That was my mom-a giver, an encourager, an accomplished woman who loved, laughed and lived her very best life. I love you mom! ♥️

To me, she was Big Emily or Gram. To her, I was Little Emily or Em—and I couldn’t have been prouder to share her name, or to carry on her legacy. There are so many stories and memories I could share, but today, I just wanted to honor her birthday by sharing a few!

She had a way of making everyday moments unforgettable. Whether it was yelling “Yahoo!” at all of my basketball games with deafening force (regardless of my actual performance), sneaking me coffee in tiny restaurant creamers (before I was supposed to have coffee), making snakes out of straw wrappers, emptying an entire gumball machine at the store, or getting in trouble right along with me when I stuck a pencil through her earlobe (and interrupted my mom on the phone with our laughter) —her joy in the everyday mundane and making the most of every moment will not soon be forgotten.
 
She was full of wisdom, quirks, and heart. She taught me where to sew money in my bras before a vacation (should I feel it necessary) and the perfect ‘water to sugar’ ratio for hummingbird food. She believed in covering your kidneys in the wintertime, that Vaseline can cure almost any ailment, and that speed limits were merely a suggestion. She had a knack for always picking the lucky slot machine, lottery ticket, or bingo card. She was a diva at her core, always with her hair, makeup, and ensemble on point….nails included of course. She insisted on getting her eyebrows tattoo’d on, before that was seemingly a thing, and embraced the slightly blue hue that they happened to have the first few years after she got them done. She’d donate or give to anyone with less than her, and never miss an opportunity to make someone else’s day. Most importantly, in her own unique ways, she taught me the importance of loving myself and loving others fiercely. 

Happy birthday, Gram. We love you, we miss you, and we’ll never stop laughing and loving because of you.

Jodi, Bob and family, 
Words cannot express how sorry I am for your family. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful person with our family. From the very beginning of time when we met you all,  we were so blessed to have you in our lives. “Grandma” Emily became a surrogate to Angela way back in elementary school.  She took her under her wing and included her to tag along  with Emily for Grandparent day activities. That friendship has lasted for over 30 years and you all are like family to us. We have been through a lot.  I love all the time we get to spend together. Always a good time. I am going to miss  Emily so much. She is so loved and a great inspiration. Rest in peace my dear friend. I will never forget you and thank you for being a part of our family, too. ❤️
Vicki, Demetrio & family

OBITUARY

Emily Regina Brunk

21 June, 1934 – 12 June, 2025

Family Funeral Care-Rockville West

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