Obituaries

Emily Malone West, 46

September 29, 2019

Emily Malone West, 46, of Lancaster, beloved daughter of Soren and Marian (Bonnie) went home to heaven on Sunday, September 29, 2019. Emily knew well the depth of the human heart, its need for understanding, for safety, for empathy, its capacity to suffer and to rejoice. Her antennae keenly saw the other, and seeing, loved from the unfathomable depth of her heart. She held the truth of life on this earth close and was constitutionally incapable of denying it. The depth of her faith indulged neither falsehood nor fantasy.

Emily attended Sacred Heart School in Lancaster, PA, graduated from Oakcrest High School in Washington, D.C, and completed her undergraduate and Master’s degrees with highest honors from American University. Her work as an adolescent therapist for urban youth in Lancaster City was close to her heart. Where dialogue seemed insufficient, her guitar and singer-songwriter gifts came to the rescue. Her voice was like the finest silk woven into priceless garments. She sang from a well of wisdom, wishing only the greatest solace and joy for the listener.

Emily’s journey with cancer only increased her concern for those around her. Every heart she met, in any position, was given ultimate dignity, respect, and care. Whether at Lancaster General, Lancaster Cancer Center, Barshinger, or Hospice & Community Care of Lancaster County, her response to every care giver until she was unable was always a thoughtful “Thank you.”

Emily is survived by: her parents, Soren P. and Marian R. West of Lancaster, Pennsylvania; her brother, Soren P. West, his wife Karen Crandall West and their two children, Hannah and Bergen West; her brother Christopher R. West, his wife Wendy Weidman West and their five children, John Paul, Thomas, Beth, Isaac and Grace; a brother, Nathan West, her sister Marian Vellieux and her husband Zachary; and her daughter Cady, adopted by Christopher and Nancy Smith and Cady’s adopted sister, Maddie Smith.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Church 558 W. Walnut St, Lancaster, PA 17603 on Thursday, October 3, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive visitors at the church beginning at 9:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery 175 Charles Road, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Emily’s honor to the Mariah Fenton Gladis Foundation, PO Box 1435, Paoli, Pennsylvania 19301 or to Hospice and Community Care, 685 Good Drive, Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17604. Arrangements entrusted to Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. 717-560-5100

To read Emily’s story, visit https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/emilywest

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Condolences to the Family

October 17, 2019

Dear Bonnie, Soren, Chris, and all the family~  we were so saddened to learn of Emily’s death. You have experienced standing under the cross as you bid your dear child farewill…if only for a time.  You accompanied her to the gate…into the loving arms of the Father.  Love is stronger than death, and death is not the last word.  May your hearts be comforted by the love of many who carry you in prayer.  
We have fond memories of Emily…always with a smile and gentle word.  
Sending our love and prayers ~ Marlene & Larry Knab

October 07, 2019

Emily was a valued member of the School District of Lancaster community. I enjoyed working with her for a number of years and I am thankful for all that she did for our community. Thank you for sharing her with us; Emily will be greatly missed.
Amy Marenick

October 06, 2019

To Nate, Marian, Bonnie, Soren, and your whole family: I was quite shocked today when I heard the news about Emily’s passing. I still remember in high school when Emily drove Nate, me, and our other friends to New York City to see the cranberries in concert. We laughed so hard. I can still hear Emily’s laugh. She was such a genuine person. It was a true blessing to work with her at McCaskey also and being able to run into her at work and receive one of her genuine hugs was always a bright spot to my days. She truly cared for others and the depths of her love for you Nate, and for you Marian, were always so obviously spoken. She truly cared for our students and loved them unconditionally. I know she helped many students through very dark times. I am truly going to miss Emily and I will pray for you all. I am sure her loss has left quite a void and I pray that you can fill that void with peace knowing that we all love you and are with you at this time. Sincerely, Rachel (Brumbach formerly Gainer)

October 04, 2019

Bonnie and Soren, we are so sorry for such a loss. May God comfort you both in a way that means comfort to you. Only He can understand the depth of your pain. You are in our prayers. Tim and Alice(Plummer) Fuller

October 04, 2019

 My heart is breaking right now for the loss of your daughter. I read her thoughtful obituary and realized what an amazing young lady she was. I saw her singing on Facebook recently and. She had such a sweet voice, Alot like her mother’s. She certainly had the good graces of both parents. I pray that you find comfort in knowing that she is with our Lord. May her soul rest in peace.

October 03, 2019

Bonnie & Family, 
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear daughter. God bless you. 
Susan Plummer 

October 03, 2019

I have such fond memories of Emily and my childhood. Playing in the “Emilys” backyards. Bike rides exploring the neighborhood and Buchanan park, climbing the huge tree in your yard (I think Emily always made it to the top first!). While I haven’t seen her in years all those lazy summer fun days creep into my thoughts often as I watch my children quickly grow in front of me. I hope they get to have such good childhood friends as Emily was to me. My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your entire family. Prayers and love to you.
-Nicole France

October 03, 2019

Please accept our sympathy extended to your whole family group and especially to Bonnie, Soren, and their children.  This is so sad.  The Bucher family

October 03, 2019

Bonnie,
It broke my heart to see this news today.  I had the fortunate opportunity to get to know Emily during a difficult time in my life.  She was a bright light.  My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Casey Eddins-Thomas

October 03, 2019

Dear West family, I am so very sorry to hear about the death of Emily. Although I never met her, brief details given by Her brother Christopher, as well as the words about Emily showing above, paint lovely picture of this special soul. I wish I would’ve met her. I regret that I am on a trip and will get back to Philadelphia tomorrow late afternoon And so will miss both the viewing and her funeral. Be assured of my prayers even tonight after this note is written.
Matthew Pinto

