Calling all stars and angels

Emily Roosevelt (1969 – 2010)

Our dear Emily passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on April 11, 2010, at home in Park City. She was born in White Plains, New York on August 13, 1969 and from the beginning demonstrated to all who knew and loved her that she would live life to the fullest with no regrets. Empathy, inquisitiveness, courage, and determination defined her daily life. Her godfather said “she was the breathing definition of grace in adversity.”

Emily graduated from Whitby School, The Millbrook School, the University of Virginia, and the University of Maine School of Law. After college she headed west to Sun Valley, Idaho, where she encountered the three great loves of her life – the mountains, cooking, and her beloved Pete. After graduating from law school, she and Pete returned to the mountains to build a home and family in Utah. She clerked for Judge Monroe McKay of the United States Court of Appeals for the 10^th Circuit in Salt Lake City where she served with great distinction. In 2000, she joined the United States Department of the Interior Office of the Solicitor General where she worked tirelessly on behalf of public land issues.

Emily and Pete began their journey together as parents with the arrival of Mason in 2003 and Liam in 2006. Maggie, “the best dog ever,” gave them good practice to be great parents! The family enjoyed many outdoor pursuits and sunny days on the ski slopes together. Emily was devoted to her boys and they will carry on her sense of justice and fairness for all – and also her love of being silly, her infectious laughter, and the big heart she shared with her friends. Her life was deeply enriched by the love and support she received from her Utah family.

In June 2008, Emily received the greatest gift of all – a new heart. We want to thank the team at University of Utah Hospital for giving her the best care possible. We also extend our profound thanks to Emily’s donor and family for giving her a new lease on life. Since receiving her new heart, Emily became an outspoken advocate for organ donation and patient care, helping to raise funds and awareness, supporting others going through the transplant process, and serving as the master of ceremonies for the ribbon cutting of the Patient Care Pavilion at the University of Utah Hospital in July 2009.

Emily will be forever missed and celebrated by all her “stars and angels” including her husband, Peter Foehl; her sons Mason and Liam; her parents Chris and Roddy Roosevelt; her sister Kate and her partner Caroline; her brother Chris, his wife Christina, and their sons Noah and Wylie; her in-laws Allen and Sally Foehl; Pete’s brother Chas, his wife Sara, and their children Walker and Reed; Pete’s brother Dave and his wife Carol; her beloved grandmother Rosalind E. Havemeyer; many uncles, aunts, and cousins; and a huge community of friends and colleagues across the country.

Emily would have wanted you to become an organ donor (organdonor.gov) rather than sending flowers. You may also honor her life by donating to Intermountain Donor Services (c/o Debbie Snider, IDS, 230 S. 500 E., Ste. 290, Salt Lake City, UT 84102) or the charity of your choice. A celebration of Emily’s life will be held on Saturday, April 17 at 4:00 pm at Park City Community Church, 4501 N. Highway 224, Park City. The family will be providing further information about a memorial service to be held in New England this summer.