Emma Lourdes Serrano Meza

Emma Lourdes Serrano Meza, age 78, passed away the evening of April 11th, 2020. Born to the late Richardo Serrano and Clarita Canoza, on March 26, 1942 in San Ildefonso, a province of Bulacan, Philippines.

Emma was a scholar who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry at the University of Santo Tomas. She left the Philippines in 1967 to pursue her American dream, being the first in her family to migrate to the United States. Emma went on to receive two graduate degrees from Polytechnic Institute in Brooklyn, NY.

In 1969, Emma met Manuel Meza at S.B. Penick Pharmaceutical Company. They had two children together. While pursuing both degrees Emma maintained a demanding career as a Chemist Supervisor at Lederle Laboratories while raising her two children as a single mother. She fulfilled her lifelong dreams and felt most at home here in Suffern, NY. She was a devoted member of the Sacred Heart Parish and volunteered within the community. Emma was a dedicated and loving mother, grandmother and friend who helped many pursue their own American dream following in her footsteps. She always put others before herself and never asked for anything in return.

Emma is survived by her siblings Felicitas, Jesus, Fortunato and Priscilla, her two children, Deogene Meza and Lina Claire Meza, 5 beautiful grandchildren, Gabrielle, Benjamin, Sophia, Mason and Ryder. Known to so many as “Mommy Emma”, especially to her beloved niece, Alexa Rae Cruz. “Mommy Emma” will be missed every day but will forever live in our hearts with all the memorable moments she blessed us with.