October 02, 2019

Oh Dear Bonnie and Soren, my heart feels for you, family and friends who knew and loved Emily.  Soren, it was many many years ago that we met; you helped my sister-in-law Barb Hines with the wrong death of her husband, Darrel, my eldest brother.  I remember Bonnie too.   My dear former wife (we’re friends), Fran Ruggiano Hines, tells me that you worked with her late husband Lawrence.  We had a son, our dear Matthew, who passed away September 2015 from car accidents complications.  Matthew was 30 years old at the time and would be 34 this year.  I follow your son Christopher’s Facebook “Theology of the Body” where I sadly first learned of a death in the family.  I also explored Emily and yours Soren on Facebook.  My deepest condolences and sympathies.  May God comfort you and yours.  In time Memories will become Treasures.  Blessings, Denny Hines

October 02, 2019

Bonnie and Soren:
So sorry to hear about your loss.
With deepest sympathy
Ron and Dee Smith

October 02, 2019

Dear Bonnie and Soren, we are so sorry for the loss of your beloved Emily. I’m sure she will be terribly missed. Father Francis always told us that when someone we are close to passes away, they will send you a gift from heaven. I have experienced that gift when both my parents passed away. So be on the look out for Emily’s gift to you. You are in our thoughts, prayers, and hearts. Love, Laura and Hall Miller

October 02, 2019

Dear Soren, Bonnie and family,
You are on my mind and in my heart. I did not know Emily well, but every time I saw her, I felt her warm radiant smile. She truly was pure love and that is just so rare. May her memory be a blessing. Love you, Jenny, (Spike, Ian and Sidney Brant)

October 01, 2019

Ugh. This news hurts my heart. Emily was one of my favorite friends from high school, and I’m disappointed in myself that we didn’t keep in better touch. Whether it was playing basketball, singing songs, or jumping out of Oakcrest’s windows to wander the neighborhood because she wasn’t “feeling” school that day (and oftentimes dragging me with her:), Emily always had the ability to put a smile on my face and I so appreciate the memories we made. She was a genuine friend, a talented songstress, and a legit point guard. She was the best. I can only imagine the huge hole she has left in your family. I’m so sorry, and I’ll be keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
with love,
Tara (Thompson) Byrne
 

October 01, 2019

Dear Bonnie and Soren,
Please accept my sincere condolences on the death of your dear Emily. I will offer Mass for her and be assured that all the family are in my prayers.
Blessings and love, Theo 
 

October 01, 2019

Dearest Soren, Bonnie, and your entire loving family,
Our hearts and prayers are with you. Remembering Emily, her gentle, sweet spirit, so wise and caring beyond her years.  We are grateful to have known her and of her, for her soul touched many and will continue to do so, as she will be remembered.  She was blessed to have such a faith filled family to support and love her and pass her on to God’s loving arms. May God’s love, grace, and compassion continue to bless your family. 
Joe and Sue Schuchter 

October 01, 2019

Soren-
So sorry to hear of the passing of your sister. The write up in the paper was beautiful, and seems fitting for  a truly beautiful person. While I did not know her personally, I know how difficult the loss of famiily can be. My thoughts go out to you during this difficult time. I hope her memory will live on forever in your heart.
 
Lisa Miller

October 01, 2019

Very sorry to learn of Emily’s passing. She is now in the home that God has prepared for her with all His beloved!
You never have to say goodbye to love—it is never gone it moves to another place where we will all meet again.
Keeping all the family in prayer.
Bill and Connie Kneisly
 

October 01, 2019

Bonnie and Soren,So incredible to endure this  and words fail to give solace. All I can think to do is pray you will recieve the grace to go on daily. Our deepest sympathies to the whole family.
Susan Kurtz Mecholsky

October 01, 2019

Emily,           You are a flower whose petals have fallen too soon.  A look from you and a piece of music so eloquently stated the words that you wished to say.  You are loved in the depths of the hearts of all your Oakcrest friends.  Prayers and condolences to all of your family; truly, may you rest in the peace of Christ.
Elizabeth (Williams) Grier, ’92

October 01, 2019

Our deepest sympathies to all the West famly. We’re so sad to learn of Emily’s passing. May she rest in the peace of Christ.
Jeremy and Bobbie Woollen

October 01, 2019

Soren and Bonnie,  Stan and I are so sorry for the loss of your beloved Emily.  We send our love and sympathy to you and your family.  We will keep all of you in our prayers.  
Judy Weightman

October 01, 2019

Soren and Bonnie,
     It was with the sense of keenest regret that we learned of Emily’s passing.  We can only imagine the depth of your loss, but please know that you and your family are in our prayers.
     We are out of town and unable to attend the Mass, but please know that we are with you in spirit.
Mike and Jeanne Wagman 
     

October 01, 2019

Dear Bonnie, Soren, and family,
We are so very sorry to hear about the death of your beloved Emily.  She was a beautiful baby, child, and adult who will be remembered by us and so many others.  Please know that she, and all of your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
With love,
Al and Peggy Schulz

October 01, 2019

TO YOU ALL..I read this morning of Emily’s death and what a lovely soul she was..I am so so sorry and please do know that you are all in my heart.Sending lots and lots of LOVE to each one…Gail Schroeder

October 01, 2019

Soren and Bonnie: So sorry to see this news. I hope you are as well as can be. I am also sorry that I never knew Emily, from what I can see a magnificent human being.
Larry keating

Visitation
Thursday, October 03, 2019
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Sacred Heart Church
558 W. Walnut St
Lancaster, PA
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Thursday, October 03, 2019
11:00 AM
Sacred Heart Church
558 W. Walnut St
Lancaster, PA
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