Emily was a giant in the A.A.P.I. community and will long be remembered for her unselfish work in the Democratic Party.

Hey Boss Lady, this day will forever be etched in our minds  because we lost you on this day 3 years ago. You will always remain in our hearts. We love and miss you dearly!!!

Another year has passed and we remember you and say your name.

I came today to read all of the memories and tributes made to Emily and " hearted" each one. No one had "hearted " them but I did, as I read them.  I was moved by how much Emily was loved and found peace spending a hour here reading and watching the movie. A life well lived is the greatest gift we can give to God and our fellow man. Emily gave that gift. We will always celebrate her memory...until we meet again!

I was just telling someone how Emily taught me that she was Asian, and not to be referred to as Oriental. "Oriental is a rug" she would tell me. She was so much fun when I worked with her in Columbia, SC. She was so kind, and witty. I just learned of her passing and am truly sorry for her family. They lost a great one. 


I was missing Emily today so I decided to come here and visit.  
Dear Emily, you touched so many hearts in your short life on earth.  Yes too short because I wanted so much for you to live long so we can continue serving the community together.  I admired your ability to keep on hosting meetings etc even tho' you had health challenges.  
When I asked you if you're okay you'd say yes even tho' I could tell you were feeling pain.  How brave you were.
I shall always remember your calm demeanor no matter what. 
I miss you my dear friend.
My heart aches because of  your absence, but I find solace knowing you will be remembered always through  your legacy of ACRC which will continue with Frida's and Doug's care.
It was healing visiting you my dear Emily.  God bless you.
In Christ I remain,
Rozita

About 3 years ago, I saw you in Dubai...you gave us your number and ask me to send you my daughter's picture(Star)...I really love 💘 you...I wanted to show you my country....and I'm depressing now....
Love you too much...
God bless your soul...
Rest in peace dear lovely Emily..


Ms.  Emily Higby,  I usually call her Madam, she is the best one in both human being and at work as well.  She is the one who keeps me in faith with the goodness, and rightess in life through daily work which i luckily was with her in Vietnam . She is just like my mom,  my Budha Lady !  I will miss and always remember you,  Madam !.

Emily, you will surely be missed by all you have come in contact with. We met, of course, through your other great friends, Lola and Ram so you will not be lonely and also Richard. Doug and family, please know that others share your sadness. "The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart..." Psalm 34:18 

I'ts very hard to find the right words at a time like this.
I will never forget Emily's kind spirit and all the ways she made each day a little brighter.
She will forever live in my heart.


I remember every time I made a new friend who would help volunteer, I’d be so excited to introduce them to Aunty Emily and having them see how amazing she was. I looked up to her in so many ways. She has taught me so much these years in leadership, community, understanding strengths and weaknesses, and how the world works. She has inspired me to act and to be a figure others can look up to. I love her dearly. She’ll forever be in my thoughts and my words. 

I have so many things to say and so many good memories to cherish but I will sum it up into  this: 
EMILY IS IRREPLACEABLE and ONE OF A KIND! I LOVE HER and WILL TRULY MISS HER!

For 25 years that I knew Emily, she was always helping others to better themselves and their lives.  As a strong, independent woman Emily took charge, gave advice (and opinions), displayed compassion and mentoring to all who knew her. 
My condolences to Doug, Kristen, Eric and the rest of the family. May Emily's spirit and strength be with you always.

Dear Emily, 
You made such a huge impact in my life. You were there during one of the hardest moments of my life and didn’t hesitate to help. I learned so much from you. One of the biggest things I learned was not to be afraid of talking to people. You were always so good at striking up a conversation with everyone you met and I was always so impressed by it. You were born to lead. I’m so sad that you are gone. I wish I had been able to see you one last time. Rest In Peace♥️ 

