My condolences to you on your loss.  I met Emily years ago when she came down to DC to visit friends. It was always inspiring to see her travels and adventures when she posted them on FB.

I wanted to wish my deepest condolences to Emily’s family and loved ones. While I sadly did not get the opportunity to meet her in person, she was such a lovely spirit. We met because she helped me get to navigate switching law firms and finding the best place for me. 

I always loved Emily’s spirit, mind, soul, and compassion not only as a recruiter but as a person. She was such a great person and I am so sorry to hear about her loss. 

Rest in power to Emily.

I was fortunate to meet Emily shortly before her trip to New York. I was also going to spend some time away from São Paulo during the same period she would be in NY, and from the very beginning I felt a good connection with her. We were experiencing similar moments in life, sharing reflections, and we were both happy about this unexpected bond.

We were excited to return to São Paulo and reunite with the new friends we made this year — incredible people, true lights in our lives, who enriched our experience in the city. I was sure that Emily was one of those special people and that our friendship would grow once we were back.

While we were both abroad, we exchanged thoughts about life, always with enthusiasm and high energy. I came to deeply admire Emily’s innocent and gentle nature, because to me it was proof of her strength. What a strong yet soft woman. Being around her made me feel peace, excitement, and joy for the simple things in life.

When I returned to Brazil, I wrote to Emily because I was eager to see her and celebrate this new chapter we were living. That happened a week before she went to the hospital — so I began following her journey from early on.

I visited her on November 4th and was even more struck by her strength. All I wanted was to protect that special girl. I am deeply grateful to Emily’s family for the little flower they brought into the world. She is a remarkable presence in my life, and she always will be.

Dear Wendy, Warren, Danny, and all of Emily's Family & Friends,

My name is Bashar Sbeini. I have had the honor and privilege of working with Emily these last few months. Although I have only known her for a few months, I truly loved her. He spirit was so bright, energies high, and adventure in her eyes. As soon as I met Emily, I knew she was special. The special that doesn't come around often.  I am super sad that she is gone but very fortunate to have crossed paths with her months before her departure. We never meet people by accident. She has left me more full of life and made me realize to really appreciate life and my loved ones. 

I can't imagine what the family is going through right now. My sincerest condolences to everyone. 

May Emily's legacy live on with the impact she made while she was with us. 

Rest in Peace, Emily. 

Love,
Bashar

I am lucky to have had the chance to meet and become friends with Emily. Such a kind soul - always full of life and an inspiration to many. Your love and spirit is infinite and will live on in all those you touched and impacted during your beautiful life. 

Emily was, and will always be, an amazing bright light in the hearts and minds of all those she encountered.

My deepest condolences to your mom, dad, brother and family.

Dear Wendy, Warren and Danny,

Thank you for enabling Emily’s friends across the world to say goodbye to her yesterday.

I did not want to believe that Emily was gone (and could not believe it).  

Yesterday and reading all the messages on here has made us realise what a privilege it was to have been one of Emily’s friends, well we knew that already, but even more so….

Wendy, Warren and Danny I know there will never be a moment when Emily not being there isn’t felt but I do hope that reading all our memories of her helps you to know part of her will live on in us forever.

With all our love and prayers Sarah, James, Molly and Flora

We met at the NYBG, Van Gogh Flower Exhibit. You approached us because we were speaking Portuguese, and you ended up hanguing  out with us a bit. I got to feel your bright light and imense love of Brazil, my country, and I delighted on your ideas of connecting the two cultures. I was leaving on the next day, but we kept in touch, hoping to do things together in the future.  I’m so sad that you left us so abruptly.  The memory of you  and your kindness will always be a blessing.  Shine on, dear Emily.

Emily always entered a room with a smile, and I know this because I was usually behind the studio desk seeing everyone who came through the studio doors. I met her during a time of great professional upheaval - I had left my corporate job to pursue Pilates as a profession. What could have been a really rough transition, ended up being almost seamless - due to Emily’s kind guidance. Over the years I followed Emily’s journeys and passion via her social media. She’s always been an inspiration - someone I have regularly looked towards for affirmation and yes, guidance. She left her mark on everyone she’s encountered.

My deepest sympathies to the family. Emily has always been an amazing, kind-hearted, and adventurous friend - her love for travel and making friends everywhere she goes is legendary. I will miss  her and cherish the memories we made.

Dear Wendy,  Warren and Danny,

Ira and I want to send our sincerest condolences to you on the premature death of your beautiful  daughter, Emily.
She lived life to the fullest and only on her terms. Emily was an inspiration to young and old alike.
May she rest in peace, and may her memory be a blessing.

