Emily S. Dilworth Obituary (1980 - 2024)

We cant believe that we are writing an for Emily (Young) Dilworth. It seems impossible that a light so vibrant and sustaining is no longer shining in our lives. A survivor and fighter to her core, Emily passed on March 25th after an intense battle with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We are all absolutely devastated by the immense loss of Emily, a loss that well feel for the rest of our lives. Capturing Emily in the span of a few paragraphs is an insurmountable task, especially for those of us lucky to have our lives touched by her. She was endlessly generous, fiercely loyal, comfortingly funny, and she loved with the biggest, strongest heart. Because of this, her friends and family are left with an emptiness that can only be softened by our cherished memories. Emily was born in Lansing, Michigan in 1980 and grew up in Rockford Michigan. It was there that we saw the beginnings of the spark she had in everything she did. From leading a cheer squad to taking up acting in high school plays, she exhibited more energy than could seemingly fit in her body. We vividly remember her quick smile and immediate excitement for new friends and adventures. A graduate of Rockford High School, she earned a bachelors degree in criminal justice from Michigan State University. In 2000 she survived a violent car crash that left her comatose, only to walk out of the hospital in three months and eventually graduate with a college degree. It was while a student at MSU that Emily met Brandon, the love of her life. She then moved to Hancock with her little dog Steve in the upper peninsula of Michigan. She and Brandon were married in the most heart-warming ceremony, we can still see her in that white dress and flip flops holding a bouquet of roses with her proud husband at her side. Life then called Brandon and Emily to Massachusetts where she continued with her passion of building lasting friendships. She welcomed new friends to a pod of close confidants that only became stronger the bigger it grew. She continued to send personalized treats to high school friends every year while still finding time to organize meet ups and parties for her massive group of friends in Chelmsford. Emily was engaged with the Chelmsford Mothers Club, and held multiple officer positions within the PTOs and was also a Town Meeting Representative in Chelmsford. Those of us that were fortunate to know Emily, know that she could be stubborn. Stubborn in a way that made her determined to complete great things in her life: She worked so hard in training that she broke an ankle while on the cheer team in high school, then she fought to fully regain consciousness and ability after being found not breathing following a car crash. That same determination drove Emily to train for a marathon. In 2023, Emily ran in, and finished, the 127th Boston Marathon, an accomplishment that brought her well-deserved pride and the admiration of all of us that love her. Yet, she wasnt done. Just this January, she completed the Dopey Challenge at Disney that included four races in consecutive days culminating in a marathon and totaling 48.6 miles. Emily showed this strength and determination every second of her life. Amongst the many accomplishments in Emilys life, perhaps the one she is most proud of would be her role as a mother to Lucy and Jack. Mothers love their children no doubt, but the intensity with which she guided, guarded, and most of all celebrated her kids was an inspiration. It will take a village to replace the intensity Emily brought every day to her kids. She will live on through them as her love continues to support and raise them with Brandon. Thank you, Emily for sharing your life with us. We are grateful for you, grateful for your love, and grateful for the time we had. We love you more than we understand. Emily is preceded in death by her grandparents F.O. and June Grounds, Clara and Paul Young, and her father John P. Young. Emily is survived by her husband Brandon Dilworth, daughter Lucille, son Jack, mother Susan Young, brother John Young (wife Nikki Kong), her nieces Madison, Debbie, June, Hannah, and Izzy, nephews Liam and Henry, and her vast community of friends. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. Memorial donations may be made in Emilys memory to either Tufts Medical Center (giving.tuftsmedicalcenter.org/give) or Tedys Team (tedysteam.org/make-a-general-donation/). A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.