I think my parents met Emma and John when my younger brother, Mark, was in the same Cub Scout group as their son, Paul. That would have been in the mid- to late 1950s in Laurelton New York. 

I remember the years when Kathy, their daughter, developed cancer. Emma was faced with difficult decisions around how much support to give Kathy. She was thoughtful and hopeful but also clear about her preferences. Kathy's illness may have brought her closer to my mother: I know they talked a lot about Kathy during this time.

My clearest memories of Emma are of our discussions about her job at the Jamaica Service Program for Senior Adults. According to my mother, Emma was the glue that kept that Program together. She kept them solvent and organized. Emma, who was modest, probably didn't endorse my mother's enthusiasm about her skills but she did value that job and the people the Program helped. Emma worked until she was quite old which inspired me. I can remember her describing the challenge of learning to use computers and new programs: a challenge she was up for during her later years. 

Emma loved to tell us about Paul's developing career, about Karen and her grandchildren. I think she wanted to stay in her home in Laurelton as long as she could but I'm sure she never regretted watching Lauren and John grow up.

What was it about Emma that attracted her so deeply to my mother? I think my mom enjoyed Emma's lack of sophistication and pretense. She was a strong woman whose life had been challenged by the early deaths of her husband and daughter. She was deeply caring: of her brother and of the seniors where she worked. My mother would have connected with these qualities and values. I think they had some good laughs together too.

Fondly,
Harriet (Heitlinger) Woodside

Emma was our neighbor in NY. When we first moved to the neighborhood,she made us feel welcomed. We used to talk over the fence to her and Steve. We missed her when she moved to CA. She was a wonderful lady with a great sense of humor. We will hold on to the memories and smile when we think of her.  Joyce & Eddie Bettis(Laurelton,NY)

I have loved Emma from the first time I met her in 1986. I considered Emma to be my mother-in-law as her sister had already passed when I became part of the Sutch family.  I have never had a better friend than I had in Emma.  We shared so very much together during all of our years together.  Happy and sad, never angry with each other, always supportive of each other. Laughing, crying, sharing books, recipes, stories.  It seemed we couldn't get enough of each other at times. I looked forward to our many visits and telephone calls during our 25 years together.  I will miss her presence every day but know Emma is where she wants to be, next to her beloved Kathy, David, Johnny, Liz, mother, father and Steve.  I know I am blessed to have had her in my life for as long as I have.  Now I have my guardian angel looking after me and she will never be far from me.  I will always love and cherish my Emma until the day God puts me with her again.

My prayers, love and sympathy go out to Paul, Karen, John and Lauren.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Emma Sawchenko

5 juin 1918 – 8 avril 2011

Eternal Hills Mortuary & Crematory at Eternal Hills Memorial Park

Montrez votre soutien

Envoyez Vos
Condoléances

Partager
L'avis De Décès

Obtenir les mises à jour

Prestations de Service