Emily Dee Obituary

Emily Elizabeth Dee passed from this life on Monday January 29th in Durango, Colorado. She was 22 years old. Emily was born on March 7th 1995 in Denver. Like her parents, Sean M. Dee and Suzan E. Dee (Gembczynski), and her sisters Caytlyn and Brenna Dee, she was a proud Colorado native. Her family brought her to Grand County, Colorado, when she was only one. Growing up in God's country, she was an expert skier and cowgirl who loved the outdoors. Emily had horses, cats and dogs and cared for them well. She also ran track and played volleyball through high school. Emily graduated early, and before college, she lived and worked in Denver. Emily had attended Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO where she studied marketing. Emily's struggle with mental illness manifested as she reached adulthood. She faced this challenge with courage, openness, and a bravery that her friends and family will never forget. On March 28, 2016 Emily adopted a program for a sober lifestyle which she maintained the remainder of her life. In spite of her difficulties, Emily touched many people with the online community she created, Fit and Sober Living. She was also extremely active with the Durango young people's group of Alcoholics Anonymous. Throughout her short life, Emily carried a bright light wherever she was. Even while facing challenge, Emily nurtured and loved others who were in need. She assisted and encouraged many people who were entering recovery. Her desire to give and to care for others has inspired those who knew and loved her. Her family will always be proud of this. The motto that Emily carried and lived was "to thine own self be true". Emily was especially close with her sisters Caytlyn Theresa of Denver and Brenna Colleen of Boulder who loved and will always cherish their baby sister. Emily was well loved by her grandparents Thaddeus F. Gembczynski and Catherine J. Gembczynski of Colorado Springs. Her paternal grandparents were Martin P. Dee (deceased) of Denver and Kathryn Tobey (Kenney) of Florida. A celebration of life, will be held on February 11th at the Crown Hill Pavilion in Wheat Ridge, CO at 1:00 p.m. A reception will follow. Donations: National Alliance of Mental Illness. NAMI Southwest 10 Towne Plaza # 20 Durango, CO 81301