I am Emily’s friend and had the joy of being her neighbor in São Paulo. I will always remember her radiant energy and the smile that lit up any room. It was impossible to resist her enthusiasm: “let’s go to the pool!”, “let’s go to the beach!” — even though she herself wasn’t much of a fan of the sea, sand, or sun (lol) — “let’s go climbing!”, “let’s go hiking!”, “let’s go to yoga and Pilates!”
Even in the hospital, fragile and afraid, she never lost her grace or sense of humor. Between one joke and another, she would say, “not even here am I going to lose my good humor.” It was so Emily — courage wrapped in sweetness.
We grew very close in her last month with us, without knowing those would be her final days. And still, they were days filled with affection, plans, and genuine presence. I am deeply grateful to God for placing her in my life.
She lives in my heart. And we will always be our trio of “Researchers.”

I am shocked and saddened by the news of Emily’s passing. Emily was a wonderful person. The purist heart I had ever seen. She lived her life with such integrity. I worked with her at two different legal recruiting firms and admired her greatly. Her warmth, bravery and companionship was legendary. Rest in peace, beautiful soul! You brought so much light into the world and I thank you for your kindness.

Emily was one of my first friends at Colgate! I arrived knowing no one, and our mutual family friend had told us to look out for each other. She was a bright spot for me at Colgate and I always looked forward to seeing her at reunions. I am so glad to have had a chance to know this wonderful person. May her memory always be a blessing. Much love to the Witt family. -Rachel Reiss Buckley

I'll miss Emily dearly. May her memory be a blessing - as her life on earth blessed others, including me. -Stephanie Singer

I met Emily at my workplace The Riverbank State Park Aquatics Center and we bonded so quickly. Her spirit was so full of joy. Her smile was so contagious. Her stories from her trips to Brazil were so fun and exciting. When she told me she had plans to move to Brazil I was so happy for her, for living out her dream. So when I got word she had passed, it broke my heart. She will be truly missed.

Wendy, Warren and Danny,
Emily was such a shining light to so many. She lit up a room and had such a special power to connect with people everywhere she went.  She was witty, adventurous, and just so much fun to be around.  She may have left this world but will never leave our hearts.

My kids loved you, everyone loved you.  You were here for every stage of life.  Not sure I’ll ever make sense of this but hope that you are resting in peace and know that you are always with us in our hearts.

Another birthday, another yoga and lunch date. I will miss your smile, your energy and your unconditional love.

So special when you joined our family in Israel for Ilan’s Bar Mitzvah!

One of our many fun dinners in the city together

So happy to have had this time together this summer with you and your family.

Emily is such a joyful and sweet person and all you want to do is make sure that smile of hers never goes away. I always made me happy to hear about how happy she was with the new direction life was taking her. I use to call her my stair buddy because we would always walk up the stairs together when we run into each other in our lobby just so we can extend our catch up session we were having a bit longer, I wish we could have one more.

I was recently just starting to teach her how to boulder at the gym and during the session she told me how she wanted to get back into climbing more again. We made plans to go to her climbing gym together when she got back from Brazil, I was really looking forward to having many more climbing sessions with her.

My deepest condolences for the family, friends, and anyone she's ever shine her light on, she shined so bright. I will really miss you Em and you'll never be far from my thoughts.

Emily and I met in 2007 on a trip to Jordan and we stayed in touch ever since. Whenever one of us was in New York or London, we always made time for each other. Emily was such a kind, genuine and beautiful person. Im so grateful for the friendship we had and I will miss her a lot.
My thoughts and heartfelt condolences to her family. I hope you find strength and comfort in knowing how deeply she was loved by the people whose lives she touched.

Emily was my role model for my next life. Every woman should aspire to be Emily I share your sadness

Em
You were not supposed to leave before me 
We had a plan, that you’d take care of me when we grew old, and go for “slow walks in Central Park”. 
We met on a plane, of course, twenty something years ago, sitting next to each other. We started a conversation about a “luna bar” and we never stopped talking throughout the overnight flight. Life wanted us to share the in bound flight to Argentina as well as the return flight, although you almost missed it, because of course, you were talking to someone in the wrong gate queue. And then I saw you through the aisle, just as they were about to close the door. And we became best friends.
From that moment on, we traveled, we laughed, we cried on planes, well mostly you ;), we missed flights, we went to soccer games, watched indie movies, share endless conversations and you’d always say at the end that you’d pay me for the “therapy sessions” ; we worked together in business projects. We hiked, we run the NYC Marathon together and countless races. You were always looking for the next adventure.

