Emily Jo Peña passed away on July 29. As many of you know, Emily fought brain cancer for more than seven years - and looked gorgeous doing it. The length of her life, post-diagnosis, surpassed everyone’s expectations - even the doctors’. Many people would have tired of the fight after several years, weary from the pain and the treatments. But Emily didn’t. She fought her illness to the last in order to give her daughter Aida all the time, care, education, and love she could.
There are no words to describe everything Emily was: a dedicated wife, loyal friend, magnificent mother, protective sister, and loving daughter. She was a lover of puns and playful sarcasm. She was an inspired teacher and that gift propelled her career.
We would like to thank all those who have helped all of our family, especially during these difficult last few months.
Emily is survived by her husband, Paul Williams; their daughter, Aida; her mother, Becky Spicer; Becky's husband, Kerry; Emily's father, Frank Peña; his wife, Lora Brandis; Emily's maternal grandmother, Patricia Hopper, and Emily's four sisters: Lydia Peña, Patricia Spicer, Sarah White, and Zoe White.
The service for Emily will be held Saturday, Aug 10 at 12pm. Sparkman-Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 W Northwest Hwy, Dallas, TX. In lieu of flowers, Emily requested donations be sent to the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services (www.raicestexas.org) or Planned Parenthood (www.weareplannedparenthood.org)
