Emily Kathleen Jansen

Emily Kathleen Schmidlin Jansen was born on November 19, 1976, in Portland, OR, to Betty and the late Leonard Schmidlin. The fourth of seven children, Emily grew up alongside her siblings—Patrick, Melissa Cronin, Mathew, Peter, Greg, and Eric —on the family farm off Hwy 47 in Vernonia, OR.
From an early age, Emily had a deep love of the outdoors and a tireless work ethic. She was active in 4-H, showing dairy cattle as well as creating sewing projects at the Columbia County Fair, through this she developed a lifelong dedication to agriculture. At Vernonia High School, Emily excelled as both a student and athlete, playing volleyball and basketball. In 1995 she was crowned Washington County Dairy Princess and one year later was honored as the Oregon Dairy Princess.
After graduating high school in 1995, Emily attended Pacific University in Forest Grove, earning her bachelor's degree in applied sciences & physics in 1999. She went on to build a rewarding career with Intel, where she worked for almost two decades.
Emily's proudest role, however, was being a mother. She was blessed with two children—Dylan (2004) and Lauren (2009). A devoted single mother, she poured her heart into raising them with love, faith, and resilience. Emily made a home for her family in Buxton, OR, on land once belonging to her great grandmother, a place where she found joy in gardening, working outdoors, and preserving family traditions.
Emily was fiercely independent and a tad bit stubborn, often found stacking wood, fixing fences, changing tires, and chasing cows—never one to shy away from hard work. She was also the heart of her family: constantly checking in on loved ones, lending a helping hand, and showing up with her legendary desserts at every gathering.
Her faith and her children guided every step of her life. She never missed Dylan's basketball games or Lauren's volleyball tournaments, and she dedicated countless hours as a 4-H leader for the Vernonia Wranglers, mentoring her children, nieces, nephews, and community youth.
Emily is preceded in death by her father, Leonard Schmidlin as well as her younger brother Andrew Schmidlin.
She is survived by her beloved children, Dylan and Lauren; her mother, Betty; her six siblings; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who cherished her dearly.
Emily's strength, faith, and unconditional love will live on in her children and in all those whose lives she touched.
In honor of Emily's vibrant spirit, she requested that guests wear pink or purple attire to her service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to Columbia County Fair and Rodeo (P.O. Box 74 St. Helens, OR 97051).
If you are unable to physically attend please join online

Click here