Emilie Alice Parker, a vibrant and creative young soul, was born on May 12, 2006, in Ogden, Weber County, Utah. A child full of life and promise, her beautiful presence graced our lives for a brief six years before a tragedy cut it short on December 14, 2012, in Sandy Hook, Fairfield County, Connecticut.
Emilie was a beacon of light to all who knew her. Her spirit was infectious, touching the hearts of everyone she encountered. Her radiance was not just a gift, but a testament to her boundless love, compassion, charity, enthusiasm, and joy. This radiant spirit was beautifully reflected in her incredible artistic talent.
She had a natural affinity for conversation, unafraid to strike up a dialogue with anyone, anywhere. And she always had her markers, colored pens, and paper on hand because as Emilie herself said, "I have so many ideas of things to draw and it is hard to remember them all". Her art, whether it was drawings, paintings, ceramics, or her unique sense of fashion, was always expressive of her lively personality.
Emilie was also an avid reader. The joy she found in stories was not kept to herself; she often shared this love with her younger sisters, Madeline and Samantha, dressing up in costumes and reading to them. As the eldest, she was their protector and their comforter, nurturing their sense of security and love with her characteristic warmth.
Emilie's compassionate spirit was always looking out for those who were downcast or in pain. Her desire for everyone's happiness was so profound that she would often craft cards for anyone she thought was sad and needed a bit of cheering up. She embodied a maturity and understanding far beyond her years, always wanting to make people feel better. Her parents, Robbie and Alyssa, lovingly remember her as their princess on earth and now their angel in heaven.
It has been more than a decade since the horrific tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, where Emilie, along with 19 other first graders and six educators, were brutally taken away from us. In the years that followed, her parents, Robbie and Alyssa, have committed to honor her memory in a significant and fitting way: through art.
The Emilie Parker Art Connection was born out of the family's grief and determination to perpetuate Emilie's love for the arts. They started this charitable organization to fund community and school programs that promote the arts, ensuring that Emilie's passion for creativity and expression would live on in other children's lives.
Emilie was not only a wonderful daughter but also a fantastic big sister to Madeline and Samantha. Her father, Robbie, beautifully recalls the comforting role Emilie played in her sisters' lives. He remembers the times when they would run to Emilie for hugs and kisses instead of their parents whenever they were hurt or upset.
Her parents continually strive to keep her memory alive, even as the years pass. Robbie was one of the first parents to speak publicly after the Sandy Hook tragedy, expressing his love and admiration for his daughter who could "light up a room." He spoke about Emilie's kindness and strength, which he described as "remarkable." He shared his gratitude for being blessed with the opportunity to be her dad.
Emilie's life continues to influence people, even those who didn't know her personally. People who heard her story found themselves inspired by her passion for art, her kindness, and her compassion. Her family set up an art foundation in her honor, promoting the importance of the arts in children's lives. They brought Emilie's love for creating beautiful things into the lives of other children, allowing her legacy to live on.
Alissa Parker became a nationally recognized advocate for school safety. She co-founded Safe and Sound Schools, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing school safety. This advocacy was born out of the personal tragedy of losing her daughter and the desire to prevent such devastating incidents from happening to other children.
In 2017, Alissa published a book called "An Unseen Angel," a poignant narrative about how she managed to forgive the perpetrator of the Sandy Hook shooting and felt Emilie's presence in her prayers again. Alissa shared her journey in the book, hoping to offer insights and comfort to others who might be navigating their own experiences of loss and forgiveness.
Emilie was buried in Ogden, Utah, next to her grandfather. Her sisters, Madeline and Samantha, wore coats of pink, Emilie's favorite color, in tribute to her during the funeral procession. The streets were adorned with pink ribbons on signs, utility poles, and trees. People from all walks of life paid their respects, united in the memory of a girl who embodied compassion, love, and a life cut tragically short.
As we commemorate Emilie, we are reminded that her light, her spirit, and her memory continue to guide us, inspiring us to embrace love, kindness, and creativity. Emilie's life was brief, yet it was significant. It continues to impact countless lives and to motivate us to become better, to love more, and to cultivate a sense of compassion and empathy for others.
Emilie Alice "Em" Parker, you will always be remembered. We honor your memory, cherish your legacy, and are grateful for the brief yet impactful time you spent with us. Even though your life was cut tragically short, your spirit lives on, continuing to inspire and comfort us. You have left an indelible mark on this world, and for that, we remember and honor you.
