Emily Watson Van Doren (February 19, 1942 - May 23, 2024), of Littleton, CO passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home in Edgewater, CO. She was surrounded by family at the time of and in the days before her death. Emily is survived by her brother Tom Watson (Sue), her sister Susan Karlson (Mike), her daughter Linda Van Doren (Dean Phannenstiel), her son Dave Van Doren (Leslie), grandchildren, nephews and nieces. Emily was a passionate public educator who cared deeply about travel and foreign exchange; attributes that she passed on to her daughter. When she was a teenager in Michigan, Emily was an exchange student in Finland, and her family hosted students from Japan and Italy. In New Jersey, her career spanned from early childhood educator to regional leader of an international au pair exchange program. She was an elected member of the local school board, and served as the board president for many years. In her retirement in Colorado, Emily took great pleasure investing in her son’s contracting business and frequently visited the construction sites to assess progress and request project updates. Emily got her bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and was forever a Wolverines fan. Whenever Michigan football games were on, Emily would wear her maize and blue and she’d proudly fly the U of M flag outside of her door. Go blue! Emily was most proud of her children and the lives that they lead, moving to Colorado to be closer to them and her grandchildren. Emily always put her family first, and created lasting traditions for holidays and family celebrations. She was wise, stubbornly independent and had a fierce sense of humor. She will be sorely missed as a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. A celebration of life ceremony will be held in the coming months in Taos NM, one of Emily’s favorite places and where she owned a home for over 20 years. In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to the American Kidney Fund.