In memory of

Emma Rutherford Youd

November 1, 1992 -  December 25, 2019

Our beautiful and special daughter, granddaughter, sister and friend took her own life on Christmas morning. Born a twin with her brother Julian, Emma was a funny, clever, outgoing child who grew into a stunning, self-assured and fiercely intelligent young woman. Like all of us, she was a mass of contradictions – beautiful but self-deprecating, cool but never cold, sweet but with a will of iron, always on the cutting edge of fashion, music and design, but never too haughty to laugh out loud with others and most importantly, at herself. After her first year of film studies at Concordia, her life changed immeasurably upon being diagnosed with schizophrenia. Even in the grip of that horrible and debilitating mental illness, Emma never lost her love for fashion and art, her feistiness or her sense of humour. No matter how hard she struggled, ultimately, however, she could not or would not carry on.

Emma, we must respect your decision and take solace that you have finally found peace. However, that will never take away the terrible emptiness we now feel inside. We will never stop loving you. Your loving mother, Caroline and her husband John, your loving father Leigh and his wife Tracey, your devoted brother Julian and sister Charlotte, step-brothers and sister, Casey, Nick and Anna and your grandparents Ron and Sandra and Nina and Lou. Also your uncle Andrew and cousin Brennan. Our special thanks to Emma’s psychiatrist, Dr. Greg Chandler.

A funeral service in celebration of Emma’s life will be held at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, 375 Mount Pleasant Road, Sunday, January 5, 2020, 11:00am – 1:00pm visitation, 1:00pm service with reception to follow until 4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Stella’s Place.

Guestbook 

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Jennet and Daniel Sandler (Friends)

Entered December 29, 2019 from Toronto

A beautifully written tribute. It captures the essence of the lovely, creative individual that was Emma, both before and after her struggle with mental illness. Such a tragic loss of a young life full of promise and potential. Our heartfelt condolences to you all.

Larry and Tanya Back (Friends of father)

Entered December 29, 2019 from Toronto

What a wonderful, moving tribute. We offer our deepest sympathies for the tragic loss of Emma.

Willa Zimmerman (Friend)

Entered December 29, 2019 from Vancouver

Emma, you were such an amazing friend through middle and high school. I was so lucky to have you as a friend and enjoy your vibrant personality and all of the fun we had together.

My deepest condolences to Emma’s family. Thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Laura (Dear friend)

Entered December 29, 2019 from Toronto

I can't even express myself for how sad this news is. She lighten up my life few years ago and i will never forget her, beautiful moments with her.
My deepest condolences to the family.

Dear Emma –

No one seemed to notice
What you were going through;
We all just kept on seeing
The girl we wanted to.

If we did not see
The pain that you were in
Or ask, or offer help
Forgive us for that sin.

Now we know your worries
Crease your brow no more
And your spirit rests in peace
Upon that distant shore.

And we in turn remember
The good times, not the bad:
We remember when you laughed with us,
Not when you were sad.

And laugh – we laughed often
For good times there were plenty
With jokes and songs and beer and wine
And a glass that was never empty

Like all the best friendships
Most valued when you win them,
Our lives have been the richer
Because you have been in them.

Good-bye, Emma

Adrienne, Colin and Jess Campbell (Friends)

Entered December 29, 2019 from Toronto

Our hearts are breaking for all of you. A beautiful tribute to a lovely person.

Photos 

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