Emma Lucille Massey

Retirement simply gave her more time to devote to the things she loved most—sewing beautiful quilts, making handcrafted dolls, creating crafts, teaching others, and making her famous

homemade jelly. Her jelly became one of the many ways she shared her love. She happily gave jars away to family, friends, neighbors, doctors, pharmacists, and just about anyone she met. Whenever she met people, they knew Emma and were welcomed with a smile and remembered her generosity. She found genuine joy in helping others and asking for nothing in return.

Emma had a beautiful smile, a wonderful sense of humor, and a sweet, gentle heart. She was strong, determined, and resilient. Those who knew her also knew she could be wonderfully festive when the situation called for it. Her strength was evident throughout the last decade of her life as she overcame cancer, survived pneumonia twice, recovered from falls, broken bones, and countless health challenges with remarkable determination. Even through it all, she continued to smile, laugh, and care for those around her. Christmas was Emma’s favorite time of year. She delighted in making the holidays special for everyone and insisted that anyone who walked through her door had a Christmas gift waiting for them. The love she poured into her family during the holidays created treasured memories that will be carried forward for generations.

Emma’s legacy is one of generosity, perseverance, laughter, and unconditional love. She made people feel welcomed, valued, and cared for, and her family will forever remember her kindness, her strength, and the countless ways she made life brighter for those around her.

Emma is now reunited with her husband of 50 years Herbert A. Massey.

Emma is survived by her daughters, Sheri Midgley and Laura Aitchison; her son, Loren Massey; her grandchildren, Chad Midgley, Julie Pimentel, Michael Midgley, Ashley Massey, Ryan Massey, and Jason Santos; and her great-grandchildren, Joey Ramirez, Samantha Fu, Luke Santos, Bodi Santos, Taylor Midgley, Michael Midgley III, and Morgan Midgley.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at DeYoung Memorial Funeral Chapel, 601 North California Street, Stockton, California. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, an organization that was close to Emma’s heart through the family’s long association with the Shriners.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered with love. If you were lucky enough to know Emma, chances are you left with a jar of homemade jelly, a warm smile, and the feeling that you mattered.