Emma McDonald

Emma Nicole McDonald, 25, of Casselberry, passed away on 2/12/2023. She was born in New Orleans, LA on October 4, 1997. Emma was on the path to earning her Nursing Degree from Seminole State College, where she previously received her Associates of Arts. Emma’s dream was to become a Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurse.

Emma was a beautiful and amazing young lady who touched so many people. As we have heard so many times, “She lit up a room every time she walked in.” She loved to dance, especially to hip-hop with her UPAC company and Ms. Melissa. Her passion for dance never stopped. Emma was diagnosed with cancer in 2013. She never let cancer defy her even though what we called “The Beast” tried over and over again for the past 10 years. Emma lived her life to the fullest and never let anyone, and I mean anyone, tell her how to live. She loved her music festivals, those last-minute car rides to who-knows-where to see her favorite DJ’s, sleep in a tent and dance to her own drum. She was a foodie who loved her sushi nights with her bestie Leah, her date nights with Adam, her beach trips and boat trips to sit in the water and drink a “Spicy Margarita” or whatever she might desire.

Her love for her family was greater than she could ever express. She loved her brother and was so proud of him and all that he is doing and accomplishing.

Emma was part of the Global Medical Brigade and loved her mission trips to help underprivileged children in Panama and Greece.

Emma’s fight was one that made the world take notice. She never stopped fighting and decided on her own that it was time to dance with no pain, to laugh again, and to watch over all of us.

She is survived by her mother (Melissa DeLany), brother (RC DeLany), step-dad (Chris DeLany), grandparents (Billie Jo and Clay Elliott), Aunt and Uncle (Erin and Matt Cook), Great-Aunt (Lois Atchley), cousin (Scotty Atchley), boyfriend and soulmate (Adam Trad), grandparents (Nancy and Rob DeLany), Aunt and Uncle (Sally and Shad Latson), cousins (Delany and Dillon), great-grandmother (Joann Taylor), step-sister (Jillian and Jon Collette), niece (Cameron Collette) and cousins (Taylor McDonald and Alex Olson). Emma was loved by so many to include her Aunt Jennifer and Aunt Maria. Her best friend Leah Krinker. Her big sister Kelsey Brierley and “other” dad Kevin Brierley. Adams Parents (Sharon and John Trad), his sisters and brother-n-laws (Jess & Lee Nemer and Sarah & Mason Falk). She is preceded in death by cousin Matthew McDonald, her beloved surgeon Dr. David Miller, her Aunt Tanya Bloker, and great-grandfather Sam Taylor.

In lieu of flowers please donate to: BASE Camp https://basecamp.org/, Dancers Against Cancer (DAC) https://imadanceragainstcancer.org/ or Whipping Childhood Cancer http://www.whippingchildhoodcancer.org/