Kirsten Embree

Kirsten Embree, 55, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, August 20, 2026, held in the love of her family, housemates, and devoted care team.

Named Kirsten, but lovingly called "Tina" in her early years, she was born on October 27, 1970, in Rexburg, Idaho, to Glenn and Carolyn. Though born with Chiari malformation and facing special needs throughout her life, Kirsten grew into a vibrant, independent, and spirited woman who created a rich and meaningful life on her own terms.

Kirsten lived across the West throughout her life, moving to California with her mother in 1982, and later to Ogden in 1998 to be closer to family. As an adult, she took pride in her independence and work. Through day programs, she earned her own spending money sorting items, assembling tubing for concession cheese, and folding linens for local hospitals. With the support of dedicated care teams, Kirsten lived in her own apartment and, in 2017, moved into a condo near her sister Lori and brother-in-law Chris. Kirsten shared a special bond with Chris—and wasn't above occasionally "breaking" something around the house just to ensure he’d come over to visit and fix it. In 2020, as her needs grew, Kirsten moved from her condo to a residential group home where she could receive a higher level of care while continuing to build close friendships with her housemates and staff.

Though Kirsten’s path was different from others, her heart was remarkably big, and her devotion to her family was unmatched. She considered herself a key part of raising her nieces and nephews, holding special maternal pride for them even as they grew older. She was the family’s ultimate connector and birthday calendar; without fail, she remembered every single birthday and would call or text everyone across the family to ensure no one was forgotten.

Kirsten loved animals deeply, especially her beloved cat, Moonbeam, whom she adopted in 2004 and cared for until his passing in 2019. In her final days, she shared that Moonbeam returned to visit her. Throughout her life, Kirsten was vibrant and healthy, enjoying travel—from cruises to Jamaica to seeing BTS live in Las Vegas—and participating in day programs and activities. Even as tremors and aging slowed her down in recent years, her sweet, slightly sassy smirk and iconic greeting, "Hey, girl," never faded.

In her final days following a brief hospital stay, Kirsten was surrounded by an outpouring of love from family, past and present caregivers from Chrysalis and Ness, and visits from her family's dogs. True to her gentle spirit, she made sure to ask after her neighbor, a horse named Diesel, promising to bring him carrots once she recovered. The day after her passing, her Chrysalis family honored her memory with an early birthday party complete with pizza, cake, and presents.

Kirsten is survived by her mother, Carolyn; stepfather, Rick; stepmother, Connie; her siblings, Eric, Lori, Amber, Jenny, and Kara; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Glenn, and her brothers-in-law, Michael and Chris.

Our family takes comfort and joy in our faith, knowing that Kirsten is now free from the body that was so difficult to live inside, and that her mind and spirit are complete and whole. We rejoice in knowing she is reunited with her dad, Glenn, and her brother-in-law, Chris, and we look forward with love to the day we can get to know her in a brand-new way.

The family will hold a private celebration of life to honor Kirsten's memory. In lieu of flowers, please call a loved one on their birthday, feed a horse a carrot, or perform an act of kindness in Kirsten's honor. Her independent spirit, deep devotion to her family, and tender heart will be deeply missed and forever remembered.