Emily Sley

Born in Guatemala City as Emilia, she grew up the youngest of four siblings: Stella, Carlos, Alberto and Margarita. Sadly, her mother passed when she was young and Emily and her siblings moved in with her loving aunt. While attending schooling at Colegio Europeo, she took her first job at the age of 14. Fiercely proud and independent, Emily worked several jobs, including TACA International Airlines where she got her first opportunity to travel. Finally, Emily earned a job as an assistant to the Consulate General for Guatemala working at the United Nations and moved to New York City.

It was there that she met Ron and their 65-year love story began. They had 3 sons (Greg, Dwight and Steve); Emily left her position at the UN to raise the boys. Her life with Ron was defined by unwavering support and devotion to each other, and dedication to their family. Together they moved the family living in New York, Stanford, La Crosse, Sao Paolo (Brazil) and Boston. She became known to many as Milly during those days. In 1998, Ron retired and they moved to Raleigh.

Beyond family, their life was blessed by travel, adventure and a shared commitment to family. Their travels took them around the world, experiencing visits to Scandinavia, Europe, Russia, Africa, India, China, Australia and New Zealand.

She had numerous health challenges throughout her life. Despite those challenges, Emily lived as a very happy person, vivacious, full of passion for life, energy, enthusiasm, and happily sharing stories with others. Furthermore, she showed profound love for others, putting their needs and wants ahead of her own. She built and maintained many lifelong relationships. Emily touched so many lives, and she became beloved by so many.

Emily passed away peacefully at assisted living where she had lived the last few years and has moved on to her eternal reward in heaven.

Emily was preceded in death by her husband, Ron, and her son, Steve.

She is survived by her sons, Greg and Dwight (Kim), and her granddaughters, Carli and Heather.

A Funeral Mass will be held in Emily’s honor on February 21st at 12:00 p.m., with visitation from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 2718 Overbrook Dr, Raleigh, NC 27608. Burial will follow the service at Raleigh Memorial Park, 7501 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC, 27612.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please donate to the Flower Shuttle at Our Lady of Lourdes, Raleigh North Carolina under 'Donations' below.

If you would like to leave a favorite memory/story of Emily, or a message of condolence for her family, you may do so below, within 'Add a Memory'.