Emma was one of 7 children born to Walter and Ethel Lucas and raised in Alameda, CA. She had a long career working in a San Francisco brokerage firm and was very active in the YLI (Young Ladies Institute). She caught the eye of Robert H. Beland who was working for a different brokerage firm and an active member in the YMI (Young Men's Institute). Through some creative seating arrangements at a YLI/YMI conference in Tahoe, Robert was able to meet Emma and the two fell in love, eventually marrying and raising a family.
They moved to Newark, CA where Emma was active on the St. Edward's church and school board, room mother committee, class mom, Brownie/Girl Scout leader and famous for her St. Edward's Carnival Committee Planning and Alter Society Decorating. 14 years later Emma decided to return to the workforce when they relocated the family to Fresno, CA. She entered the insurance field at Benefit Administration and eventually retired from Blue Cross Blue Shield at the age of 75. While living in Fresno, alongside her husband, she volunteered at Poverello House, St. Vincent DePaul Society and was a member of the Knights of Columbus Wives.
Emma was a creative party planner and decorator who loved entertaining and gardening. She always said she did her best praying in the garden and the magnificence of the landscapes she created reflected that. She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, strength, infectious smile, her concern for making sure you had your coat, and something to eat, and her love of coffee and sweets. But, most of all she will be remembered as the wife and mother who would do anything for her family. Her passing has left a hole in the hearts of those she touched and loved.
Emma was preceded in death by her husband Robert H. Beland, son Robert H. Beland, Jr. Her parents Walter E Lucas and Ethel Lucas, sisters Dorothy Lucas, Marie Lucas, Helen Marich, brother Walter E Lucas Jr, brother in laws: Tony Marich, Salvador Spingola and Fredrick Beland. A niece Dorothy Marich and nephew Stephen Beland.
She is survived by her daughters Jeanette Beland, Andrea Marshall and Son in law Dr. Daniel E. Marshall. Her sisters Beverly Splan, Betty Spingola and Sister in Law Anne Beland. Nieces Claire Splan, Lauri Mari, Marie Tapia, Kerrin Beland, Kelli Proctor, nephew Tanjore Splan, and many great nieces and nephews. Grand children Chrissy and Eric McCormick, Sarah Linden and Luke Buckley, Michael and Angela Marshall. Great Grandchildren: Hunter and Hayden McCormick, Jayden Martinez Marshall, Noah Buckley, Tristan and Gemma Marshall.
Honoring her request and a promise to carry out her wishes there will be no funeral service, and only a private burial and mass. Remembrances may be made to the Poverello House or any Alzheimer's Foundation.
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