Emily Susan Zupanick

Emily Susan Zupanick, 33, of Montevallo, AL, left this Earth and entered her forever home on Friday, September 16, 2022 after a short illness.

Emily was born in Beckley, WV on July 14, 1989, the daughter of the late Rebecca Zupanick of Pineville, WV and Joe Zupanick of Montevallo, AL.

Emily graduated from Mountain State Academy in Beckley, WV in 2007. She was a proud 2012 graduate of Syracuse University with a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering. Emily then moved to Birmingham, Alabama where she studied and received a law degree from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University. After graduation, she became an integral part in the management of her family’s natural gas business.

Emily leaves behind a large group of family and friends who will treasure her memory until they meet again. She was engaged to be married to her fiancé and partner in life, Aaron Ryan, of Nashville, TN. She’s also survived by her father, Joe Zupanick and his wife Esme; her brother, Joseph Zupanick, of Beckley, WV, and his partner Mercedes Bloomfield; and her dear Maw-Maw, Edna McVey of Lewes, DE, along with many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Emily had a larger-than-life personality and a big spirit. She loved going to concerts, traveling, and new adventures in general. But she also loved spending time with her adopted cats, Elsa, Tilley and Zulu, while watching her favorite Bravo reality shows with a glass of her favorite drink (either red wine or a champagne, vodka and Fresca). She was also an avid collector of antique books, and she could never pass up an antique store looking for a hidden treasure.

In addition to the many people who were so special to Emily, the family would like to extend special thanks and appreciation to Emily’s best friends Terri-Ann Adams, Allie Ditkowich, and Rachel and Josh O’Connor for all of their support. The family would also like to thank the nursing and care team at UAB Hospital, who provided so much love and care to Emily and her family during her illness.

A Celebration of Life for Emily will be held Saturday, September 24, 2022, at Melton Mortuary in Beckley, WV at 1:00 PM, with visitation beforehand from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Burial to follow at Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley, WV. In keeping with Emily’s festive spirit, a reception with food and drink will follow at her family restaurant, Dobra Zupas.

Pallbearers will be Aaron Ryan, Joseph Zupanick, Joe Ianotta, Chris Fong, Armand Adams and Josh O’Connor.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, or the Shelby County Humane Society in Columbiana, AL.

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