You embodied the word friendship, not only because you were a great friend, the kindest and always available, but you were happiest when connecting people. This was one of your greatest strengths, among so many, connecting people. No matter who, where and when. I have met people through you all over the world. 

Thank you my friend for sharing your life with me.
You may have left this world but not my heart. You’ll come with me wherever I go. You are my family. 
Miss you terribly, love you always Em.
Laura V.

I’m devastated by the news of Emily’s passing. We were just messaging a few weeks ago, making plans for me to visit her in São Paulo next year.

I keep thinking back to when we first met at Pilates teacher training in fall 2015. Emily lived life with arms wide open—she took a genuine interest in everyone and everything, and made friends instantly wherever she went. She was always full of ideas and, unlike most people, she actually acted on them. She’d give anything a try, fearless and unbothered by what could go wrong. It was sometimes hard to keep track of all her endeavors and plans, but her joy for adventure was infectious, and she always made time for her friends and made everyone feel included .
I will miss her adventurous spirit and caring heart deeply! 

My sincerest condolences to Emily’s family—may the knowledge of how many lives she touched bring you comfort during this difficult time.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

I first met Emily during an attorney placement at a law firm where I worked. Our professional connection quickly evolved into a close friendship. What I valued most about Emily was the natural ease in our conversations and shared laughter, along with her sharp wit and wisdom that shone through many meaningful discussions about life and human nature. She possessed a special gift for connecting with people, always radiating enthusiasm and joy. I was honored to be one of the first guests on her podcast, where we discussed professional development for new associates. My advice emphasized the importance of building relationships with everyone they encounter—from senior partners to administrative staff—as all play a role in shaping their success. That podcast appearance sparked my continued interest in the medium, leading me to co-host many other shows. I will deeply miss my dear friend.  My only regret is not following through on our frequent promise, made after spirited telephone conversations, to "meet for coffee or a drink," as both of us were often traveling.   I extend my heartfelt condolences to her family and friends; Emily’s impact on my life was profound, and I can only imagine how much her absence will be felt by those closest to her. I commit to living my life inspired by Emily Witt’s memory, extending kindness with an open heart.  My faith assures me that Resurrection is Promised, and I when I see her again, after our big hug, we are gonna have a cup of coffee.  I send my love to all who loved her!!!

I met Emily in São Paulo; we took Portuguese classes together. I remember her perfectly as a smiling, bubbly, and sunny person. She was very warm and always made sure the class had a great atmosphere, regularly suggesting lunches or outings. I also remember the wonderful photos she shared with us of Halloween decorations in New York when she was there. She was a unique person, and I offer my sincerest condolences to her family and loved ones.
Anne-Lise

Emily was one of the first people I met when I moved to São Paulo in September 2024. We met in our beginners' Portuguese class. We discovered we were living in the same building when I was reading on the rooftop, and she popped up out of the rooftop pool. Emily showed me how to use the metro, and we went to the drugstore together and helped each other decipher the Portuguese labels. Emily dove heart-first into life here in SP. She made friends easily, and they will miss her very much. Sending wishes for comfort and peace to your family. - Caroline Payne

This was in August 2019 when we were staying with Emily, her hospitality was as lovely as always ❤️

We met Emily on New Year’s Eve in Calafate in Patagonia in 2005 and being separated across the pond never stopped us having a wonderful friendship over the past 20 years.

We will miss her deeply x

It had sadden so many to hear this news of such a joyful, positive and amazing soul. I knew Emily in high school where her amazing spirit and quiet strength both on and off the field inspired us.  It is a blessing to hear the stories and see pictures of how she touched so many lives. With her travel, her sport and activities and loved ones she certainly lived life to the fullest. What an inspiration to all.

My name is Joelson Martins, I'm from Brazil. Emy was my favorite client during all the time she was in Brazil. I had the pleasure and joy of serving her. She will forever be in our hearts for all the smiles she brought us. May God comfort her family, and know that she will always be in our hearts!

I worked alongside of Emily at Streamline Pilates Studio in Brooklyn, she was the best,
always positive and such a joy to see her in action with her clients. A true caring, loving soul that will be truly missed. Rest in peace, hope to meet again.💃😘

My name is Mrs. Deutsch.  I taught in the middle and high school.  Emily was in my class, but I don't remember, if it was jh or hs.  My heart is sick, every time I hear about a young person passing.  She was a beautiful young lady.  I hope your wonderful memories of Emily  will help you heal from this tragic loss.  My heart hurts for the entire family.

Dear Emily,

I still clearly remember the day we first met in our Portuguese class here in São Paulo. Even before we spoke, I could feel your passion, your energy, and your sweetness.

