Emily Hunter Burch
Emily Hunter Burch, a compassionate soul, saw her fierce battle against pancreatic cancer decided on May 7, 2023. Emily was 63. Emily was a treasure to family and friends alike. She was born September 15, 1959, in Gainesville, Georgia, to parents Ray and Madge Burch. Emily was born into a caring and closely knit family modeled by Ray and Madge, who created a culture of fun and frivolity for their kids as well as the many friends and neighbors who frequently visited. Most importantly, Madge and Ray would raise their children, Nancy, Susan, Emily, and Scott, in a home rooted in values like respect and love for all, lessons that they have imparted to their own children.
The radiance that would become a hallmark of Emily’s personality came to life through her childhood in Gainesville, where she would graduate in 1977 from Gainesville High School while amassing deep and lasting friendships along the way. Confidence and a sense for adventure, also traits associated with Emily throughout her life, inspired her decision to leave Georgia to attend rival University of Alabama, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and marketing in only three years.
To the surprise of no one who knew Emily, her professional career launched impressively just after college graduation. She was first off to Washington, D.C., first serving as a press specialist on Capitol Hill to U.S. Senator Jeremiah Andrew Denton, Jr., then shifting disciplines in D.C. as an executive with the Cable Advertising Bureau. From there, she moved north to New York City, where she was a sales executive that helped launch Lifetime Medical Television while also representing the parent company Lifetime Networks. It was apropos that Emily’s career in her 20s would thread from Washington, D.C., to New York, bustling cities that were as vibrant as Emily’s personality. Above all, from a personal standpoint, it was the perfect path; it would lead her to meeting Chris Zimmerman in 1987.
The short version of the story – Emily and Chris met at 3 a.m. at the Heartbreak Club in the SOHO neighborhood of New York City. What followed was a whirlwind romance that led to their marriage, exactly 53 weeks from that moment, on June 4, 1988, in her hometown. Three years later, they would become parents of a daughter, Katie, and later a son, Ted. The family’s voyages in the years that followed would take them from New York to Connecticut, Portland, New Hampshire, Vancouver and Los Angeles before ultimately landing in 2014 in St. Louis.
At each stop, Emily was a force for good. Her kindness, generosity and public service were civic assets. When asked to support a worthy cause, merely accepting the invitation was insufficient. Emily would become one with the organization and contribute the only way she knew how – by living the mission.
Nowhere was this more evident than in St. Louis, where Emily’s passion for – and commitment to – the community knew no bounds. Within a decade, Emily had served on boards and simultaneously co-chaired events or capital campaigns for Christian Hospital, The Magic House, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, United Way of Greater St. Louis, Foundation Fighting Blindness, Salvation Army Tree of Lights, ALS Association St. Louis Regional Chapter and the St. Louis Blues. Earlier this year, the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis paid tribute to Emily with its Salute to Women in Leadership Award for her remarkable work as co chair of the organization’s Restoring Hope Capital Campaign. The Urban League also named an entire wing of its new headquarters in honor of Emily, such was the positive and everlasting influence of her efforts. These and other official leadership roles that Emily eagerly accepted, and successfully executed, only partially tell the story of a heart that would burst with warmth and love for everyone. Emily brought joy, happiness and the biggest hugs to every occasion.
Emily will also be forever celebrated for her grace and courage, and will be missed terribly by those who knew and loved her. However, even those who will have never had the privilege and pleasure of meeting Emily will be positively impacted by her community service, humanity, charity and ability to inspire. There can be no greater legacy.
Emily is survived by her adoring husband Chris; daughter Katie and son in-law Christopher Janson; son Ted and daughter-in-law Hannah Treuer; sister Nancy Muir and brother-in-law Bob Muir; sister Susan Eddy and brother-in-law John Eddy; brother Scott Burch; brother-in-law Michael Zimmerman and sister-in-law Sandy Simonson; and brother-in-law Peter Zimmerman; and a bushel of nieces and nephews, whom she showered with her infectious spirit and love. Emily also leaves her surviving beautiful and caring mother, Madge Burch, who set a rubric of love that all of her children have embraced in their own lives.
Emily was preceded in death by her in-laws, Chris’ parents, Harry “Eddie” and Mary Ann Zimmerman, and his stepfather Ed Stanton.
Emily also joins in heaven her loving father Ray Burch, Jr., who passed away in 2018 at age 89 and whose sunny disposition and smile was embodied by Emily every day of her amazing life.
Family and friends are cordially invited to celebrate Emily’s life on Wednesday, May 17, at 4 p.m.
1400 Market Street
Saint Louis, Missouri 63103
A reception for all guests will be held immediately following the celebration.
