Emily M. VanSkiver

Emily M. VanSkiver, two year old daughter of David & Tammy (Butler) VanSkiver of 6 Aber St., Canaseraga, received her wings Friday morning (December 30, 2011) after passing at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester following a long illness.

Emily, who was born on December 29, 2009, touched many lives during her two short years on this earth.  She was a “fighter” who struggled, yet fought every medical hardship that was thrown her way.  Emily had an infectious smile that could light up a room.  To know Emily was to love her.  Although she was only here for a short time, she was loved by everyone that was blessed to have known her and will never be forgotten.  She was surely an angel sent from heaven!!

Emily was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Ernest & Catherine VanSkiver.

Surviving are her parents, David & Tammy VanSkiver of Canaseraga; her biological mother, Aaron Hutchinson & family of Hornell; her siblings, Brandon VanSkiver, Tyler VanSkiver, Natasha VanSkiver, Samuel Strickland and twin sister, Tegan VanSkiver; maternal grandparents, Harold & Lillian Kernan of Canaseraga; her aunts & uncles, Naomi Kernan, Jason (Karolyn) Kernan, Donald (Mary Kay) VanSkiver, Dean (Jane) VanSkiver, Darlene (Charles) Johnson, Duane (Mary Jo) VanSkiver, Darrell (Sandra) VanSkiver, Daniel VanSkiver & Dale VanSkiver; several cousins. 

Emily’s bright smile will also be remembered and sadly missed by all of the wonderful doctors, nurses and many special professionals & staff members from various agencies.  Her family will be eternally grateful all those who enriched Emily’s life.

At the family’s request, there will be no calling hours.  A Memorial Service will be held at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions in Emily’s name may be made to either the Tegan VanSkiver Trust Fund, C/O Naomi Kernan, 10264 Coombs Hill Rd., Canaseraga, NY 14822  or to the Ronald McDonald House Within the Hospital, Golisano Children’s Hospitals, 601 Elmwood Ave., Box Ronald McDonald, Rochester, NY 14642 (585-276-5437).

Arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

12 Responses to “Emily M. VanSkiver”

  1. Kim Knight says:

    My heart truly goes out to all of you who took such good care of little Emily, especially you Tammy!

  2. TERESA JENKINS says:

    TAMMY
    SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.

  3. Nicole Drought says:

    I had the privlege of caring for Baby Emily and knowing what a wonderful family she had. Tammy-I hope you can find some comfort in knowing that Emily was loved by many and that she got to have your amazing love and caring. I will truly miss her and I will never forget her. May God be with you and your family during your time of sorrow.

  4. Mary Kay VanSkiver says:

    Prayers to little Emily’s family during this time. We send our love.
    Little Emily is being held in the arms of God Almighty right now and one day you will rejoice in a grand reunion. God bless all of you.

  5. Candi Sherman Valentine says:

    Tammy and Dave- I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I imagine there is no pain more far-reaching and deeper than losing a child. My heart aches for you.

  6. Linda Varner says:

    I am so glad that Emily was part of your family and that you took care of her and obviously loved her. Aaron Hutchinson was my student during her pregnancy and after the birth of her twins. She did not abort the babies even though it would have been easier; I remember her saying that the babies she was carrying were the reason that she was living. I know how much she loved the babies. It was so hard for her to allow the girls to be adapted, but she knew it would be best. Her wish ( and my prayer) was for a loving family to adapt the girls, that would allow Aaron to sill have some contact with her babies. I can see from the obituary that this happened. I have prayed for these children for two years, in fact I was asking someone on Sunday ( Jan. 1st) if she knew where the twins were, I had a strange feeling when I asked. I think that God was letting me know that Emily was now in heaven with him.

  7. Barbara Johner says:

    Dear Tammy and family , so very sorry for your loss. May Emily have her wings and fly with all the angels ….now no pain! no meds !just warm ! happy Gory !!! We know not why God calls ours sweet babies home but i was told God picks the most beautiful flowers in the garden to bring home to heaven. May Emily rest in peace ,may your Heart heal and your memories last a life time for they are your for ever. Love and Hugs ,Barb Johner

  8. wendy morse-gunn ( mullen ) says:

    Tammy,David and family:
    So sorry to hear about your loss, even though I only got to meet Emily for a short time, I was touched by her and your deep love for her. She was a very special gift and could not have been with a more loving devoted family. Her short time here was filled with joy, love, and compassion. Because of you guys she had the best life she could. Thank you for being such a great example to all of us. I pray that your tears and sorrows be replaced with her smiles and laughter. Love you guys!

  9. Gail Hamilton says:

    Just wanted to say how sorry I am. She had a smile that lit up the whole unit. I will be forever glad that I had a chane to met such a wonderful little girl.

  10. Maureen Sweet-Smith says:

    So sorry for your loss, I am a volunteer at Ronald McDonald House and her mom was a former student of mine. When the twins were born I happened to be at the House. I extend my sympathies to you and your family and to Aaron and her family. God Bless you and your family for the great care you gave her.

  11. Nancy Bernier says:

    Tammy and Dave,
    As you know I loved that little girl! I cared for her for 6 months int he NICU and she reminded me of my own daughter. Know that I am fully aware of the amount and time committment it takes to care for a medically fragile baby. And you did it for two!! You gave Emily a happy, loving home. I was lucky enough to care for Emily for a few hours recently. She was sooo happy!! She looked great- a testament to both of yoy (Tammy and Dave). She will certainly be missed but know what a gift you gave her. It is not easy to produce a happy child when much if that child’s existence is filled with medical procedures. My heart and love go out to you. My heart goes out to Aaron and her family also.

  12. christine rawleigh says:

    i am tryuly sorry for your loss i sorry i didnt get the chance to meet emily but know that my thoughts are with you and your whole families