Emi Jeanette Burleigh-Rodriguez

Emi Jeanette Burleigh-Rodriguez of Newark, Delaware peacefully passed away in the comfort of her home and surrounded by the love of her family and friends on Friday, November 10, 2023.  Even through her long battle with the rare medical condition of Nieman’s Pick-C, she maintained a positive attitude.   

Emi will be dearly missed by her parents, Barbara Burleigh and Robert Rodriguez; her brother, Stephen Rodriguez (Morgan); niece, Corinne Rodriguez; nephew, Paul Rodriguez; niece, Louisa Rodriguez; Uncle William Rodriguez (Carmen); Uncle Alfredo Rodriguez (Minga); Aunt Virginia; Aunt Jeanie Robino (Paul); Aunt June Burleigh (Bob); Betty Burleigh (Trevor); cousin Philip (Nadinne and Valentina); cousin Caroline Robino (Eric), cousin Theresa Wharton (Brian); cousin Victoria White (Steve); cousin Billy Rodriguez; cousin Lisa Rodriguez; cousin Michael Rodriguez; cousin Lydia Bell (Tony); cousin John Silva (Beth); cousin Carlos Silva (Corinna); cousin Basilio Silva (Michelle); cousin Melinda Silva; cousin Madelyn Rodriguez; cousin Didi; cousin Raulito; cousin Sindy Maldonado; cousin Freddie Rodriguez; cousin Melissa Rodriguez; cousin Jacki Rodriguez.

Emi was best known for her kind nature and loving personality.  Her friends and family could not even recall her arguing or speaking poorly of anyone. She spent her early school years at the the Independence School in Newark, DE. There she found her love of sports and participated in many of the school’s athletic activities including Volleyball, Basketball, and Tennis. She also played Soccer in the local Intramural Soccer Leagues and Junior USTA Tennis Leagues.

After Independence she attended Sanford High School in Hockessin, DE. There she continued her athletics playing on various school teams including Volleyball and Tennis, and ultimately became one of the Managers of the Boys Basketball Team. After High School she attended College at Millersville University and Delaware Technical Community College.

Emi is predeceased by her maternal grandparents, William and Carolyn Burleigh; paternal grandparents, Louisa Aponte and Carlos Rodriguez; Uncle Raul Rodriguez; and her cousin, Jackie Rodriguez.

Family and friends are invited to visit at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Pike Creek on Friday, November 17 from 2:30 – 4:30PM, with funeral services immediately following. Interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of Emi to the National Niemann-Pick Disease Foundation (NNPDF), P.O. Box 49, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538-0049  (https://www.nnpdf.org).

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