Emily Beth Kantar, 26, of Big Rapids passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 29. She was born on August 10, 1989, in Big Rapids the daughter of Andy and Fran (Keleher) Kantar. Emily celebrated her Bat Mitzvah in 2000 at Temple Benjamin in Mt. Pleasant and was a graduate of Big Rapids High School and attended Northwestern Michigan College where she studied Fine Arts. Emily was a sweet, gentle person who loved animals and helping people. For years she worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at local nursing homes, lovingly and conscientiously caring for the needs of her elderly patients. She had a good heart and giving spirit and she will be remembered for these endearing qualities. She was a friend to many and her friends were very important to her. A gifted portrait artist, Emily completed many works of family and friends and one of her portraits was featured on a calendar for a humanitarian organization. She also loved dancing, singing and listening to music and was interested in philosophy. She is survived by her parents, sister Sally, brother Max, and many uncles, aunts, and cousins. Emily was preceded in death by all of her grandparents. A memorial gathering for Emily will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00p.m. Tuesday, May 3, 2016 at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. A eulogy will be read at 6:15 p.m. and anyone wishing to share memories may do so following the reading. Funeral services and burial will be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In lieu of flowers and in honor of Emilys love of animals, memorial contributions are preferred to the Animal Rescue Coalition (ARC of Big Rapids), American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), or The Humane Society of the United States. Share a memory or leave a condolence for the family at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Memorial Gathering Tuesday, May 3, 2016 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home 13985 Northland Drive Big Rapids,MI 49307 Eulogy Tuesday, May 3, 2016 06:15 PM Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home 13985 Northland Drive Big Rapids,MI 49307