Emily Joy Nicholson

June 29, 1989 - April 19, 2022

Emily Joy Nicholson, 32, of Gurnee, IL tragically passed away on April 19, 2022. Our beautiful girl was born on June 29, 1989, in Lake Forest to Dwayne and Janice Nicholson. Emily attended Calvary Christian School and Westlake Christian Academy before graduating from Grayslake High School. After a few gap years, Emily went on to earn certifications in phlebotomy and ophthamalic scribing. She thrived in her career at Wyse Eyecare and enjoyed caring for her patients and pursuing new opportunities in the medical field. Emily was quirky in the best of ways. She had a great laugh and loved a good joke or meme. Emily was especially fond of disabled animals – her greatest wish was to adopt and care for all the unwanted pets. She expressed her artistic nature through cooking, baking, sculpting, and painting. She adored her nieces and nephew, and fur babies, Kiddo and Yeezy. Emily always looked forward to vacationing with her family in Gulf Shores, Alabama; Door County, Wisconsin; and Orlando, Florida. She was fond of Utah and California and had plans to visit Scotland with her partner, Rich. Emily was passionate about normalizing mental health and wellness – she had a tender compassion for people from many walks of life. There are too many wonderful things to list about Emily. She truly lived her name, “Emily Joy” – bringing joy and love to everyone she met. Emily is survived by her mother, Janice Nicholson; sister, Heidi Holmberg (Jon); nieces, Lydia and Paisley; nephew, Elijah; partner and love of her life Richard Kirschenheiter; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Emily is preceded in death by her beloved father, Dwayne; grandfather, William Gerber; and uncle, Delmar Nicholson. The family has exquisite peace knowing Emily is at rest in the arms of her Savior. Services will be held on April 28, 2022, at The Chapel, 1966 W. Hawley St., Mundelein, IL 60060. Visitation 12:00-2:00 pm, funeral service to begin at 2:00 pm. While flowers are appreciated, donations can be made to honor Emily at www.petswithdisabilities.org. Arrangements by Reuland & Turnbough Funeral Directors of Lake Forest www.RTfunerals.com or (847) 234-9649.