Emma Malcangi

Emma Malcangi, a longtime member of the Dansville Community, passed away on April 19, 2026 at the age of 90. Emma was born on February 19, 1936, in Lansing, Michigan. to Bernadino and Rosa (Agresti) who had emigrated from Andria, Italy.

Emma was predeceased by her parents, brothers James Malcangi, Vincent Malcangi, and Francisco Malcangi and by her niece Georgeanne Hoffman.

She is survived by her nephews Frank Malcangi, Gary Malcangi, Vincent Malcangi, Jr., niece Resa Malcangi, and several great nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Annette Malcangi, her close friend and confidant, Jean Crawford and several first cousins and their families in Italy.

Emma graduated from Eastern High School and received her associate’s degree from Lansing Community College. She started her career as a bookkeeping clerk for the Lyle Hepfer CPA firm. After that, Emma worked for Ingham County as a clerk in the 55th District Court in Mason, then with the Ingham County Prosecutors Office, and she retired from the Ingham County Friend of the Court. She was well known and cherished within the greater Ingham County community.

Emma seemed to know everyone; she loved to laugh and visit with people. She was especially known for telling off-colored jokes and stories. She enjoyed volunteering for judicial campaigns including those for Judges William Collete, Paula Manderfield and Rosemarie Aquilina. She also assisted with several of Diane Byrum’s campaigns. She was especially successful at obtaining coveted sign locations in addition to getting out the vote.

Emma built her home on her Dansville farm. She especially loved mowing the fields and plowing the snow. She kept her John Deere tractor in immaculate condition and referred to it as “her baby”.

Emma was fluent in Italian and proud of her heritage. She traveled to Italy over 25 times to visit her relatives there. In addition, she traveled to Spain, Africa, Canada, Mexico, and Portugal.

Emma’s world of friends included people she met through her woodcarving hobby which she honed for over 40 years, often taking classes with masters of the craft. She won many awards for her spectacular works of art with “The Chief” winning 2nd in Class out of 971 entries at the 2010 International Woodcarvers Congress. This masterpiece has been donated to the regional Resource Educational Service Agency (RESA). She also taught woodcarving in her home studio.

Emma strongly believed in the power of education and encouraged all young people to reach their full potential. To this end, she bequeathed an endowed scholarship fund at her alma mater. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Emma Malcangi Memorial Scholarship via the LCC Foundation, 309 N Washington Sq, Lansing MI 48933.

Visitation will take place at the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home in Mason, Michigan, on Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. A rosary will be said at 7:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am Friday at St. James Catholic Church in Mason on followed by a luncheon.