It felt like destiny when we coincidentally became neighbors later on. Having coffee, going for walks, sharing our happiness and our challenges as immigrants, those moments meant the world to me. You became a precious part of my life here.

I also cherish the wonderful memory of having lunch with you and your parents here. Meeting them was an honor, and seeing you with them showed me exactly where your warmth came from.

Your bright smile and your words encouraged me countless times. I truly could not have built the life I have now without you.

I am so heartbroken that you had to leave us so soon, but I know you lived a beautiful life. Everyone who met you loved you, and we always will..

With all my love,
Yuriko

I'll always remember Emily's smile big, bold and beautiful. Proof of education and leadership was obvious in her career. Providing educational information to her colleagues thru podcasts.
I first met Emily at a young age swimming with the Rockland County Dolphins. School is another way I knew Emily passing her in the hallways of Suffern High School and having her Mother's care as one of my teachers.
My hope is for the family and friends that your grief and tears quickly turn to laughter from memories and pictures and maybe stories you never knew.

My deepest sympathies to the Witt family and friends she was closest with.

Adam Friedman

Reunion w Marianne when she was visiting NY.

I send my deepest sympathies to dear Emily's family. Emily was a friend of mine since we attended Colgate together and later became closer friends. Recently she and I had heart to heart talks during a challenging time in my life.  She lifted me up.

Dear Emily was a sweet, kind, and supportive friend and will be deeply deeply missed. I'll never forget our conversation from a couple of years ago and our friendship. I am sending love and blessings to the family. 

With our sympathy for your loss, 

Tabber B Benedict.

Emily was the most positive and energetic person I knew!! We had planned to see each other her next trip back to NY. She was so helpful with my recent trip to Sao Paulo. I am so sad.

Sending much support to Emily's friends and family. This is such heartbreaking news. Emily was such a beautiful light in this world. She was dear to me and the other people who worked with her at Streamline Pilates. We loved her fierce spirit and resilience. She was so kind, understanding, available, caring, and much more. Rest in peace, dear friend.

Emily was such a beautiful person. I met her doing Pilates instructor training in New York and we were great friends during the months of my visit. Such a vibrant and inclusive person. She wanted to make sure I had enough to do and was exploring the city. 
I feel saddened to hear of her passing at such a young age. Sending my love and deep care to her family and friends 💛
Jeannie-Marie (Sydney, Australia)

Dearest Wendy, Warren and Danny ,
You moved in to Dawn Lane and became our next door neighbors  when Emily was 5 years old.  From that day on  your family became part of our family.  Laurie and David baby sat for both Emily and Danny and they are both devastated by Emily’s death.  One of my fondness  memories of those early years  was When Emily was  5 she and Warren came to our home and were introduced to my mother . My mother fell  in love with her and looked forward to the times that Emily sat in our living room and the two of them had amazing conversations.  That was surprisiny as Emily was amazing. She was always joyous , inquisitive, fearless ,open and loving . As emily grew she became even more so and adventurous . She lived her life on her own terms . BRAVO dearest Emily.  You were the essence of joy ! We will miss you and will love you and your family always. Rest in peace  , joyous spirit . Annie , Laurie David Cunningham and Ron

A memory of day fully of joy and happiness.

Emily was one of the very first real friends I made in São Paulo. I texted her and said I was another American woman traveling solo, and she instantly offered to meet up for coffee. From our very first chat, she felt like an old friend. 

Ever since then, she has continually inspired me with her independence, open mindedness, sense of adventure, ambition, and humor. She was always down for anything - whether it was grabbing a bite at Akkan, going for nature walks in Harlem, taking a random forro class, or going over plans for business and life. 

Most of all, Emily was kind. She knew no strangers and made friends everywhere she went, and she did it so naturally. I will miss her dearly and will always hold her memory close.

Heaven received a wonderful new angel by the name of Emily Witt…
I have such lovely memories of Emily at Suffern HS & a good friend of my daughter Erin.  She will be missed by so many people & it makes you wonder why such a gentle soul had to leave us so soon….
Thinking of the family….prayers are with you❤️

I am so incredibly saddened by this.  Emily was one of my first friends in Bon Aire. I'm sending her family so much love and know that my memories of her from Suffern- Colgate will always be special. 

xo 
Britt Marden

sharing the beautiful moments of yoga classes  at the LIC climbing gym

Oh my! I am so very sorry! She is much too young! This world is a sadder place without her brightness and light

Emily, I will always remember your smiling face and excitement for climbing together

Emily was my big sister when she attended Colgate University and I was in elementary school in Hamilton NY. I remember her doing so much for me/with me. Taking me for ice cream, going to my friends birthday party with me, taking me to haunted houses, cooking me dinner at her student apartment, bringing me presents from trips she went on. 