We would be exceptionally grateful if you would honor her vibrant love of life by wearing something colorful as we gather to celebrate all she brought to each one of us.
Memorials in honor of Emily may be made to the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis at www.ulstl.com by clicking the Donate Today tab on the home page and entering a tribute gift in her name on the following donation page, or by calling 314-615-3600.
Even though we haven’t seen Emily in years … we will never forget her vibrancy !!! She truly was a bright and shining light. I will always remember the gift of her friendship and cannot convey how sorry we are to hear of her passing. God be with you and yours …
Darlene and Michael Fassette
We are so very sad that Emily has passed. We have kept in touch quite frequently over the years and even met up with Chris and Emily several times in other states.
I had the best LONG chat with Emily in February. Always so positive, cheerful, caring and thoughtful. We will definitely miss her and send lots of hugs and love to Chris, Katie and Ted along with their spouses. Heaven got an amazing lady! Love u Emily!!❤️
Even though Portland was home for only a short while on her journey, Emily’s light shone in everything she did. Whether it was planning neighborhood or Terra Linda events, her sheer enjoyment of life and creativity rang through. We are so sorry to hear of her passing — our thoughts and prayers are offered for her and for all her family.
Joe and Terry Mazzarella
Chris, we are heartbroken to learn of Emily’s passing. She was the light of life and her departure comes way too soon.
Hello Chris, I am very sorry for your loss of Emily. You & the rest of your family are in my thoughts & prayers & I will be there to support you.
I met Emily in the fifth grade. Even then, she was a force of nature. She was so bubbly and enthusiastic. Emily carried that enthusiasm into being a cheerleader in high school. I don’t remember seeing her without a smile and a word of encouragement. She was a great help to the family of a dear friend of ours a number of years ago, and when I had a serious illness five years ago, the first thing I saw when I woke up after over a week in intensive care was a balloon arrangement with the names of many of my high school friends. Emily had organized this, and although I never thanked her, I always appreciated the gesture. Knowing Emily’s nature, my not thanking her didn’t affect her. She didn’t do things for recognition or thanks. She did it out of the goodness of her heart and to fill whatever need she saw..
So very sorry to hear of Emily’s passing. I have wonderful memories of the time we spent together during our school years. I have always admired her warmth, optimism and service to others. Praying for comfort to all her family.
Heaven is richer, earth poorer… I loved my days with Emily as a Chi Omega at Alabama. Prayers for all her family and friends who loved her so.
One of the brightest lights! Truly. My heart goes out to all of the Burch family. What a hole she will leave in the lives of those who knew her. Her spirit will carry on, no doubt. Sweet Emily. A Dynamo.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. My life was made so much richer knowing Emily. It is a hole that will have rough edges for the rest of my life. I’m so thankful for the happy memories.
I met Emily when she was a teen horse owner. Later attended her lakeside wedding at her home and still later as a FB friend. A dynamic lady from a great family. Reading about her accomplishments, I was not surprised by her activities for good in this world. Emily will be missed by many. Prayers
for her family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Her smile and love will be missed by all.
What a loss. I’m so sorry. She was a bright light – AWAYS
Well reading this has come as a real blow! A loss to all those who met, or knew Emily.
We knew and had nothing but respect and love for Emily her parents, and loving family members.
She sailed with us on our yacht many times in the Caribbean, and her larger then life smile lives on over the waves for ever. Our sincerest condolences to her husband and children, whom we never met, and to her loving Mother Madge, sisters Nancy and Susan, brother Scott and and brother in laws, all of whom sailed the Caribbean with us many many times. This is a truely devastating loss. Love Miranda and David Hartstone.
What a loss! This lady lit up the room when she walked in. She always made me smile when I saw her. My sympathies.
Alvin Wolff
My heart breaks for all of you. We took a road trip to California in the summer of 1979 and she was so much fun. She brought smiles and laughter every day. She will truly be missed. God gained another angel.
Emily brought so much joy to so many . Her smile lit up the world . It was and honor to experience that joy .
Peace be with all that loved her .
A fallen classmate. So saddened to hear this. Your light was bright on earth and will continue to shine.
This news is heartbreaking. Emily was “superstar” at hot yoga in Portsmouth NH where I met her years ago. She was elegant , strong and exuberant – a perfect mix. She buzzed with a high vibration and sincerity that attracted everyone around her. She has left an inspirational mark on this world and will always be remembered with fondness. The last time I saw her she had popped into a yoga class while visiting in NH. We had the most efficient, fact filled , smiley catch up chat as we closed down the dressing room talking all the way out the door – as per usual. life can be so unfair sometimes- gone too soon. My condolences to her family.
