Emily B. Soderquist

Emily (Bowers) Soderquist, 92, formerly of East Hartford and Coventry, reunited with her husband, Howard, on June 3, two days after what would have been their 71st wedding anniversary. Emily was born in West Hartford to Josephine and Joseph Bowers where she grew up and graduated from Hall High School. Upon graduation, she started a lifetime career as an Executive Secretary. She leaves three daughters: JoAnne Soderquist and her partner, Kevin Rehnberg, of Key West, Florida, Brenda DeLuco and her husband, Ralph of Simsbury and Kristine Zadrozny and her husband, Gary of Glastonbury; grandchildren – Gunnery Sergeant Kenneth Jones and his wife Christina of Camp Pendleton, CA, Stephanie Zadrozny Reeve and her husband, Grant of Sturbridge, Massachusetts, Jason Zadrozny and Alyssa Phillips of Portland, and Amelia and Rachel DeLuco of Simsbury, 3 great-grandchildren Tristen and Carter Jones and Aedyn Rossi and many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. Besides her beloved husband, she was predeceased by her infant son, Stephen, her brother Edward Bowers, Sr. and her granddaughter Karrie Sponaas Rossi. In her younger days, she loved to sing, play piano, ski, garden and mostly to spend time with her family. She was a pioneer of working women balancing home and career long before it was the norm. The family would like to thank the staff at St. Mary Home in West Hartford for their compassionate care in her final months.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Connecticut Humane Society.

Calling hours will be 5-6pm on Friday, June 16 at Newkirk & Whitney Funeral Home, 318 Burnside Ave., East Hartford, CT, with a Memorial Service immediately following at 6pm at the funeral home. Burial is private and at the convenience of the family. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.newkirkandwhitney.com.