Written by: Alan Owen
----------
From her parents:
Emilie Alice Parker is a beautiful person. She came into this world on May 12, 2006. She was tragically taken from us only 6 years later. Despite her short time here on earth, her life was full. Full of love, full of compassion, full of charity, full of enthusiasm, full of joy, and full of gifts given to her by Heavenly Father that she shared with everyone fortunate enough to cross her path.
Emilie was quick to strike up a conversation, with anyone, anywhere. She could always be found with her markers, colored pens and paper because as she put it, "I have so many ideas of things to draw and it is hard to remember them all". She also expressed her artistic abilities in her paintings, ceramics and fashion, as she always wanted to be fancy.
Emilie love to read. She loved to read stories, not only with her mom and dad, but also she could often be found with her sisters, Madeline and Samantha, dressed in costumes, reading stories with them. Her sisters looked up to her and sought her out for comfort when they needed it.
Emilie always wanted to help people feel better. Her compassion and charity was exemplified by her hugs, the cards she would make, and her statements that, "I wish everybody could just be happy".
She was our princess here on earth, and now her angel up in heaven. May her life and example continue to live on in all of us. - Her loving parents, Robbie and Alyssa.
Emilie was a beacon of light to all who knew her. Her spirit was infectious, touching the hearts of everyone she encountered. Her radiance was not just a gift, but a testament to her boundless love, compassion, charity, enthusiasm, and joy. This radiant spirit was beautifully reflected in her incredible artistic talent.
She had a natural affinity for conversation, unafraid to strike up a dialogue with anyone, anywhere. And she always had her markers, colored pens, and paper on hand because as Emilie herself said, "I have so many ideas of things to draw and it is hard to remember them all". Her art, whether it was drawings, paintings, ceramics, or her unique sense of fashion, was always expressive of her lively personality.
Emilie was also an avid reader. The joy she found in stories was not kept to herself; she often shared this love with her younger sisters, Madeline and Samantha, dressing up in costumes and reading to them. As the eldest, she was their protector and their comforter, nurturing their sense of security and love with her characteristic warmth.
Emilie's compassionate spirit was always looking out for those who were downcast or in pain. Her desire for everyone's happiness was so profound that she would often craft cards for anyone she thought was sad and needed a bit of cheering up. She embodied a maturity and understanding far beyond her years, always wanting to make people feel better. Her parents, Robbie and Alyssa, lovingly remember her as their princess on earth and now their angel in heaven.
It has been more than a decade since the horrific tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, where Emilie, along with 19 other first graders and six educators, were brutally taken away from us. In the years that followed, her parents, Robbie and Alyssa, have committed to honor her memory in a significant and fitting way: through art.
The Emilie Parker Art Connection was born out of the family's grief and determination to perpetuate Emilie's love for the arts. They started this charitable organization to fund community and school programs that promote the arts, ensuring that Emilie's passion for creativity and expression would live on in other children's lives.
Emilie was not only a wonderful daughter but also a fantastic big sister to Madeline and Samantha. Her father, Robbie, beautifully recalls the comforting role Emilie played in her sisters' lives. He remembers the times when they would run to Emilie for hugs and kisses instead of their parents whenever they were hurt or upset.
Her parents continually strive to keep her memory alive, even as the years pass. Robbie was one of the first parents to speak publicly after the Sandy Hook tragedy, expressing his love and admiration for his daughter who could "light up a room." He spoke about Emilie's kindness and strength, which he described as "remarkable." He shared his gratitude for being blessed with the opportunity to be her dad.
Emilie's life continues to influence people, even those who didn't know her personally. People who heard her story found themselves inspired by her passion for art, her kindness, and her compassion. Her family set up an art foundation in her honor, promoting the importance of the arts in children's lives. They brought Emilie's love for creating beautiful things into the lives of other children, allowing her legacy to live on.
Alissa Parker became a nationally recognized advocate for school safety. She co-founded Safe and Sound Schools, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing school safety. This advocacy was born out of the personal tragedy of losing her daughter and the desire to prevent such devastating incidents from happening to other children.
In 2017, Alissa published a book called "An Unseen Angel," a poignant narrative about how she managed to forgive the perpetrator of the Sandy Hook shooting and felt Emilie's presence in her prayers again. Alissa shared her journey in the book, hoping to offer insights and comfort to others who might be navigating their own experiences of loss and forgiveness.
