Emily Ann Pfitsch died January 21, 2022 of complications associated with Covid pneumonia and congestive heart failure at the age of 96. She was a member of the Mayflower community since 2017 and resided at the Mayflower Health Center beginning in April 2021. She died in the company of her children Jack, Connie, and Bill at UnityPoint Health - Grinnell Regional Medical Center. A celebration of life will be held 4:00pm - 6:00pm, Saturday, May 14 2022 at Grinnell House, 1011 Park St., Grinnell, IA. Burial will take place at Hazelwood Cemetery, Grinnell, IA. Emily was born April 5, 1925 to Stella and William Hollis in Overbrook, Kansas. She graduated from Overbrook High School in 1942 and the University of Kansas in 1946 and was a JayHawk fan throughout her life. Emily married John Pfitsch on a hot August day in 1946 in Lawrence, Kansas. They moved from Fremont, Nebraska to Grinnell, Iowa in 1948 where they raised their children and were active members of the Grinnell College and town community for more than 70 years. Emily studied Spanish and earned a Teaching Certificate at Grinnell College leading to a 24-year career (1964 to 1988) teaching Spanish and supporting the international program in the Grinnell schools. Emily received an Honorary Degree from Grinnell College in 2017 in recognition of her lifelong positive influence on the Grinnell College community, most notably "her boys" – the several generations of Grinnell College athletes coached by John who found a steady source of support with Emily. Emily's devotion to maintaining her personal physical and mental fitness were inspirational to all who knew her. She read widely, was an active bridge player and member of the Levart Club, and welcomed people from all over the world into her home. She and John traveled widely, living for times in Panama, Ecuador, Portugal, and Spain. She loved broadening her knowledge and sharing her passion for the Spanish language and international cultures with her family, friends and students. Emily was devoted to her family and celebrated the lives of her children and their spouses: Jack Pfitsch (Patty), Connie Vanderhyden (Thomas), and Bill Pfitsch (Andi Alexander); her grandchildren and their spouses/partners: Hollis Pfitsch (Magdeline Kawinski), Woody Pfitsch (Maria Murray), Jane Pfitsch, Sam Vanderhyden (Adley), Will Vanderhyden (Luisa Rivera), Max Vanderhyden (Curran Johnson), and Jacob Pfitsch (Natalie Abbene); and her great grandchildren: Oskar, Feliks,Camille, Evangeline, Vera, and Zoe. She knew in her heart that they will carry on her legacy. Scoot, Emily Ann, Emily, Mom, Grandma Em, and now Great Grandma Em was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, and John, her husband of 64 years. Emily will be greatly missed and her memory treasured. The Pfitsch family has suggested that memorial contributions may be directed to the John and Emily Pfitsch Scholarship at Grinnell College. Visit http://alumni.grinnell.edu/give or by mail, Office of Development and Alumni Relations, Grinnell College, Grinnell, Iowa 50112. Cards of condolence may be sent to the family at 528 9th Avenue, Grinnell, IA 50112.