Geneva woman, 19, dies in her sleep

Friends and relatives are mourning the death of a young Geneva woman who died unexpectedly at age 19.

Emma L. Mebane died Friday in her sleep at her family's home, according to obituary information supplied by the family.

The obituary did not list a cause of death, and the Kane County coroner's office would not comment.

Mebane, who graduated from Geneva High School in 2010, was a student at Illinois State University. She was studying graphic design.

She played youth soccer for the Euro West club, and was a valued worker at Town House Books and Cafe in St. Charles.

“She's been a vital part of our staff for three years,” owner David Hunt said Wednesday. “She's one of the youngest we ever hired.”

Mebane worked in the cafe, primarily as a server.

“She is just a people person, just outgoing and warm,” Hunt said.

Mebane is survived by her parents, Rod and Donna; siblings Jason, Sarah and Ben; grandparents Barbara Mebane and Pete and Bobbie Davis; and several aunts and uncles.

Her funeral is at 11 a.m. Thursday at Sanctuary Church, 1S430 Wenmoth Road, Batavia, with the Rev. Ben Poole officiating.

Memorial gifts can be made to the Northern Illinois Chapter of Newborns in Need, newbornsinneed.org.