Emily Ann McLaughlin

She was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado to Kevin and Sandra McLaughlin.

Emily was a beautiful person inside and out, and her selflessness towards people, and especially towards animals, is what made her the truly special, one-of-a-kind person we all loved. She made friends wherever she went. Emily was a wonderful daughter, who enjoyed hanging out with her friends and family, and her animals. She liked watching movies and being in the outdoors. She was a generous and loving person who always put other people, and animals, before her own needs. At age 22, she was smart and wise beyond her years.

Emily was born and raised in Colorado Springs. She developed a strong passion for animals at a very young age. As she grew up she became totally immersed in the proper care and treatment of all animals. Emily was very close to earning a degree in Animal Science and Zoo-Keeping Technology at Pikes Peak Community College. After graduating, she had plans to relocate to San Antonio, Texas to be with her boyfriend, James. Emily worked hard at school and at her job, where she loved her position at PetSmart as a pet care specialist.

Emily had an incredible and witty sense of humor and would frequently make us laugh out loud. She was a Joy to be around. Emily touched so many lives in such a positive way, and will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Emily's presence in the room would bring a smile to your face because you knew she was thinking of a way to help some animal somewhere. And there wasn't an animal that she didn't care about, whether it was a gerbil not getting enough food, or a dog who could not find it's way home. This giant heart and driving passion to help all animals is what led to her decision to make the welfare of animals her future career, and she was well on her way to make that happen.

Emily's caring was not limited to animals. She loved to be around, and share in the conversations, of not only her friends, but with her parents and their friends. She was comfortable with anyone, and had a genuine interest in everyone. She will be truly missed. I'm sure that much of her goodness has rubbed off in some way, on every single one of us that knew her.

Emily had a very bright future and was very happy with her life, when she was tragically killed by a drunk driver.

She was preceded in death by, her grandfather John J. McLaughlin, grandfather Peter J. Minnes, and grandmother Ruby C. Minnes. Emily is survived by her parents, her grandmother Marion D. McLaughlin, her aunt and uncle Kelly and Ken Jones, her aunt Tracy Clay, her uncle Dan McLaughlin, her uncle Joe Minnes, her aunt Beverly Whitten, her aunt and uncle Noreen and Kelly Summers, her cousins Parker Clay, Andrew Jones, Taylor Jones, Travis Minnes, Scott Minnes, Jeff Pitts, Dustin Whitten, Andrea Summers, and Derek Summers.

A memorial service will be held 3:00 pm, Friday July 17th at Bethel Lutheran Church, 4925 Farmingdale Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80917.

Memorial contributions may be made to the ASPCA in Emily's name by visiting https://www.aspca.org/team/emilys-memorial-campaign.