Emma Chamberlain

All who knew Emma Chamberlain would agree that there was truly no one like her. She was gracious and kindhearted, genuine and generous beyond measure. Emma was a loving, devoted, and purposeful wife and mother who viewed these roles to be both her highest calling and her richest blessing. When grandchildren came along, she was filled with unspeakable joy, and it was when her family was near that Emma felt complete. It was easy to see that her life was deeply rooted in something different, something deeper, and that something was her faith. Content in whatever life brought, Emma faced whatever came her way with strength and courage that were such an inspiration to all who were near. Life will never be the same without her here, but she leaves behind a timeless legacy that her loved ones will proudly carry on in her footsteps.

It was during the decade when shows like Father Knows Best defined the American family and Elvis took the music world by storm that Roy and Mary (Shaw) Brink were pleased to announce the birth of the baby girl they named Emma L. on February 21, 1952, in Coshocton, Ohio. The second of five children in her family, she was raised alongside her older sister, Linda, and her younger siblings, Barb, Greg, and Patti. The Brink family home was located on the edge of town, and Emma attended local schools. At home she could often be found playing with her siblings. In high school, she became a Christian through a ministry that would pick her up at home and take her to church and youth group activities, and her life was forever changed.

Although she came from a family of limited means, Emma had her sights set on becoming a teacher. With this in mind, she worked at various stores and even a restaurant, which was not a job she cared for at all, but she kept the end in mind and earned the money she needed for school. After graduating from Coshocton High School in 1970, she moved to Marion, Indiana, to attend Marion College, now known as Indiana Wesleyan University.

It was while attending college that Emma met the man of her dreams. His name was Timothy Chamberlain, and he also called Ohio home. He was smitten with her beautiful smile and kind demeanor. While attended a function at a local church among a group of friends, Tim became convinced that he needed to ask Emma out on a date as soon as possible! As fate would have it, he soon knew that Emma was the one for him. Tim proposed, and it was a nerve racking two weeks before Emma accepted his proposal! On December 16, 1972, the sweethearts were married at Burt Avenue Wesleyan Church.

Tim was accepted into medical school at Ohio State in 1976 so the couple moved. It was while living in Ohio that they started their family. After graduating in 1979, the Chamberlains moved to Akron, Ohio, where Tim completed his residency. In 1984, they moved to Columbia City, which is where their family, that grew to include 12 children, was completed. Although she was an Ohio State fan, she eventually turned into an avid fan of the Indianapolis Colts.

As much as Emma wanted to be a teacher, she treasured her role as a mother and loved being there for her 12 children. After public and private schools did not seem good enough for the loves of her life, she ended up being a teacher through homeschooling her children. Emma supported them in whatever they wanted to do, even if she didnt see something as a good fit. However, she did draw the line at supporting her children when they wanted to take a snake in the house! She was a proud parent and Warriors fan, who cheered on her children as they played volleyball and basketball through the homeschool organization. With only three sons, Emma was known to take them out to eat and to see guy movies so they could just talk amongst themselves without their sisters around. Always selfless, she stayed up talking to her children if they needed anything no matter how tired she was, and she was an amazing listener who was always full of wisdom. When conflict arose between her children, Emma never took sides, and even when her husband had a situation to overcome, she could always find a resolution.

When grandchildren arrived, Emma deeply loved all of them, and she also had a close relationship with a French exchange student that became like another daughter to her, Marine Bernardi.

In everything she did, Emma had a way of making the experience special. For any birthday or special event, she always decorated, and her Sunday lunches, which often showcased her beef dinner and desserts, were a memorable time for everyone. Emma and Tim took the family on annual vacations and camping outings. After the tent and pop up camper were not meant for her, they soon moved up into staying in the RV and having the children sleep outside in the tents. They also rented a home somewhere and enjoyed trips to Wyoming, Colorado, the Smokey Mountains, and Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

For the past 10 years, Emma and Tim traveled to Sedona, Arizona, to celebrate their anniversary and having a get-away. Although she enjoyed getting away and reading books when everything was quiet, a week was always plenty long enough as she was eager to get back to her children and grandchildren.

Emmas touch reached so many. In addition to being a faithful Christian and a member of Big Lake Church of God, she was a local coordinator for Operation Christmas Children. With this group, Emma gathered up shoeboxes filled with toys and essentials to give to needy children around the world through the Samaritans Purse Ministries. Never one to like being in the spotlight, she helped out in many other ways behind the scenes with other events and projects.

When reflecting on the life of Emma Chamberlain, it is easy to see her that no one met her and left unchanged. She had a contagious laughter and a smile that could brighten even the darkest of days. Selfless, compassionate, and gracious, Emma was deeply devoted to her family, and her faith guided her every step. She will never be forgotten.

Emma L. Chamberlain, 63, of Columbia City, Indiana, died at 11:07 a.m. Wednesday, November 4, 2015 at Parkview Reginal Hospital in Ft. Wayne. Survivors include her loving husband, Dr. Timothy Chamberlain; mother, Mary Brink; children, Pamela Mullins of Columbia City, Heather (Jerry) Garcia of Columbia City, Adam Chamberlain of Columbia City, Caleb (Michelle) Chamberlain of Grandview, Missouri, Megan (Darrin) LaFever of Wichita, Kansas, Bethany (Howard) Whitlow of Fort Wayne, Sarah (Landan) Bowser of Fort Wayne, Emily (Jeremiah) Geiger of Columbia City, David Chamberlain of Columbia City, Rachel (Larry) Hilty of Columbia City, Hannah Chamberlain of Columbia City and Elizabeth Ellie Chamberlain of Columbia City; 10 grandchildren including Michael, Natalie, Justin, Ethan, Will, Chloe, Jackson, Lilliana, Alexa, Henry with two more on the way; sisters, Linda (Duane) Janssen of Columbia City, Patti (Jerry Gress) Webb of Coshocton, Ohio and Barb (Dan) Powell of West Lafayette, Ohio; and brother, Greg (Gwen) Brink of North Carolina. Emma was preceded in death by her father.

A casual visitation with will be held Sunday, November 8, 2015, from 1 to 5 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral service is 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home with Pastor Sam Mills officiating. A private family burial will follow at Stough Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her memory to Samaritans Purse Ministries.