Emilie was buried in Ogden, Utah, next to her grandfather. Her sisters, Madeline and Samantha, wore coats of pink, Emilie's favorite color, in tribute to her during the funeral procession. The streets were adorned with pink ribbons on signs, utility poles, and trees. People from all walks of life paid their respects, united in the memory of a girl who embodied compassion, love, and a life cut tragically short.
As we commemorate Emilie, we are reminded that her light, her spirit, and her memory continue to guide us, inspiring us to embrace love, kindness, and creativity. Emilie's life was brief, yet it was significant. It continues to impact countless lives and to motivate us to become better, to love more, and to cultivate a sense of compassion and empathy for others.
Emilie Alice "Em" Parker, you will always be remembered. We honor your memory, cherish your legacy, and are grateful for the brief yet impactful time you spent with us. Even though your life was cut tragically short, your spirit lives on, continuing to inspire and comfort us. You have left an indelible mark on this world, and for that, we remember and honor you.
Written by: Alan Owen
----------
From her parents:
Emilie Alice Parker is a beautiful person. She came into this world on May 12, 2006. She was tragically taken from us only 6 years later. Despite her short time here on earth, her life was full. Full of love, full of compassion, full of charity, full of enthusiasm, full of joy, and full of gifts given to her by Heavenly Father that she shared with everyone fortunate enough to cross her path.
Emilie was quick to strike up a conversation, with anyone, anywhere. She could always be found with her markers, colored pens and paper because as she put it, "I have so many ideas of things to draw and it is hard to remember them all". She also expressed her artistic abilities in her paintings, ceramics and fashion, as she always wanted to be fancy.
Emilie love to read. She loved to read stories, not only with her mom and dad, but also she could often be found with her sisters, Madeline and Samantha, dressed in costumes, reading stories with them. Her sisters looked up to her and sought her out for comfort when they needed it.
Emilie always wanted to help people feel better. Her compassion and charity was exemplified by her hugs, the cards she would make, and her statements that, "I wish everybody could just be happy".
She was our princess here on earth, and now her angel up in heaven. May her life and example continue to live on in all of us. - Her loving parents, Robbie and Alyssa.
Emilie Alice Parker, a vibrant and creative young soul, was born on May 12, 2006, in Ogden, Weber County, Utah. A child full of life and promise, her beautiful presence graced our lives for a brief six years before a tragedy cut it short on December 14, 2012, in Sandy Hook, Fairfield County, Connecticut.
Emilie was a beacon of light to all who knew her. Her spirit was infectious, touching the hearts of everyone she encountered. Her radiance was not just a gift, but a testament to her boundless love, compassion, charity, enthusiasm, and joy. This radiant spirit was beautifully reflected in her incredible artistic talent.
She had a natural affinity for conversation, unafraid to strike up a dialogue with anyone, anywhere. And she always had her markers, colored pens, and paper on hand because as Emilie herself said, "I have so many ideas of things to draw and it is hard to remember them all". Her art, whether it was drawings, paintings, ceramics, or her unique sense of fashion, was always expressive of her lively personality.
Emilie was also an avid reader. The joy she found in stories was not kept to herself; she often shared this love with her younger sisters, Madeline and Samantha, dressing up in costumes and reading to them. As the eldest, she was their protector and their comforter, nurturing their sense of security and love with her characteristic warmth.
Emilie's compassionate spirit was always looking out for those who were downcast or in pain. Her desire for everyone's happiness was so profound that she would often craft cards for anyone she thought was sad and needed a bit of cheering up. She embodied a maturity and understanding far beyond her years, always wanting to make people feel better. Her parents, Robbie and Alyssa, lovingly remember her as their princess on earth and now their angel in heaven.
It has been more than a decade since the horrific tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, where Emilie, along with 19 other first graders and six educators, were brutally taken away from us. In the years that followed, her parents, Robbie and Alyssa, have committed to honor her memory in a significant and fitting way: through art.
The Emilie Parker Art Connection was born out of the family's grief and determination to perpetuate Emilie's love for the arts. They started this charitable organization to fund community and school programs that promote the arts, ensuring that Emilie's passion for creativity and expression would live on in other children's lives.
Emilie was not only a wonderful daughter but also a fantastic big sister to Madeline and Samantha. Her father, Robbie, beautifully recalls the comforting role Emilie played in her sisters' lives. He remembers the times when they would run to Emilie for hugs and kisses instead of their parents whenever they were hurt or upset.
