Obituary of Emma Patrice Maginnis

Emma Patrice Maginnis, a spirited soul who touched the hearts of all who knew her, passed away on October 25th, 2024, at the young age of 28. Her life’s journey was one of courage, compassion, and unwavering love.

Emma is and always will be the cherished daughter of Gene and Kerry Maginnis. She was the sunshine in their lives and will always be in their hearts. She was loved by her stepfather, Michael, stepbrothers, her many aunts, uncles, cousins and was greeted by her grandparents in heaven. She also had the love of her biological family.

From an early age, she held a special bond with animals - horses and dogs, in particular. Their presence brought her solace and joy, and she carried that love throughout her life.

Emma’s story took an unexpected turn when she faced childhood cancer at the age of nine. Her resilience during those challenging days was nothing short of remarkable. She emerged a survivor with a heart full of gratitude and a determination to make every moment count.

Emma attended elementary school at Ancillae-Assumpta Academy, Penn Charter Middle School and high school at Mount Saint Joseph’s Academy where the teachers and support staff were beyond caring and supportive. The Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Sisters of Saint Joseph always went the extra mile for Emma to help her succeed and grow in a loving environment.  

But perhaps her greatest adventure was motherhood. Emma’s daughter, Catalina, was her North Star - a beacon of love and hope. Emma’s true measure was reflected in the way she loved and cared for her daughter. She had a very special way with children throughout her life and was blessed to enjoy this gift of motherhood with Catalina, who she loved with all her heart and soul.

Summers in Nantucket were Emma’s sanctuary. The salty breeze, the sand between her toes, and the endless horizon - it was there that she felt most alive and had the fondest memories during the summers on this Island. Her dream was to take her daughter there this summer.

Emma’s spirit was restless, always seeking the next horizon. She believed in the magic of possibility - the thrill of uncharted paths and the promise of sunrises yet unseen. Her laughter was contagious, her smile was pure sunshine, and her hugs enveloped you like a warm blanket on a chilly morning.

As the seasons change, we mourn Emma’s passing. Her absence leaves an ache in our hearts, but we find solace in the memories she gifted us and in her beautiful daughter, Catalina. Let us remember her as the brave survivor, the devoted mother, and the adventurer who danced with life.

Emma Patrice Maginnis may your spirit ride the winds, explore distant shores, and find eternal peace and happiness as you so deserve.

Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Emma’s life on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, 437 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill, PA 19444.  Visitation will begin at 9:30 AM followed by Mass at 11:00 AM. All are invited to join the family for lunch immediately following Mass at Whitemarsh Valley Country Club, 815 Thomas Road, Lafayette Hill, PA 19444. There will be a private family burial.

In lieu of flowers the family kindly request that donations in memory of Emma Maginnis be made to the Committee to Benefit the Children. Donations can be made directly on the website: www.cbckids.org or mailed to CBC, PO Box 820, Ambler, PA 19002. Please mention Emma’s name when making the donation. The CBC has been supporting families battling pediatric cancer at St. Christopher’s Hospital for over 40 years.