Emma Fettig

Emma E. Fettig, 89, of Charlotte, NC, formerly of Potomac, MD, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, January 14, 2021. Born September 28, 1931 in Altoona, PA, she was the second child of the late George E. and Ruth S. (Miller) Riddle, Sr.

Emma was a 1949 graduate of Altoona High School and a 1952 graduate of the Altoona Hospital School of Nursing. After graduation, she moved to Long Island, NY to work at Meadowbrook Hospital. Following several years there, Emma took a position in Labor and Delivery at The Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. It was there she was accepted into the Graduate Hospital School of Anesthesia. And, it was also there where Emmy captured the heart of the eligible doctor in the delivery room, Dr. Lou. They were married on August 31, 1963 and remained in Philadelphia for another three years, giving birth to a son, Louis, and a daughter, Elizabeth. They then moved to Potomac, MD, where Emmy and Dr. Lou lived, raised and nurtured their family in the same wonderful home for over 50 years. Emmy had set aside her career in nursing to care for her husband and children. Aside from always helping the kids with their homework and school projects, she was an amazing cook and always had a phenomenal meal prepared and on the table at 5:30 sharp when Dr. Lou arrived home from work.

Emmy was also passionate about her church community. She was an active member of Emmanuel Lutheran in Bethesda, MD for 50 years and then more recently a member of Advent Lutheran in Charlotte, NC. Emmy was known as a compassionate volunteer helping in many different capacities from being a regular at the National Lutheran Home to making egg salad sandwiches for the homeless. She was also an avid gardener. As a member of the National Capital Area Garden Club (Potomac), she was known to take part in many gardening activities. One highlight was decorating the Blue Room at the White House for Christmas and while there, being interrupted by President George Bush and the King of Jordan. After introducing themselves and some small talk, both the President and the King remarked at how lovely the room looked and thanked the women for their effort. It was at home, though, where she mainly focused and spent many hours attending to her numerous flower beds around the yard. Emmy also believed strongly in community and had many friends. From the neighborhood Monday night Bridge Club and daily walks with friends to hosting the best holiday picnics enjoyed by the many friends of the Wild Olive Court locale, Emmy was always surrounded by those she loved. Even after Dr. Lou and Emmy move to Charlotte to be close to their daughter and family, she continued these passions. Many joyful meals were shared together going back and forth across the street to Grammy and Opa’s house. Emmy was extremely independent and active and was driving, cooking and taking care of the house by herself right up until the last months before her passing.

Emma is survived by her son, Louis E. Fettig Jr.; daughter, Elizabeth F. Tunnell; daughter-in-law, Cynthia C. Fettig and son-in-law, Wade R. Tunnell; four grandchildren, Thatcher Louis Fettig, Madelyn Clare Fettig, Emma Delaine Tunnell and Meredith Louise Tunnell, along with nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, great-grandnieces, great-grandnephews, and many dear friends. In addition to her parents, Emma was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Louis E. Fettig, and her siblings, Stella (Riddle) Almroth, Blanche (Riddle) Johnson, and George E. Riddle Jr.

A celebration of her life will be held in the near future at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 7730 Bradley Boulevard, Bethesda, MD 20817.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Emmanuel Lutheran Church or Advent Lutheran Church or the charity of the donor’s choice.