Her parents continually strive to keep her memory alive, even as the years pass. Robbie was one of the first parents to speak publicly after the Sandy Hook tragedy, expressing his love and admiration for his daughter who could "light up a room." He spoke about Emilie's kindness and strength, which he described as "remarkable." He shared his gratitude for being blessed with the opportunity to be her dad.
Emilie's life continues to influence people, even those who didn't know her personally. People who heard her story found themselves inspired by her passion for art, her kindness, and her compassion. Her family set up an art foundation in her honor, promoting the importance of the arts in children's lives. They brought Emilie's love for creating beautiful things into the lives of other children, allowing her legacy to live on.
Alissa Parker became a nationally recognized advocate for school safety. She co-founded Safe and Sound Schools, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing school safety. This advocacy was born out of the personal tragedy of losing her daughter and the desire to prevent such devastating incidents from happening to other children.
In 2017, Alissa published a book called "An Unseen Angel," a poignant narrative about how she managed to forgive the perpetrator of the Sandy Hook shooting and felt Emilie's presence in her prayers again. Alissa shared her journey in the book, hoping to offer insights and comfort to others who might be navigating their own experiences of loss and forgiveness.
Emilie was buried in Ogden, Utah, next to her grandfather. Her sisters, Madeline and Samantha, wore coats of pink, Emilie's favorite color, in tribute to her during the funeral procession. The streets were adorned with pink ribbons on signs, utility poles, and trees. People from all walks of life paid their respects, united in the memory of a girl who embodied compassion, love, and a life cut tragically short.
As we commemorate Emilie, we are reminded that her light, her spirit, and her memory continue to guide us, inspiring us to embrace love, kindness, and creativity. Emilie's life was brief, yet it was significant. It continues to impact countless lives and to motivate us to become better, to love more, and to cultivate a sense of compassion and empathy for others.
Emilie Alice "Em" Parker, you will always be remembered. We honor your memory, cherish your legacy, and are grateful for the brief yet impactful time you spent with us. Even though your life was cut tragically short, your spirit lives on, continuing to inspire and comfort us. You have left an indelible mark on this world, and for that, we remember and honor you.
Written by: Alan Owen
----------
From her parents:
Emilie Alice Parker is a beautiful person. She came into this world on May 12, 2006. She was tragically taken from us only 6 years later. Despite her short time here on earth, her life was full. Full of love, full of compassion, full of charity, full of enthusiasm, full of joy, and full of gifts given to her by Heavenly Father that she shared with everyone fortunate enough to cross her path.
Emilie was quick to strike up a conversation, with anyone, anywhere. She could always be found with her markers, colored pens and paper because as she put it, "I have so many ideas of things to draw and it is hard to remember them all". She also expressed her artistic abilities in her paintings, ceramics and fashion, as she always wanted to be fancy.
Emilie love to read. She loved to read stories, not only with her mom and dad, but also she could often be found with her sisters, Madeline and Samantha, dressed in costumes, reading stories with them. Her sisters looked up to her and sought her out for comfort when they needed it.
Emilie always wanted to help people feel better. Her compassion and charity was exemplified by her hugs, the cards she would make, and her statements that, "I wish everybody could just be happy".
She was our princess here on earth, and now her angel up in heaven. May her life and example continue to live on in all of us. - Her loving parents, Robbie and Alyssa.
Emilie was a beacon of light to all who knew her. Her spirit was infectious, touching the hearts of everyone she encountered. Her radiance was not just a gift, but a testament to her boundless love, compassion, charity, enthusiasm, and joy. This radiant spirit was beautifully reflected in her incredible artistic talent.
She had a natural affinity for conversation, unafraid to strike up a dialogue with anyone, anywhere. And she always had her markers, colored pens, and paper on hand because as Emilie herself said, "I have so many ideas of things to draw and it is hard to remember them all". Her art, whether it was drawings, paintings, ceramics, or her unique sense of fashion, was always expressive of her lively personality.
Emilie was also an avid reader. The joy she found in stories was not kept to herself; she often shared this love with her younger sisters, Madeline and Samantha, dressing up in costumes and reading to them. As the eldest, she was their protector and their comforter, nurturing their sense of security and love with her characteristic warmth.