Emily, was quite simply like no one else I ever met.  So full of life and fun.  I met her in early summer of 1973, over the fence in my parents’ backyard.  I was cleaning a pool and she was hanging laundry.  We struck up a friendship that went on for 48 years. We bonded over our mutual love of music. Spent many Saturday afternoons driving to Los Angeles to Tower Records.  Laughing and talking all the way as only good friends can. Never at a loss for conversation. We talked about everything…and then some.  Being a bit older, she was like a big sister—listening, advising, inspiring.  Many meals with Emily and a few backyard BBQ parties as only Filipino’s can throw.  Great food…laughs…good times.
We went to many concerts and theater together. Many memories--good times shared.   I had the pleasure of working with Emily as a teacher’s aide when she was teaching emotionally challenged children.  Learned to drive a stick shift because of her.  Once, she said, I’m tired, you drive.  Told her I never drove a stick shift and she said, well you can learn.  So, I did. The eternal teacher.
I moved to San Diego and she left CA. Through it all, we never lost touch.  Phone calls, a card, a visit here and there, and email.  There are some people in life you are destined to know and she was one of those people for me. The universe keeps putting you back in each other’s life at the strangest times.  That was clear when I boarded a train in San Diego in the early 1990’s.  Heading out to visit a friend and she heading to LA to take a train East.  I suddenly hear, ”Mark”.  There was ONLY one person who would shout out my name like that.  I look up and there she was. We caught up as if no time had passed. What were the chances of being on the same train! We decided it was meant to be...like our friendship. Emily was family to me and to my family.  In fact, my brother named one of his daughters Emily...an appropriate tribute. I will miss Emily for the rest of my life.  So long Friend.

Emily,
Since the first day we met, you have inspired me and made me laugh.  I love this photo because as many of us remember....you weren't supposed to be "leading the troops" and yet, there you were excited, inspiring, compassionate and committed.  I'm so grateful that God gave me you to follow.  Your mentorship and faith in me, even when things were hard and I felt like no one else believed in me or trusted me or thought of me as anything more than an "entertainer", you thought of me and never failed to remind or show me that I was capable of SO much more.  I am stronger today because of your love.  I am wiser today because of your love.  I am capable today because of your love.  

Emily's inner strength and perseverance helped countless Asians and Asian Americans, seniors, families, disaster-stricken refugees, the disadvantaged and the underserved to make a better life for themselves in Las Vegas.  I continue to be inspired by the courage that she showed us, her perpetual optimism and her selfless nature.  My sympathies to her family, friends, and all who knew her. May she rest in peace. 

Emily was an amazing boss and mentor. I will always remember her sense of humor, even during the toughest moments she always smiled. I will miss her very much, and will remember her legacy forever. She was a strong and caring friend and leader. She is an example to follow... ❤


Dear Mr. Doug Higby,
So sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy and prayers. May She Rest In Peace. 
From Cora used to work for her at ACRC in Sahara.

You were like a part of my family, like a sister to me, Ms. Emily.  You always stood out of all people by your big heart, those of us who got to know you were very lucky for having crossed paths with you, you now have God by your side. Goodbye, Ms. Emily till we meet again.

I will miss you so much Ms Emily, you are an extraordinary woman. You helped a lot of people in any way you can. I looked up to you. You always inspire me.  “ The hardest part of losing a friend is having them there with us through the storms of life, but they are no longer there when it is our turn to dance in the sun.”  
When a close friend unexpectedly leaves us, a piece of our heart is forever broken.  I love you Ms Emily! May your soul rest in peace.

My deepest condolences to the entire family
Emily was an amazing person and true friend
I had the great honor and pleasure to work with Emily in many capacities over at least twenty years
Emily will be missed by everyone who knew her.

Good By my friend 
Thank You for all the great times and the joy you spread

Bill Gardiner

Emily, was a very strong leader, helped in every aspect wholeheartedly,  advised with confidence,  loyal, charismatic and passionate, she was a role model on earth and her strong example of leadership will remain on earth within our hearts to better give with the knowledge, passion and truthfulness she once thought us with her actions.  I will forever miss you until we see each other again.  I’m forever thankful my sweetheart.  


