Emma Tafolla San Filippo

In the song of life, Emma Tafolla San Filippo was surely the composer. A very observant woman who would rather spend her time creating than talking, Emma preferred to live in a world of harmony where everything around her made sense. A free spirit, Emma believed that actions definitely spoke for themselves. She was a woman who was always ready to share her creations with those around her.

       Her parents were Antonio and Maria Tafolla. Emma was raised in Nebraska and followed her parents to California as an adult. As a young child, Emma was optimistic in her outlook. She sought out the possibilities in a given situation and looked for ways to apply her creative energies.

      She was raised with 7 siblings. She had 5 brothers, Elias, Jesse, Raymond, John and Miguel plus 2 sisters, Alice and Ruth.

      Emma was exceptionally sympathetic and compassionate when it came to her children. She gave her family unconditional love and kindness, sharing her artistic nature. Emma was blessed with five children, two sons, Jose and Ricardo and three daughters, Elizabeth, Diana and Valerie.

Emma found her soul mate in Dominic San Filippo and they married in July 1969. She found so much happiness in everything they did and he was her rock. Dominic passed in November 2007 followed by her oldest son Jose in December 2007.

      Emma found ways to enjoy what she did for a living. She worked hard and did her best to succeed every day. In her early professional years, she was a Certified Dietitian and worked for several hospitals. Her primary occupation was as a seamstress. She owned and managed a custom drapery business in Pittsburg, California for 10 years with Dominic.

She retired in the 90's with Dominic. In retirement, she found new pleasure in making quilts for her family. She especially enjoyed family visits with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. They relocated from Pittsburg to Milpitas with daughter Diana in 2005. Emma's last three years were spent with her daughter Elizabeth in Fairfield. Emma had a pet named Lucy, a Malti-Poo dog. They were best companions for 1.5 years.

Her favorite pursuits were sewing and cooking. Emma was content to enjoy her hobbies and was also willing to share her interests with others. She enjoyed watching Oakland A's baseball, roller derby and wrestling with her husband Dominic. Emma seldom got away and was more of a staycation person. Many family vacations were spent in the backyard swimming and enjoying her cooking. Favorite travel memories included her honeymoon to Colorado with her husband Dominic, family trips to Los Angeles and Tijuana, cruise to Mexico and trips to casinos to play the slot machines.

      Emma passed away of heart failure on June 12, 2020 at Kaiser Hospital, Vacaville. She is survived by her brothers Raymond and John, her sisters Alice and Ruth, her children Elizabeth, Diana, Valerie and Ricardo, 10 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Services will be held in Lima Family Milpitas-Fremont Mortuary in Fremont, CA. Emma will be laid to rest in Lima Family Cedar Park, Fremont,CA

      Emma was a kind woman who leaves us with wonderful memories. She was a faithful, practical and loving person. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Emma Tafolla San Filippo.