Emily Holley

Born January 18, 1970, in Lansing, Michigan, Emily was the daughter of Ron (Diane) Holley and Maria (Rob Cook) Bruno. She graduated in 1988 from St. Johns High School and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Michigan State University in Spanish and Latin American Studies.

Emily spent much of her career at the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies (CLACS) at Michigan State University where she served as Associate Director. She held critical roles in strategic planning, grant writing, and administrative duties which often involved making international connections across Latin America and beyond. A fierce advocate for social justice and international development, she served on the Executive Board of the Center Directors Section of the national Latin American Studies Association as well as President on the Executive Board of the Consortium of Latin American Studies. She also served as a board member for a non-profit based in Coral Gables, Florida, “Empowerment Zone Reentry Initiative” (EZRI) which supports formerly incarcerated citizens.

A devoted wife, mother, daughter, aunt, and friend, Emily enriched the lives of all who knew her. She was a bright light in this world and was known for her intellect, big heart, vibrant sense of humor, empathy, and devotion to family and friends. We celebrate her legacy of love, kindness and grace that she leaves behind. Emily will be profoundly missed, but her influence at home and abroad will continue to inspire all of us whose lives she touched.

Emily is survived by her husband, Federico Ixtepan; and daughters, Alex and Anya; her parents; sister; niece; and many relatives, friends, and pets: Gigi, Punky and Kipo. She is predeceased by her grandparents, Philip and Mary Bruno, Roscoe and Ruth Holley; infant sister, Elizabeth; and mother-in-law, Carmen Fernandez.

The family would like to thank those who have provided energy and support during Emily’s final days, especially her lifelong St. Johns friends Susie, Kendra, Amy, Marianne and Kristi. Special thanks to Leslie Johnson for her wise counsel and compassionate care and Mary Anne Walker for her spiritual guidance.

A visitation for Emily will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at Gorsline Runciman East Chapel, 1730 E Grand River Ave., East Lansing, Michigan 48823, followed by a Celebration of Life at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Emily’s name may be made to the Capital Area Humane Society, 7095 W Grand River Ave., Lansing, Michigan 48906.