Emily April Given

EASTMAN FUNERAL HOME 419-929-3781

Every rose has its thorn. Emily was our rose; cancer her thorn.

Emily April Given (Smith) of New London, died as a result of cancer on Friday, December 28, 2018. Regardless of the outcome with cancer, she won in life in so many ways. Emily faced each day determined to love fiercely, live passionately, and not give a damn about what anyone else thought; marching to her own drummer - inspiring many. She did this in order to create a future for the two ultimate loves of her life - her kids, Travis James Given and Jenna Mae Given.

Throughout her 43 short years on this Earth, Emily embraced life. She was an adventure lover, risk taker, and braver than most. Whether traveling through Europe, parachuting (twice!), fishing, camping, cruising through town in her 1992 Camaro, or opening and operating her own business, Daisy & Buster's Grooming, for 12 years, Emily was fearless. If she set her mind to an idea or dream, it was going to happen regardless of the obstacles. She always persevered and always did so with strength, bravery, and humor - always humor!

Of course, we can't forget to mention that the girl loved her some Poison and Bret Michaels. Self-proclaimed groupie, she frequented his shows and even made it onto his tour bus capturing a coveted and cherished photo of her with Bret.

Not only a "wild child," Emily had the gentlest of souls and cared for everyone around her including all animals. Her house was known to have a pet or two or ten including her beloved horses she owned for 12 years.

She made an impact on so many. From her years at Keystone High School (class of '93) to time spent at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, and everywhere in between, she created a community of love and support that will forever be grateful for having had the privilege of knowing her.

Emily may have left this Earth, but her optimistic personality and "tell it like it is" attitude will never be forgotten. Witnessing her absolute strength through everything that life threw her way; especially over the last year, has left a fire within all of us that will burn strong and carry on for years to come.

Emily leaves behind, yet will always be with, her children Travis and Jenna, parents Nancy and Dennis Smith of LaGrange, siblings Michele Smith, Jon (Jill) Smith, and Melisa (Erick) Olic as well as six nieces Kaitlin, Jocelyn, Ashlyn, Adelyn, Alexa, and Ella, two nephews Jordan and Ayden, a great-niece Charlotte and a great-nephew Deklan. She is also survived by her former husband, James Given and family.

She was preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Marion and Leonard Heimburger, paternal grandparents Beatrice and Russell Smith, and brother-in-law Kerry Smith.

Visitation will be from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at Eastman Funeral Home, 200 West Main St., New London, Ohio. Following visitation, a Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 18 Park Ave., New London, OH 44851, with Father Kishore Kottana officiating. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, New London. The Given family suggests donations in memory of Emily be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Church to benefit their Parish School of Religion Program. Condolences can be given at www.eastmanfuneralhome.com.

"Of all the truths and lies; And stories of riders in the sky; They say only the bravest try; Where eagles and angels dare to fly" - Poison "Ride the Wind."

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