A life remembered in purple and light: Coworkers, friends reflect on Emma MacDonald

AMHERST — Standing on the steps where a string quartet played in somber tribute, a crowd of hundreds gathered Tuesday afternoon to transform a site of tragedy into one of remembrance.

Nearly two weeks after the April 22 death of 31-year-old dining supervisor Emma MacDonald, allegedly at the hands of her husband, mourners, including Gov. Maura Healey and University of Massachusetts Chancellor Javier Reyes, came together to ensure her legacy is defined by her “soulful energy” rather than the violence that claimed her life.

Many in attendance donned apparel, pins and ribbons in shades of purple — Emma’s favorite color — to honor the young woman. Small ladybug figurines and paper ladybug cutouts containing wildflower seeds were scattered across the campus in her memory.

“Emma loved ladybugs. If you look around, you’ll see we’ve incorporated them today in different ways to keep Emma close,” Center for Women and Community (CWC) Director Gisella Zuniga said. “Ladybugs are said to carry luck, love and calm. Some believe that ladybugs can ease your worries and brighten your days. Others say that when a ladybug lands on you, it is a reminder that you are not alone.”

Against the backdrop of the hotel windows — where her name remained spelled out in white letters — and a flower-filled display, the crowd listened as a chorus of voices painted a picture of a woman defined by her kindness.

“The first time I talked to her, I instantly felt her presence with her soulful energy and the radiance in her smile. I thought to myself, ‘you are someone special,’” Emma’s friend and coworker Robin Hoff said. “Thank you for the gift of you, Emma — for the laughter, the memories, the guidance, the shoulder to cry on, the advice you gave me, the love, your courage. Our lives are better because of you, Emma, our hearts are fuller because of you.”

The CWC, a resource for Hampshire County that supports survivors of domestic violence, organized the vigil and distributed resources for those seeking help.

Many of those who spoke referred to Emma as a loving mother, caring friend and “ball of light,” in the lives of those she knew. Emma’s close friend and coworker Christopher Connell spoke of the memories he shared with Emma — the text exchanges, laughs and day-to-day moments that made her special to those she knew and loved.

Connell shared stories of nights out with Emma and her husband Jefferey MacDonald, including a spontaneous trip to a wedding chapel when the couple renewed their vows. Connell said Emma asked him to walk her down the aisle.

“One of the best things to happen was when Emma asked me, ‘Will you walk me down the aisle?’ I was just so honored, because she loved me so much, and that honor of hers, this was the best thing in the entire world,” Connell said. “Whenever I went on vacation, she would be texting me left and right, just like saying, ‘Hey, you made it?’ “What are you doing today?’ To be able to be the first text she sees in the morning sometimes is the greatest thing for me.”

Like so many who have spoken highly of Emma MacDonald since her death, a group of her coworkers shared the same sentiments: she was always positive and a pleasure to be around, even right up until her death.

Her demeanor didn’t change leading up to her death, said Chiruza Muhimuzi who worked with her over four years, adding that he was unaware about any relationship struggles she was facing.

Muhimuzi said he was pulled into the office at work and was told the news the next morning. He said this whole experience still feels unreal, and like a dream.

Following his arrest in the hotel, Jeffrey MacDonald, 36, of Wilbraham, plead not guilty to both the murder and a second charge of assault and battery on a police officer. He is being held without bail.

Staff Reporter Sam Gelinas contributed to this report.