Remembering Emma; Candlelight Vigil Wednesday For Emma Pangelinan

MISSION VIEJO, CA — It was the worst of news for those who searched diligently and socially shared the image of a smiling 13-year-old Emma Pangelinan, missing since Sunday afternoon. When the Orange County Sheriff's Department announced her body had been discovered, the community of Mission Viejo went into sudden shock.

That community has circled around parents Liza and Louie Pangelinan in support of the family. Emma was a longtime member of Mission Viejo travel softball, most recently with Mission Viejo Girls Softball, and the Batbusters Shockey squad. With club and travel teams, a bond between families is built that so often is referred to as "family by choice" for those who spend nearly every weeknight and weekend together. While they have typically shared celebratory photos after winning tournaments, and smiling faces abound in shots of players posing with their trophies, they are now offering support for a family going though the most difficult of times. On Wednesday night, friends and fellow teammates and those touched by the loss of one of our own will gather at Alicia Fields at 6:30 p.m.

Mission Viejo Girls Softball invited all to a candlelight vigil for Emma, planned for Jan. 24 at at 6:30 p.m. at Alicia Fields: 23650 Via Linda, Mission Viejo, CA.

The faculty of De Portola Elementary and La Paz Middle School sent out an email alert to families with children who attend those schools, classmates of Emma's, regarding the sudden and tragic loss of one of their own.

It is with a heavy heart that I send you this email. Undoubtedly, you were shocked and saddened like I was upon hearing about the death of a former Patriot, Emma Pangelinan. She was at de Portola from kindergarten through 6th grade and continued her educational journey to La Paz Intermediate this year. Our Patriot community mourns the loss of Emma.

The Pangelinan family is in our thoughts, hearts, and prayers at this time. Our SVUSD Crisis Response Team will be at de Portola tomorrow (Tuesday) in the Google Room to support any student or staff member that needs additional support.

In moments like this - with the sudden death of someone - people are often asked how to support children through the grief process. Grief takes all kinds of shapes and form, but I wanted to provide some resources from the Orange County Department of Education that you may need.

Corretta Scott King once said, “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” I know that we are a compassionate community that will surround those in need -- offering love and support.

It is the hallmark of our DNA and a testament to the strength of our commitment to each other.

A Meal Train has already guaranteed meals for two months. In addition, a GoFundMe campaign for the Pangelinan family was established by a family friend and sister of fellow Batbusters teammate Emily Pufahl. They are trying to provide the basics for a family in grief.

Eighteen-year-old Pufahl spoke to Patch of the connection and friendship with Emma's parents — the reason she established the GoFund. The Pufahls and fellow Batbusters all stand in solidarity with the Pangelinans during their time of crisis and mourning after Emma's sudden loss.

"I grew up with the family over the past seven years and being a part of the softball team with Emma," Pufahl told Patch. "We are here to love and support the Pangelinan Family through the loss of their daughter."

In less than 24 hours, that page has raised over $11,000.

Mission Viejo FlGirls Softball and Pufahl have established a candlelight vigil for Emma, planned for Jan. 24 at at 6:30 p.m. at Alicia Fields: 23650 Via Linda, Mission Viejo, CA.

Photos, courtesy GoFund, Pangelinan Family