Emily Sarah D'Andrea, 42, of Middletown, died Friday May 17, 2024, at her home surrounded by her loving family and her little dog Ollie.  Emily was born in South Korea, and through a series of unlikely and serendipitous events she became the youngest child of Robert and Judith D'Andrea and the younger sister of Jennifer, Benjamin, and Jonathan.  Emily graduated from Danbury High School and The Katherine Gibbs School, and she earned her bachelor's degree in photography from Western Connecticut State University.  Emily developed several small businesses throughout her life using her artistic and baking skills.  Everyone who knew her loved her scones and specialty cheesecakes.  Most recently, she sold baked goods to family, friends, and area restaurants through her business, Emily's Sweet Confections.

Emily faced nearly insurmountable challenges throughout her lifetime.  Her life was not easy, and she had to work hard every day to do the things that so many of us take for granted.  Even though she experienced many disappointments and setbacks, her amazing strength of spirit and relentless determination kept her moving forward.  Emily never gave up.

Emily deeply loved her parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephew.  She was happiest when she was with her family, and her loved ones were truly blessed to spend her final days by her side.  We will love and miss her forever.  Her memory will remind us to never give up, and that even during our darkest hours it is possible to choose hope.

Emily is survived by her parents, Robert and Judith D'Andrea of Middletown; sister, Jennifer D'Andrea of Middletown; brothers, Benjamin D'Andrea and his wife Rebecca of Brooklyn, NY and Jonathan D'Andrea and his wife Farhana of Brookline, MA, her beloved nieces and nephew, and a large, loud, and loving extended family she fondly referred to as her village.

Emily's Funeral Liturgy will be held on Saturday June 1st at 10 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Middletown.  Burial will be at the convenience of her family.  Visitation will be held on Friday May 31st from 4 to 7 p.m. at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver St., Middletown.  Those who wish may send memorial contributions to Hinka's Cupboard at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Middletown: https://stfrancisct.com/index.php/hinkas-cupboard/  To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.