Fair winds and following seas … on Sept. 17, 2021, Emily Grace Dain-McKnight passed away peacefully at the age of 61 after a brief illness. She showed strength and determination to the very end, as it was her wish that her children were by her side as she parted this life. Emily was known by many as a friend, colleague, family, teacher or simply mom.
Born March 3, 1960 in Syracuse, New York to Thomas and Berneice “Bunni” Dain, she graduated from Cazenovia schools and went on to further her education at Syracuse University, SUNY Cortland and LeMoyne College, where she graduated with her master’s degree in education.
She had a lot of great loves in her life: students, family, the ocean, etc. As a daughter in a household of seven, she strived to make her own mark on this world. She enjoyed travelling to Europe with Girl Scouts as a child and later the rest of the world, gleaning knowledge from those around her, being a military wife, being a mother and teaching.
Emily loved to help others to the point where it became a large part of her identity, which is why she chose education as a career. She poured her heart and soul into her students and cared for each of them as if they were one of her own children. As a friend, she cared deeply and true, often putting her own needs aside. She chose a life of serving – she loved, laughed, made mistakes, and learned.
Predeceased by both her parents, brother, Thomas, and sister, Christine, Emily is survived by her husband, Greg McKnight; her children, Stephanie (Jason) Goetz, Dain and Chase Matteson; as well as her stepchildren, Madelyn and Brett; as well has her remaining siblings, Sandia, David (Lisa), Nat (Bindy) and Brook; and her doggie fur baby, Izzy.
A memorial celebration of her life will be held on Oct. 2, 2021, at the Brae Loch Inn, 5 Albany St, Cazenovia from 2 to 5 p.m. An internment will be held for the family early next year in Peekskill, New York.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to Cazenovia Area Ambulance Corps, Route 20 East, Cazenovia, NY 13035 and Helping Hounds Dog Rescue, 7268 Caswell Street, North Syracuse, NY.
For guest book, please visit scheppfamily.com.