Emily is one of those people we never forget. We went to school together both graduating from Gainesville High School in 1977. In our rather small cohort Emily was a standout. She was kind to all 200 of us never differentiating us based on social status, race or ability. I know from her life of service this ability to truly see others was a constant. We will honor her best by living likewise.
I am terribly saddened to hear of Emily’s passing away. She was beautiful soul, and I will always remember riding around in her Jeep when she babysat for me and my brother. The world is definitely a lesser place without her in it. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Burch, Zimmerman, Eddy & Muir families.
An absolute gem. She will stay with us forever.
Our most sincere condolences with prayers and love,
Such a shock for all of us on Grove Street in Exeter, NH! When the Zimmerman’s joined us the neighborhood became a more fun place to live because of Emily’s warmth and generosity. My heartfelt condolences to Chris, Katie and Ted and your families.
Dana Barbin
We are so sorry to hear of Emily’s passing. Too young. Too soon. Our paths crossed in Portland when Chris and I worked together at Nike. Sending hugs and blessings to Chris, Katie, Ted, the Burch & Zimmerman families and the many friends and families Emily touched in the communities that she, Chris, Katie and Ted have graced. Our family made a donation to Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis in her memory as you honor Emily’s amazing life and legacy. Please let us know if there’s anything we can do to support you more during this difficult time.
I will always remember her infectious smile!! She is one of the sweetest girl I knew outside of her sisters. Our families used to get together at Christmas when we were young. Such fond memories. To Madge, Nancy, Susan and Scott my deepest sympathies and condolences.
I am so saddened to hear of Emily’s passing. O my goodness. Her smile. She would light of the room always.
We met at the chi O house fall of 1977. We didn’t like our assigned roomies so we became roomies for 2 years. The best of the best. She was in my wedding August 1979 while being rush chairman. When she called me from NYC to be in her wedding. I said I wanna meet Chris first. And the rest is history.
I know she is singing dancing and sitting on her daddy’s lap right now. Thoughts and prayers out other family and friends.
I am grieved to hear of Emily’s passing. She was a genuinely kind soul and never met a stanger. We spent our childhood together and reconnect via Facebook. My heart goes out to her lovely husband and children and of course to the Burch family. I will miss your smiling face my friend.
We are so sorry to hear about Emily’s passing .She had a wonderful light, a beautiful spirit that will always be remembered by Amy and me. Our thoughts and prayers for the family to find comfort and peace during this difficult time.
We were so saddened to hear about Emily’s passing. We enjoyed our time together in Portland. Loved watching Katie and Ted grow up. Great time in Sunriver. She will be missed.
Emily lit up every room. I loved seeing her at every Gainesville High reunion. She was always so bubbly. She made you feel you were the most important person in the room. Emily was one of the most amazing persons I ever known. I know the whole class of 1977 will miss her dearly. She was loved by so many. I am glad I was part of he life.
Emily embodied joy and light. I never saw her without a smile. Her death leaves a huge void for everyone that knew and loved her. She left the world a better place and influenced others to be better too. Love and peace to her dear family.
A more loving, gracious and exuberant dynamo we have never met. It was just a weekend family reunion (a part of the family that we hadn’t even known we had) a few years ago when we first met Emily and we were completely taken by her smile and her charm. We looked forward to spending more reunions with her and Chris and her family but sadly it was not to be. There is a huge hole in our hearts and in the hearts of many.
I met Emily from my son-in-law Randy Girsch. We had so much fun dancing at Leah and Randy’s wedding. She was such a fun person! My condolences to Chris and your kids.
Emily was an amazing person who brought sunlight and generosity to every person she met. My thoughts and prayers are with Chris and the whole family during this awful time.
My family and I adored Emily — her warmth, positivity, and commitment to doing good. Our thoughts are with every member of her family.
My thoughts and prayers are with her family. ❤️
Our deepest condolences to Chris, Katie, Ted, extended family, and her mother Madge. I was so glad that John was able to meet Emily and Chris 1.5 yrs ago – so enjoyed laughing with Emily again since skiing with her and a mutual friend so many years ago (what fun we had). John and I enjoyed getting to know her family a bit that weekend. Emily-strong, intelligent, kind, giving – what an incredible force! And, that smile! Emily will be remembered by all who knew her, and her contributions to her communities will continue to help others.
It is said, “Your life is made of two dates and a dash, make the most of the dash.” Emily certainly did just that! Emily was such a nice person with a bubbly personality that made everyone feel special. I will miss her thoughtful, positive and encouraging FB posts and class reunions definitely won’t be the same without Emily. I am thankful I had the opportunity to have known such an amazing person. Prayers for comfort and peace for all of her family and friends.