Emily found me again in 2013 and made sure to keep in touch with me over the last decade. I am so saddened to hear about her passing. She was a beautiful and wonderful soul.

Dear Wendy, Warren and Danny,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your beautiful daughter, Emily. Please know that Kevin and I have you in our thoughts and prayers now and in the days ahead.

Donna and Kevin Whitfield,

I met Emily at our local swimming pool. She saw a climbing sticker on my water bottle in the locker room and struck up a conversation right away. That was who she was—someone who opened her arms to the world. 

We quickly learned how much we shared in common—living in Harlem, waking up at the crack of dawn for morning lap swim, hitting the climbing wall, and escaping the city for hikes Upstate. She was a pure, adventurous, and kind soul with generosity that had no limits. Emily loved her family and friends fiercely, and she made sure they felt cared for, seen, and heard. 

Her sudden passing has left me heartbroken. I will miss Emily deeply and carry her memory with me always. 

Rest in peace, my dear friend.

One of the highlights of getting together with my friend Wendy was hearing her lovingly, tell stories about her beloved daughter, Emily.  Those  stories of your beautiful daughter will forever be embedded in my mind. Our condolences to your whole family .  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Maxine, Marty, and Nikki Lawrence

Dear Wendy, Warren & Danny;

We were devastated to hear of Emily’s passing.  We knew Emily to be one of those unforgettable individuals with an unforgettable personality. She was smart, kind, and sweet with a cheerful disposition. We also think of Emily to be that quintessential good friend who would always be there for you. Please accept our condolences and deepest sympathies.

This is so devastating. I remember the early days when Emily and the other girls swam for the Dolphins and always wanted to drive with me in the “rock mobile!” She was so adorable and filled with adventure and fun. May her memory be a blessing. 💔❤️

Emily was the first friend I made when I moved to New York City in 2008. We bonded instantly over triathlon, and we spent many hours training and racing together before she discovered her true passion in Pilates. She was such a bright, kind, thoughtful person, and I feel incredibly grateful to have had her in my life.

One of my favorite memories will always be of her traveling all the way to Turks and Caicos to celebrate our wedding. That was the kind of friend she was, always willing to go the extra mile for the people she cared about. Having her there meant so much to us, and it’s a memory I will always hold close.

Recently, by complete fate, I ran into her on the subway, on a train line I never take but was rerouted to because of construction. We had time to catch up, and it felt like one of those quintessential New York moments that she loved so much.

Emily touched so many lives with her warmth and her spirit. I will miss her, and I will hold her memory in my heart.

Dearest Wendy, Warren and Danny,
Words cannot describe our grief over your loss of Emily. 

Susan & Sandy Lefkowitz

When I first met Emily, she wore a big puff jacket and carried a bright pink MZWallace bag. It was raining hard that day, but as soon as she saw me, she brightly smiled and said, “Are you Jen’s sister?” A true New Yorker who walked everywhere and talked about life endlessly. Emily was an energetic individual who always saw people in a positive way. Despite the chaos around us and living in a city where it’s so easy to get lost, Emily was never shy to make people feel cared for and connected. From climbing mountains to swimming at dawn, Emily was full of spontaneity, imagination, love, and compassion. Rest in peace, dear friend.

Dear Wendy, Warren, Danny and family,
Our thoughts are with you as you suffer this terrible loss of your beautiful, and lively daughter and sister.  
Jessica and Isaac Fromm

Dear Wendy and Family,
My husband and my hearts are truly breaking for you.  We know your pain, and send you  strength to carry you through the days ahead.  
Dianne and Pete Ballesty

Wendy,  Warren, and Danny,

Our hearts and thoughts are with you now, and will continue to be with you in the days ahead.

Judy, Sally, and Doug Veltidi

Family Friend 
To Halloween dress up as a superhero, rocky horror picture show dress up with the families, soccer games, bar and bat  mitzvahs and so many celebrations, Emily you will be so missed. We love you and your family. 
❤️Renee and Allen Markowitz

Wendy and family,  the Paoli family is deeply saddened to hear of the passing  of Emily.   Our thoughts and prayers are with you.   Emily was so young.  God bless!  ❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️

I am so sorry to hear of Emily’s passing.  
My thoughts and prayers are with you.  🙏💕

Wendy,
I am so sorry to hear of Emily's death.  Know that you and the family will be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. 
Maria Rossi

OBITUARY

Emily Diane Witt

January 14, 1976 – November 16, 2025

Riverside Memorial Chapel

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