Emma B. Michaels

Emma B. Michaels was born on July 7, 1925, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of Albert Staudte and Emelia (Prinz) Staudte, and died peacefully at home on May 7, 2026. In her final days, she was surrounded by family who loved her and will cherish her memory. She was two months shy of her 101st birthday.

Emma’s grandparents immigrated to the United States from Germany in 1867, shortly after the Civil War, and established a home in Pennsylvania. Emma was a Philadelphia girl to her core, having been born and raised in the city, traversing its trolley cars, trains, and shops where local merchants knew her by name. She was also deeply proud of her German roots. Her upbringing instilled in her an independent spirit, a generous heart, an inquisitive mind, a strong sense of duty, and a deep appreciation for community and friends.

As a teenager, Emma attended Philadelphia High School for Girls, or “Girls High,” as she so fondly called it. She made lifelong friends there, developed a strong work ethic, and received high academic marks. She went on to attend college, a rarity for women of her time. Emma graduated from Temple University in 1948, with dual degrees in Education and Art. She was immensely proud of her two master’s degrees. After college, she went on to teach art at several schools in Wilmington, DE, and Montgomery County, MD. Emma was a lifelong artist, painting original pieces well into her 90s.

In addition to art, her other true joy was being a homemaker for her children and grandchildren. Always surrounded by friends, she seamlessly blended her baking, sewing, and planting skills with her generous spirit, whether as a member of the garden club, bridge group, or her ladies’ club. Her worldwide travels with her husband spanned five continents, creating lifelong cherished memories.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Edward T. Michaels, and her son, Edward A. Michaels. She is survived by her daughter-in-law Gail Michaels of Annapolis, MD, along with her daughter Linda Suskie and her son-in-law Steve Suskie of New Castle, DE. She is also survived by her five grandchildren: Katie (Brian) Burke of Washington, DC; Lucas (Melinda) Michaels of Creedmoor, NC; Melissa (Justin) Chaffin of Church Hill, MD; Trevor (Ellen) Michaels of Cambridge, MD; and Michael Suskie of Lancaster, PA. She delighted in her three great grandchildren: Declan Burke (9), Keegan Burke (7), and Theodore Michaels (5).

We were all blessed by her wisdom, generosity, and zest for life. Her spirit will always remain in our hearts.

A celebration of life will be held on Monday, May 18, 2026 at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Rockville, MD. A viewing will take place at 9:00am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am. The immediate family will then hold a private graveside service. Memorial donations may be made in Emma’s memory to Hill Hounds Rescue & Animal Sanctuary, Denton, MD 21629.