The Burch and Zimmerman families are in my thoughts and prayers! I’m grateful Emily and I landed in the same pledge class our freshman year at University of Alabama—-I have so many fond memories of her and will never forget how her twinkling eyes and infectious smile could light up a room! I pray that all of your wonderful memories (and I know there are many) along with the thought’s and prayers of others helps bring you some comfort!
With deepest sympathy,
Jeanne Thames
I have been thinking of Emily all week and reliving all of my wonderful memories with her. Starting at Alabama as a Chi O, next a summer in California that is one of the very favorite trips of my life. Next to DC to work in Congress. We both had adventurous spirits and I am so fortunate that we could experience those together. To the Burch’s, Zimmermans, Eddys and Muir’s my prayers are with you and thank you for making Emily so special to those of us who loved her. Kendall Edwards Bolding.
Ed and i are heartbroken, just hearing this news today. We are so sorry for your loss Chris and send our heartfelt condolences to the entire family. Emily was an incredible person and touched so many lives which is evident by reading the comments. She will be missed.
The loss of Emily is heartbreaking. I have many fond memories of sitting with her at my kitchen table doing her math homework. What a wonderful and inspiring person. My condolences to her entire family.
I have many fond memories of sitting with her at my kitchen table doing her math homework. What a wonderful and inspiring person. My condolences to her entire family.
Dearest Chris and family,
My heart is broken. I prayed that Emily might have a fighting chance to beat this ugly cancer. What a loss of such a vivacious human. Our family sends our love to you. We will miss Emily when she’d “bop” into Manhattan Beach ready to enjoy the beach but always had time to get together and share stories over a great meal.
She loved her family so much…I hope she is out of pain now and that all of you cherish memories of Emily and her contagious smile.
Dear Chris, Katie, and Ted,
Lynn and I were so saddened by the news of Emily’s passing. She always made everyone around her feel so comfortable because of her wonderful warmth, and her immensely positive attitude towards life. Emily was incredibly gracious to everyone that she met. Lynn and I will miss her very, very much. We are so sorry for the loss of a truly inspiring woman.
Peter and Lynn Friedman
I am at a loss for words, Emily was such an amazing person touching the hearts of the ones she knew with her kindness and resilience. She was truly an angel! My heart is broken with the news of her passing. I at least thank God for being able to have experience this angel on earth. My deepest condolences to the family, my heart and prayers are with you!
I am so sad and shocked to hear of the passing of Emily. I have known Emily since our days together in Senator Denton’s office and our paths crossing in different places across the country thru years. She was such a vibrate soul. My deepest condolences to the family and may her memory live on and always bring a smile to your faces when you remember her.
Dear Chris, Katie and Ted,
My sincere condolences to all the family, Emily lit up the room with her smile and beautiful personality. A classy Lady, a good neighbor and friend; she will be missed.
Love and Compassion,
Hilary
Dear Chris, Katie and Ted,
My sincere condolences to all the family, Emily lit up the room with her smile and beautiful personality. A classy Lady, a good neighbor and friend; she will be missed.
Love and Compassion
O’H how I did truly LOVE EMILY (as Jesus Christ loves people). Not only were we very good friends, but Emily graciously and tenderly served as “my introducer” during my bid for election to serve as The GHS CLASS of 1978 Vice-President. In addition, EMILY would always wave to me or to Patrick Newman and me as she drove by us in her jeep while we were training for TRACK & CROSS COUNTRY. Absolutely beautiful both outwardly and inwardly, EMILY set some great examples that many of us followed, and in some cases, still follow today. In March of 1977, I invited EMILY to let me serve as her escort to The GHS CLASS of 1977 Senior Prom (even though I was a member of The GHS CLASS of 1978). Across the years since our high school days together, EMILY and I remained in-touch through various mediums. As Facebook Friends and E-Mail correspondents, she and I sometimes “lit-up the cyber space” through all of the communicating and edifying that we shared with each other. Certainly, EMILY HUNTER BURCH served as a CHRISTIAN PER EXCELLENCE’. Indeed, I very much look foward to re-joining EMILY BURCH and spending Eternity with her and ALL of the SAINTS in GOD’S KINGDOM of HEAVEN. ROCK ‘ON, and AMEN.
Emily’s huge smile, generous spirit and even bigger personality is cemented in our hearts. . She was a unique diamond in our Chi O pledge class, sparkling, strong(willed) , enchanting, and coveted as a friend. May the peace of Christ be with you all as you begin your journey of grief and gratefulness.
Thanks to all you wonderful friends who have written such sweet comments to and about Emily. I know she’s sending hugs of gratitude to each of you and cherishes her memories with you. To All of Em’s friends who’ve touched her family during this difficult journey, your love and kindness means more than you can imagine! As Chris said, the best way to honor Emily is for us to live the love that she shared with us on this earth.
So beautiful in every way.