Funeral for Student who Died from Bacterial Meningitis Complications Set for Tuesday

Emily Stillman, a sophomore at Kalamazoo College, has died due to complications from bacterial meningitis, college officials said Sunday.

A West Bloomfield native and campus resident at Crissey Residence Hall, she became ill in the early morning hours Friday and was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis at Kalamazoo's Bronson Methodist Hospital, according to a Friday email sent to the college community.

Kalamazoo College President Eileen Wilson-Oyelaran said that Stillman died Sunday morning "with her family members by her side," in a subsequent email to the college community.

Stillman's funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5, at the Dorfman Chapel, 30440 W. 12 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills, according to the Chapel's website.

Interment is scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday at Adat Shalom Cemetery, 28500 W. 6 Mile Road in Livonia. Rabbi Michael Moskowitz will officiate.

A former Andover High School student, Stillman was remembered by about 300-400 students, faculty, and staff at a memorial service at the college's Stetson Chapel on Sunday, according to college spokesman Jeff Palmer.

Palmer said that the Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department has found no new cases of bacterial meningitis on campus since Friday.

Wilson-Oyelaran said that counselors worked additional hours on Sunday for the campus community.

"On behalf of the Kalamazoo College community I extend heartfelt condolences to Emily's family, friends, teachers, and fellow students," Wilson-Oyelaran wrote. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to all who knew and loved her."

A Bright Leader

As news of Stillman's death continues to spread among the Andover and Bloomfield community, there is little doubt she will be remembered, in part, for her abilities and success in forensics.

Stillman's leadership was a huge part of the 2011 Class B state championship team, and helped forge an example for a number of the younger students, coach Danielle Harsh said at the time.

Though just 17, she told Bloomfield-Bloomfield Hills Patch in 2011 that she cherished being a team captain on a perennial title contender and having the experience of competition outside of athletics.

"The support system we have on our team is what allows us to do so well," Stillman said in June 2011 after clinching first in the duo interpretation category. "One of my favorite parts of being a captain was the opportunity to be part of that support system, whether it was cheering kids on in their rounds, comforting them when they were upset at competitions, or giving huge hugs when they broke the final round."

"The title of "captain" gives you some responsibility and I'd rather be able to say I was responsible for our win then our loss," she added.

Others paid tribute to her personality and friendship through social media.

"I will miss you so much Emily. I love you. RIP," wrote former classmate Jane Baxter after updating her Facebook cover photo Sunday with a picture of her and Stillman para-sailing over the ocean.