"She's the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street. The smell of certain foods you remember, flowers you pick, the fragrance of life itself. She's in the sun, the wind, the rain. She's your breath in the air on a cold winter's day, the sound of the rain that lulls you to sleep, the colors of a rainbow. She is Christmas morning. She lives inside your laughter. She's the map you follow with every step you take. She is with you in every moment. She is your guardian angel."

Emily Theresa Keiper passed away on Friday, August 19, 2022, surrounded by her family. She was 16 years old.

Born in Niagara Falls on January 12, 2006, she was the daughter of Michele and Kory Keiper, and the sister of Paige, Kylie, and Kory Keiper.

Emily's big heart and sweet giggle will be missed dearly by her family and friends. She will be remembered for her vibrant personality.  From the time she was small, Emily approached life with a contagious sense of humor, always finding a way to make those around her, and especially herself, laugh. A genuine soul, Emily was never afraid to say exactly what was on her mind. Whether you were ready for it or not was out of the question.

Emily will also be remembered for her strength; she was a force to be reckoned with. Through the obstacles that life placed in front of her, Emily persevered forward with her courageous spirit. Her first tattoo, the words "Think Positive" represented Emily's outlook on life. By being herself, Emily inspired those around her to be better, to be bold, and to find joy in the present moment.

As she navigated through life, Emily looked inward to learn from life's lessons and grow from them. At the age of 16, she had grown into a mature and responsible young lady, one that made her family extremely proud. Emily was the definition of a go-getter. In addition to her jobs at Wegmans and Mooney's, she became an entrepreneur, opening up her own business. Emily used her talent for nail design to set up a shop in her home. She recently received her driver's permit in May and loved the new freedom she found cruising around town with her beloved boyfriend Zack. And as a true food lover, she and Zack made many stops to find good grub.

Emily adored her sisters Paige and Kylie, and her brother Kory. She was her mother's "mini-me." Her family was her world and she loved them with a fierce loyalty that couldn't be matched.

While the family takes on the impossible task of mourning the loss of Emily, they find some solace in knowing she is in Heaven with her grandmother, 'Nani', Michele Kelly, and is watching down on her family and friends. As much as she will be missed here on Earth, Emily's powerful love will be felt through her presence as an angel, with signs and guidance from above.

Along with her parents, siblings, and boyfriend, Emily is survived by her grandparents, John D. Religa, and Donna and Duane Keiper; her uncle, Johnny (Nate Wagner) Religa; her aunt, Marisa 'Aunt Moe,' Religa; her "other mother," Chantelle Maloney; her extended family, and a host of friends who have become family that will miss her dearly.