Celebration For South Brunswick Teen Who Died Before Graduation

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — The South Brunswick community will be coming together this Sunday to honor and celebrate the life of Emily Michaela Murillo, who died before she could graduate from high school.

Confectionately Yours, a popular restaurant in Franklin Park is hosting a community celebration of Emily’s life on Sunday, July 11 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Jessica Gondek, owner of the restaurant said she decided to organize the memorial for Emily after reading about her mother's experience at South Brunswick High School graduation. Erin Popolo attended the ceremony with her daughter's ashes but was left disappointed after the school district failed to mention or acknowledge Emily during the ceremony.

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"I sat with Erin the night before graduation. I've seen her strength and courage unfold in a deep way since Emily’s passing," said Gondek. "After we read about what happened, we decided to do something for Emily."

Gondek said the family has been customers for years. "I often sit with them when they come out to dinner. And when you are a regular customer, you become family."

Gondek is still working on details for Sunday's memorial. She has reached out to a DJ who usually plays at events held at the restaurant. "There could be music and speeches. We have memorial rocks," she said.

Community members have been requested to wear Emily's favorite color blue for the memorial. Gondek has also arranged for blue balloons, beads, and buttons for the day.

She also plans to serve Emily’s favorite ice cream — cookie monster.

"It’s a celebration of Emily’s life. Due to COVID-19, many people couldn't come to Emily's memorial or funeral," said Gondek. "I feel like we have the opportunity to do something for one of our families."

Emily's life was tragically cut short on Jan. 29, when her car plunged into the Delaware & Raritan Canal near Suydam Road, Franklin Park.

A special education student, Emily was bullied in school, her mother said, and her death in a car crash was ruled a suicide.

"She suffered and was marginalized. Even in death, she could not escape her tormentors who harassed her memory in the most despicable and deplorable of ways during her funeral," Popolo said in an open letter to the South Brunswick Board of Education and school administrators.

At the commencement ceremony on June 22, Erin said the school district missed a "teachable moment," by failing to acknowledge Emily.

The school district offered its apologies to the family and said they should have done better. Officials said they are currently working on a project to keep Emily's memory alive and going forward, will reevaluate its graduation practices.

'A Celebration Of Emily Michaela Murillo' will be held outdoors at Confectionately Yours, 3391 Rt. 27.

Since Emily loved animals, donations will be accepted for Second Chance for Animals. Other items for donation can be dropped off at 14 Palmer Road in Kendall Park.

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