EMMAROSE ELIZABETH CARDWELL
SEPTEMBER 24, 2001 - DECEMBER 25, 2023

EmmaRose was born on September 24, 2001, in Austin, Texas to John Cardwell and Virginia Pratt. From a very early age, Emma shined and those around her knew instantly what a creative, precious, and brilliant person she was. At age six she began her first venture as an entrepreneur by selling lemonade and at nine she started her young entrepreneurial endeavors with a duct tape business where she made hand decorated clothing from the unique material. She was a cheerleader and a Bluebonnet Reader of the Year in elementary school where she also achieved her Casis Cougar-Field Agent Genuine Detective's Investigation License. She received first place as a cello soloist at O’Henry Middle School where she also discovered her talent becoming an amazing artist. EmmaRose was also in a band where she played the innovative stand up drums. She was also an International Thespian Scholar and an International Honor Thespian at Austin High and in the Academy of Global Studies. Emma said being a Red Dragon Player took her out of her comfort zone where she could be loud, have fun, and sing whenever she wanted. She developed countless friends and cherished her time with them. She loved acting in performances of the Lion King and Shrek and her role as theater publicity manager where she ran the show. She shared her talent and love of theater with others through her work as a camp counselor at Red Dragon Theater Camp.

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Emma received a full scholarship to attend St. Edward's University, with President's Achievement Scholarship, St. Edward's Grant, Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant and Texas Tuition Equalization Grant, where she received her B.A. in Communications, Emma believed in equality for all. She was a stellar scholar and maintained a 4.0 average and graduated with honors. She was exceptionally proud of her academic achievement as were her loving parents. Emma volunteered at St. Louis Church and the Mary House where she helped feed people who were homeless and hungry. Emma said that success to her was “Achievements, Awards, Academics and making the world a better place.” Whatever Emma set her mind to, she did it to perfection, and we are so proud of her for making the world a better place.”

EmmaRose was also a server at Trudy’s restaurant where she earned and saved her money paying her own entire college tuition each year all by herself before she graduated. She was so proud of herself and we were and will always be proud of Emma as well.

 

EmmaRose is survived by her parents, Virginia Pratt and John Seaman Cardwell. She is also survived by her brother Winslow Mathiessen Blow, his wife Olivia, and their three children Isla, Brooke and Indy; her aunt and Godmother Valerie, her aunt Marjorie, her uncle Dale his wife Carole and their children Olivia and Garrett, the Tucker family; the love of her life, Preston, her dog, and Henry his little buddy. Emma also leaves behind other family and friends who loved her dearly. One of her favorite quotes was from Dr. Seuss, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” Emma was a genuine friend who left this earth far too soon with extraordinary accomplishments.