Emily Edith Katyryniuk

On March 20th, 2026, our beloved bookworm, Emily Edith Katyryniuk, leveled up when she conquered this mortal realm in a mere 39 years, solidifying her status as a true champion.

Emily began her life quest when she was born in Lodi, California on November 30th, 1986 – sharing this birthday as well as a birthmark with her maternal grandmother, Audrey Smith. In a final attempt to have a son, Emily was the third daughter born to her late mother, Nikki Smith-Blose and father, Nick Katyryniuk.

Emily grew up in the widely unknown town of Nipomo, CA and graduated from Arroyo Grande High School. While furthering her education at Allan Hancock College and working in the Production Department for KCOY CBS/Fox News, she discovered her talent and interest for photography. A skill that she would later put to use making random strangers smile by taking their Polaroid picture when she brought along her camera on outings, because who does that anymore?

After KCOY, Emily went on to work with special needs students and eventually was hired to work in Administration at Atascadero State Hospital, a job she was excited to start and had goals to grow in. She was well loved by her co-workers and will be greatly missed.

In 2022 Emily met the Deadpool to her Wolverine when she crossed paths with Jeremy Munro, though she would make him wait a year before agreeing to a first date. Having found someone with which she could share her unique brand of humor and outlook on the world, they found a home together in Atascadero, CA. The day came when they felt they were ready to take their relationship to the next level, and so they became proud “cat-parents” when they adopted Marceline “Marci” the Vampire Queen, a little cat who made Emily’s heart feel full.

To most, Emily was a quiet introvert who enjoyed reading books, gaming and photography among other hobbies. Those who were fortunate to be close to her knew she was much more. She was once an awkward kid struggling to find her identity, but she decided to change that, to work on herself. As a result, she grew to be strong, independent, self-confident, sometimes goofy, intellectual, witty and deeply caring. She had hard opinions and could serve up tough love when you needed it the most. She could also serve up a bougie dish worthy of a three star rating. In her 39 years, Emily accomplished something that many do not achieve in their lifetime, she found herself.

Emily was preceeded in death by her mother, Nikki Smith-Blose. She is survived by her partner in life, Jeremy Munro and their cat-child, Marceline “Marci” the Vampire Queen. Also survived by: her sister Angel Verbryke and husband Marc Verbryke; nephew Angelo Juarez; nieces Olivia Juaurez, Autumn and Kate Verbryke. Sister Lacey Katyryniuk; nephew Epic Scudder. Stepfather Barrett Blose; father Nick Katyryniuk; Grandmother Audrey Smith.

A celebration of life for Emily will be held on April 26th from 2:00pm to 5:00pm located at Barrellhouse Brewing Company 3055 Limestone Way, Paso Robles, CA 93446.

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