Emilia Genowefa Junda

Born in Hempstead, New York, the youngest of six siblings to a proud Polish family, Emily carried her heritage with honor throughout her life. She later became a devoted 50-year resident of Smithtown, where she built her home, raised her family, and formed lifelong friendships. As a first-generation American of Polish descent, she embodied the courage and determination of those who build something new while holding tightly to where they came from. Even as a young woman, independence ran deep. She commuted into New York City to attend business school, forging her own path at a time when that was no small feat.

It was through the St. Ladislaus Catholic Youth Organization that she met the love of her life, Leo. Their marriage of 19 years was rooted in shared faith, laughter, and partnership. Though Leo passed before her, their bond remained part of her story always.

Emily was adventurous, brave, and remarkably hard-working. She built a meaningful career as a medical transcriptionist in radiology, bringing precision and care to her work. Yet her greatest vocation was her family. She raised her children, Jacquelyn and Douglas, with unwavering love and steady guidance, and extended that same devotion to Joyce, Geri, and many others who became part of her wide and welcoming circle.

Family was her heartbeat. She delighted in her grandchildren — Ryan, Chris, Mathew, Billy, Courtney, Kelley, and Alena — and her great-grandchildren — Brooklyn, Carter, Cameron, Aurella, Keirsten, Chris, Jasmine, and Brycen and Josie. She celebrated each milestone, each gathering, each story.

Her faith was unshakeable. A devoted Catholic, she lived her beliefs through action — as a member of St. Louis DeMonte Forte Roman Catholic Church Outreach, St. Gerard’s Senior Club, and the Town of Brookhaven Senior Club. She was a lifetime member of the Polish American Club of Port Jefferson, where she proudly honored her roots. Faith was not only something she practiced — it was something she radiated.

Emily was also wonderfully fun-loving. She knitted and crocheted with patience and artistry. She embraced Polish dancing with joy. She traveled extensively — proudly visiting all 50 states and exploring the world beyond, including Poland and Russia, connecting her present to her heritage. Adventure never left her spirit.

And then there was her legendary independence. She drove well past her 95th birthday — often picking up the “80-year-olds” for bingo. Her prowess at cards was unmatched, her competitive streak playful but formidable. Many can attest: you did not underestimate Grandma at the table.

She was beloved. Brave. Hard-working. Resilient. Faithful. Humorous. Loving. Fun-loving.

She joins her brother and sisters Leon, Aurella, Regina, Suzanne, and Lucille, and Leon, along with generations of family who will carry forward her strength, her humor, and her unwavering faith.

Emily’s life was not measured simply in years — though she was blessed with many — but in the depth of her love, the courage of her independence, and the legacy of faith she instilled in all of us.

We will miss her laugh, her stories, her competitive wink across the card table. But we carry her with us — in our traditions, in our gatherings, in our prayers, and in the enduring love of family.

May she rest in the eternal peace she so faithfully trusted.

Afternoon visitation will be held at O. B. Davis Funeral Homes, located at 1001 Route 25a, Miller Place, NY 11764, on February 15, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and again from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A funeral mass will take place at St Ladislaus Roman Catholic Church, 18 Richardson Pl, Hempstead, NY 11550, on February 16, 2026, at 10:30 am.

The committal service and interment will be held at Cemetery of the Holy Rood, 111 Old Country Rd, Westbury, NY 11590, on February 17, 2026, at 11:30 am.