VIDEO: Emma Thomson funeral
VIDEO COURTESY WESTMONT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
The funeral service for Emma Thomson, Rep. Jackie Walorski's communications director, was held Wednesday morning at Westmont Presbyterian Church in Jonestown, Penn.
Thomson, Zach Potts and Walorski died after their SUV collided with another vehicle on SR 19 on August 3. The driver in the other vehicle, Edith Schmucker, also died.
In lieu of flowers, the family says memorial contributions can be made to the Emma Thomson Political Science Scholarship started by the John P. Murtha Foundation at the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, 216 Franklin Street, Suite 400, Johnstown, PA 15901, or to the Capitol Hill Baptist Church, 525 A St NE, Washington, DC 20002.
Emma Thomson's obituary courtesy Harris Funeral Home
Emma Lynn Thomson 28, Washington, DC, formerly of Johnstown, passed away August 3, 2022, as a result of an auto accident in the state of Indiana.
Born April 6, 1994, in Clearfield, PA, the daughter of David and Linda Thomson, Johnstown. Preceded in death by grandparents, William and Rita Thomson.
Emma is survived by parents, sister, Molly, of Fredericksburg, VA, and grandparents, Gary and Beverly Owens of Dunbar, PA.
Also survived by Uncles Douglas Thomson of Jonesboro, GA; Scott (Mary) Owens of Erie, PA; and Brian (Sherry) Owens of Huntingtown, MD; Aunt Shelley (Ed Heiser) Keffer of Bath, PA; Cousins Marci (Nathan) Swanson and daughter, Kaidence, of Dublin, GA; Ayla Thomson of Jonesboro, GA; Laura (Zack) Chylinski and daughter, Hadley, of Salisbury, MD; Austin Owens and fiancé, Jess Cummings, of Chesterbrook, PA; and, Anna Keffer of Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
She was a 2012 graduate of Bishop McCort High School and a 2015 graduate of George Washington University with a bachelor's degree in Political Communications. While in college, Emma interned for two semesters for U.S. Senator Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania, did social media work for the engineering college, and had her own show on the college's radio station. After graduation, Emma knew that she wanted to live and work in Washington, DC.
Her first political experience in Washington was working for the 2016 Presidential campaign for Senator Marco Rubio of Florida.
Most recently, Emma served as the Communications Director for Indiana U. S. House of Representative Jackie Walorski who, along with another staff member, also lost their lives in the accident. Prior to working for Representative Walorski, she was the Communications Director and Campaign Manager for U.S. House of Representative Dr. John Joyce in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District.
Emma began her congressional career as the Communications Director for Congressman Dr. Michael Burgess who represents the 26th Congressional District in Texas. Emma had such a passion for her job.
Her drive, determination, knowledge and creativity, coupled with her wonderful sense of humor, made her such a valuable team member wherever she worked. She loved her hometown of Johnstown and was a strong advocate for the community during her time in Washington. She especially loved her alma mater of Bishop McCort High School, where she made many friendships and continually reflected upon her fond memories of her high school days.
Emma was loved by all the people she touched. She could light up a room with her presence, and her dedication to her faith, family, friends, and career were of paramount importance to her. She was a faithful and active member of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington DC, where she was the coordinator of weddings, a Sunday school teacher, and participated in small groups of Bible studies.
A Memorial Service will be held in her honor at Capitol Hill Baptist Church at a later date.
When it came to family, Emma treasured the times she spent with them. When home, she always found time to visit her grandparents, and she loved to travel with her mom, dad and sister to Disney, to the beach, or wherever the four of them could spend special times together.
She never missed a family gathering, and she made it a priority to call home every day. She also had a beautiful way of serving her friends. Whether it was preparing and delivering meals to fellow church members, helping to care for someone's pet, or delivering muffins to share with others.
Over Emma's short life, she brought many smiles to every person she touched. She was a caring friend to so many, and if she knew that someone needed assistance, she would be the first in line to help. She had a compassion and kindness for everyone.
Friends received from 1 pm to 6 pm Tuesday Aug. 9, 2022, at Westmont Presbyterian Church, 601 Luzerne St., Johnstown, PA 15905, where Funeral Service will be held at 11 am Wednesday Aug. 10, 2022.
Pastor Ben Nti from Westmont Presbyterian Church and Elder Drew Allenspach from Capitol Hill Baptist Church will officiate.
Private Entombment at Grandview Cemetery Mausoleum. Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, (Richland), Johnstown, PA is serving the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions to the Emma Thomson Political Science Scholarship started by the John P. Murtha Foundation at the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, 216 Franklin Street, Suite 400, Johnstown, PA 15901, or to the Capitol Hill Baptist Church, 525 A St NE, Washington, DC 20002.
Online condolences may be posted to www.wharrisfuneralhome.com