Emilie's compassionate spirit was always looking out for those who were downcast or in pain. Her desire for everyone's happiness was so profound that she would often craft cards for anyone she thought was sad and needed a bit of cheering up. She embodied a maturity and understanding far beyond her years, always wanting to make people feel better. Her parents, Robbie and Alyssa, lovingly remember her as their princess on earth and now their angel in heaven.
It has been more than a decade since the horrific tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, where Emilie, along with 19 other first graders and six educators, were brutally taken away from us. In the years that followed, her parents, Robbie and Alyssa, have committed to honor her memory in a significant and fitting way: through art.
The Emilie Parker Art Connection was born out of the family's grief and determination to perpetuate Emilie's love for the arts. They started this charitable organization to fund community and school programs that promote the arts, ensuring that Emilie's passion for creativity and expression would live on in other children's lives.
Emilie was not only a wonderful daughter but also a fantastic big sister to Madeline and Samantha. Her father, Robbie, beautifully recalls the comforting role Emilie played in her sisters' lives. He remembers the times when they would run to Emilie for hugs and kisses instead of their parents whenever they were hurt or upset.
Her parents continually strive to keep her memory alive, even as the years pass. Robbie was one of the first parents to speak publicly after the Sandy Hook tragedy, expressing his love and admiration for his daughter who could "light up a room." He spoke about Emilie's kindness and strength, which he described as "remarkable." He shared his gratitude for being blessed with the opportunity to be her dad.
Emilie's life continues to influence people, even those who didn't know her personally. People who heard her story found themselves inspired by her passion for art, her kindness, and her compassion. Her family set up an art foundation in her honor, promoting the importance of the arts in children's lives. They brought Emilie's love for creating beautiful things into the lives of other children, allowing her legacy to live on.
Alissa Parker became a nationally recognized advocate for school safety. She co-founded Safe and Sound Schools, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing school safety. This advocacy was born out of the personal tragedy of losing her daughter and the desire to prevent such devastating incidents from happening to other children.
In 2017, Alissa published a book called "An Unseen Angel," a poignant narrative about how she managed to forgive the perpetrator of the Sandy Hook shooting and felt Emilie's presence in her prayers again. Alissa shared her journey in the book, hoping to offer insights and comfort to others who might be navigating their own experiences of loss and forgiveness.
Emilie was buried in Ogden, Utah, next to her grandfather. Her sisters, Madeline and Samantha, wore coats of pink, Emilie's favorite color, in tribute to her during the funeral procession. The streets were adorned with pink ribbons on signs, utility poles, and trees. People from all walks of life paid their respects, united in the memory of a girl who embodied compassion, love, and a life cut tragically short.
As we commemorate Emilie, we are reminded that her light, her spirit, and her memory continue to guide us, inspiring us to embrace love, kindness, and creativity. Emilie's life was brief, yet it was significant. It continues to impact countless lives and to motivate us to become better, to love more, and to cultivate a sense of compassion and empathy for others.
Emilie Alice "Em" Parker, you will always be remembered. We honor your memory, cherish your legacy, and are grateful for the brief yet impactful time you spent with us. Even though your life was cut tragically short, your spirit lives on, continuing to inspire and comfort us. You have left an indelible mark on this world, and for that, we remember and honor you.
Written by: Alan Owen
----------
From her parents:
Emilie Alice Parker is a beautiful person. She came into this world on May 12, 2006. She was tragically taken from us only 6 years later. Despite her short time here on earth, her life was full. Full of love, full of compassion, full of charity, full of enthusiasm, full of joy, and full of gifts given to her by Heavenly Father that she shared with everyone fortunate enough to cross her path.
Emilie was quick to strike up a conversation, with anyone, anywhere. She could always be found with her markers, colored pens and paper because as she put it, "I have so many ideas of things to draw and it is hard to remember them all". She also expressed her artistic abilities in her paintings, ceramics and fashion, as she always wanted to be fancy.
Emilie love to read. She loved to read stories, not only with her mom and dad, but also she could often be found with her sisters, Madeline and Samantha, dressed in costumes, reading stories with them. Her sisters looked up to her and sought her out for comfort when they needed it.
Emilie always wanted to help people feel better. Her compassion and charity was exemplified by her hugs, the cards she would make, and her statements that, "I wish everybody could just be happy".
She was our princess here on earth, and now her angel up in heaven. May her life and example continue to live on in all of us. - Her loving parents, Robbie and Alyssa.
