OBITUARY

Emily Clemente Higby

January 31, 1949 – March 22, 2021
Play Tribute Movie
×
Tribute Video

Emily Clemente Higby

Emily Clemente Higby was born on January 31, 1949 and passed away on March 22, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada and is under the care of Palm Eastern Mortuary.

You may leave a message for the family by clicking here.

SEND FLOWERS Add a
Memory Receive
Notifications

Services

No public services are scheduled at this time. Receive a notification when services are updated.
Receive
Notifications Show Your
Support

Memories

Emily Clemente Higby

have a memory or condolence to add?

ADD A MEMORY
Rozita Lee

May 16, 2021

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

Dinya Salemizadeh

May 1, 2021

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..

Vu (Raymond) Tran Pham

April 27, 2021

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 !.

Carolyn Walker

April 14, 2021

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

Maria Blanco

April 14, 2021

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.

Jazzmin Mambaje

April 13, 2021

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.

Margie Gonzales

April 13, 2021

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!

Suzanne Haines-Kendall

April 13, 2021

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.

Amaya Ly

April 12, 2021

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♥️

Mark Sichley

April 11, 2021

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.

FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY

Biography

Emily Clemente Higby was born on January 31, 1949 in Quezon City, Philippines. She was called to heaven on March 22, 2021.

Emily graduated from college at the age of 18 with a B.S. in Psychology and Social Sciences from Chapman University. She later added graduate degrees from the University of San Diego in Psychology and Special Education.

Along with being a wife, mother and grandmother, she worked as a teacher, a marriage and family counselor, a travel agent, a school director, a paralegal, a hotel manager, and as most of you knew her, the co-founder and director of the Las Vegas Asian Community Resource Center, where she generously gave her time, her talents, and her energy.

Emily loved travel, food, learning about international cultures, and helping others.

She was preceded in death by her father Elpidio Clemente; her mother Amparo Ablola Clemente; and her sister Patrocinio Clemente.

She is survived by her husband Douglas Higby, her son Eric Westerhoff; her daughter Kristin Cornwell; her grandsons Corey Stark and Kai Stark; her great-granddaughters Leah Stark and Brie Stark; her sister Teresita Clemente Obrero; and numerous friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Asian Community Resource Center.

https://www.lvacrc.org/donate

A thought to hold on to

A funeral service filled with compassion and detail brings comfort and healing to family and friends. Planning ahead gives peace of mind to those closest to you. We’re here for you and your family when you’re ready to think about pre-planning final arrangements.

LEARN MORE