Esmeralda “Emmy” Soltren-Roundtree, age 43, passed away peacefully in her sleep while holding her husband’s hand on April 12, 2021, in Lynchburg VA after a courageous battle with Colon Cancer. She is survived by her husband Shantel Roundtree; her bonus children Taylor and Izaiah; her fur babies Max and Diesel. She is also survived by her parental figures Grandmother Agripina Sanchez, father Rafael Soltren-Sanchez and aunt Miriam Soltren. She will be remembered forever and loved always by her uncles, cousins, other relatives, and closest friends.
Since birth, Emmy was a light to the world. The perfect mixture of sugar and Boricua spice, Emmy enjoyed to laugh, joke, dance, and bring a smile to those around her. But do not get on her nerves! She was sometimes brutally honest but that is what you could expect to get from Emmy…her raw honesty and being grateful for it! Her creativity was not limited to her sarcasm lol; it also extended to her hobbies. Her hobbies included arts & crafts often using websites like Stampin Up! to fulfill her creative vision. On her off time, she volunteered as a Creative Coach and Demonstrator on the website (found at https://emmysoltren.stampinup.net/). She dedicated her time to inspire the creativity in others as shown in her about me description:
“Being a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator is so rewarding. Not only do I get to be creative every day, I also get to be a creative coach, offering fresh project ideas and encouragement to my customers and friends. For me, helping someone create that perfect project for a special occasion is the best feeling in the world. After all, creating cards, scrapbook pages, and gift items is about more than just stamps and ink, it’s about sharing a part of yourself with the people you love and care for.” – Emmy
The love in Emmy’s heart spilled over for people and for animals. She made herself available to those who were hurting and she would selflessly give her time and energy to anybody. She knew how to be present. She loved being a dedicated aunt figure/God-mother to Daylani, Evan, Avery, and Penny. In other occasions where she might see her little cousin’s they would be spoiled by her as well. However, no one was a spoiled as Max and Diesel her fur babies. Emmy was very passionate for the humane treatment of animals, despised kill shelters, and often advised against getting a dog from a breeder. She loved to mentor Soldiers and had a successful career in the Army. While serving she entered into a comradery that is not often experienced elsewhere and in a sense inherited additional family. Emmy loved and believed in Jesus Christ. She found comfort in the Word of God, through Worship and His presence. Her faith never wavered.
Military Service
Born in Bronx, NY to Rafael and Gloria, she graduated from Adlai E Stevenson High School before enlisting in the Military. Emmy enlisted in the New York Army National Guard (ARNG) in 1998 and attained the military occupation specialty (MOS) of Unit Supply Specialist while assigned to the 1569th Transportation Company. She mobilized to Korea in 1999 and attended overseas training in Germany in 2002. While in the ARNG, she was also awarded the New York State Counter Drug Service Ribbon for her support to the New York National Guard Counter Drug Program. In 2005, she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Monroe College. That same year she was honorably discharged from the ARNG. She served almost two years in the Individual Ready Reserves before continuing her military service by transferring into the Army Reserves in 2007. In 2012, Emmy was awarded her second MOS of Petroleum Laboratory Specialist. In 2013, the Secretary of the Army reposed special trust and confidence in the patriotism, valor, fidelity, and professional excellence of Emmy and so in lieu of those qualities she was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. In 2017, she was deployed to both Kuwait and Bagdad, Iraq in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. She deployed again in 2019 into mid-2020 to both Kuwait and Qatar in support of Operation Spartan Shield and Operation Inherent Resolve. Her last command was the 233th Quartermaster Headquarters Company in Horsham, PA. She dedicated her life and selflessly served the U.S Army honorably for 25 years.
Military Awards
During her military service she was awarded the Meritorious Serve Medal, Army Commendation Medal (3rd Award), Army Achievement Medal (3rd Award), Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (4th Award), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M Device, and the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal with Campaign Star.
Celebration of Life
Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at 2:00 PM at Whitten Timberlake Chapel (7404 Timberlake Road, Lynchburg VA 24502) followed by Full Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations should be donated to your local No-Kill Animal Shelter, as she was an advocate for the humane care of animals.
The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at the Cancer Center of America in Philly for their care and compassion and the U.S Army Reserves for their full support.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18