Emily,
You are an amazing person. I use present tense because the light, love, and service you brought to this world lives on. 
Thank you for just being you. 
Emily, we speak your name. 
Pat Spearman 

Goodbye my friend!😩😩😩😩
I know that we have to catch up sometime for lunch (after I come back from my Brother’s funeral)😩 I was the one not feeling well. Not you😩 now I don’t have you to bother when I need some help from you. Ms. Emily Higby from now on what am I going to do without your advice? Las Vegas Vietnamese American Lions Club  just lost a True Leader.  I can only speak for our own club, but you have helped so many😩 thank you for your leadership, your support,🙏. You have served my community not only in Las Vegas but also in Vietnam for more than a year.🙏You were my Icon, my Sister, my friend and my truly Leader❤️ You shared a same birthday with Peter. Two years ago I lost Peter and today I lost you💔  My heart is broken into pieces💔 I am honored to be your friend and thank you Emily for being part of my life.  
Thank you again for your service.
I love you Sister Emily❤️May you Rest In Peace 💔
Your King Lion Pam Phan

Emily was one of the kindest, hardest working,  loving persons I have ever known.  It seems impossible to think of her as gone, for she was always there, at every event, every meeting,  every everything.  Emily was always someone you could count on. She made our community a better place to be and I will miss her. 

Taking this moment to celebrate you and everything you did to empower and uplift others. Most of all thanks for caring for others including myself. You will be missed and remembered Emily. So much love to your family. 

She still in our Hart and it will be forever 💞. We will miss you.


I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. RP dear Emily 
I'm stunned by this news. My heart aches to hear this news. heartfelt sympathies on the loss of your loved one. Words can't express how saddened we are to hear of your loss. Our sincere sympathies to you and your family.
My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
God bless you and your family.🙏🙏

On behalf of the Las Vegas Hawaiian Civic Club our officers and members, we would like to send our Aloha and Prayers to the Higby Family. She was a blessing to our organization and our mission here for LVHCC. A  great loss for her Family and our community here in Las Vegas and around the world. Not a goodbye but an A Hui Hou. 

I remember Emily as a hard working, integral part of the A.A.P.I. community, as well as, the community writ large.  She was dependable, understanding, and friendly to all. As President of StonewallNV, we had the opportunity to interact with the Asian and Pacific Islander community on a regular basis and she never disappointed. She will be greatly missed throughout Southern Nevada. She touched many lives in a very positive way.

On behalf of the Light of Jesus Family, Feast LV,  I wish to extend our deepest sympathies to Doug and family for their great loss. Emily is indeed a great loss to the Asian community. She has touched so many lives, selflessly helped many quietly, w/o waiting for anything in return. She has helped my group, and some of our members and myself as well, w/ important documents that we very much need. And for that, we are truly grateful. Her memories will continue to linger in our hearts. We have been praying for her since we learned she has been hospitalized again. We continue to pray for her family for strength and comfort during this difficult time.  I am sure heaven  is rejoicing to welcome Emily to God’s kingdom, where there is no more pain, no more worries, but only everlasting love, peace and joy. May eternal rest grant unto Emily, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her and May she Rest In Peace🙏❤️

Matt. 25:21 Well done, good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into joy.... Farewell, Emily, till we meet again. May God bless your dear and precious soul. 

My prayers and sincere condolences to the bereaved Family.
Emily may your soul Rest in Peace.  My prayers for you as you continue on to journey in God's home!
Sincerely,
Amy Nicolas-Goldberg 

I am so sorry for your loss.   Emily was am amazing woman. 
 Prayers for the Family 


Emily , you always going to be in my heart , you were there  when  no body was and  helped  me to start  my life all over again and  for that I  love you like a big sister, thank you so much  ,I'll  honor  what you thought  me, until we met  again! 

I have only known you for a year and a half yet you have left a profound image in my mind, heart and soul. You not only enlightened my life but the life of my daughter Epenesa. She adores you and loves you just as I do. Emily you will live on through the people you've touched. Thank you for being one of the most influential and loving people I know. I love you Boss Lady! I will never be able to call anyone that ever!!! REST IN HEAVENLY PEACE!!!!

I don’t want to cry because I know you can see me still. You never wanted to see me crying. All I want to say is that I love you. Death can never erase you from my heart! You will be missed forever and always. The beautiful moments you shared with me will always speak of a great person that you were. Rest in peace up in the heaven!

Always,
Gretchen Zarate❤️

You never know how someone will touch your life. I know Emily when I start working for Culinary Health Fund, and Emily was an integral part of my work life. I am saddened that Emily has departed, and I am truly sorry for your loss. I hope you find comfort in your family and in your memories during this time.

With sympathy, 

Carmen Cheung 

OBITUARY

Emily Clemente Higby

January 31, 1949 – March 22, 2021

Palm Eastern Mortuary & Cemetery

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