Emilia Gem Allaire

Born on November 18, 1952, Emilia lived a life centered around family, faith, laughter, and the people she loved. She will be remembered with great affection by those fortunate enough to have shared in her life, and her memory will remain forever in the hearts of her family and friends. Emilia graduated from Tolleson Union High School and continued her education at Maricopa County Community College, where she earned her certificate in dental assisting.

For more than 20 years, Emilia served as the parish secretary at Holy Family Catholic Church. Her many years at Holy Family were an important part of her life, allowing her to serve her parish community and form lasting relationships with countless parishioners, clergy, and families. Through her work, Emilia became a familiar and welcoming presence within the parish and dedicated many years of her life to the church community she cared for deeply. Throughout her life, Emilia faced many health challenges, particularly in her later years. She met them with remarkable bravery and courage, never allowing the difficulties she endured to take away her ability to laugh, find joy, or look at life with hope.

At the heart of Emilia’s strength was her enduring faith in God. Through every challenge, she continued to believe, to pray, and to place her trust in Him. Her faith sustained her throughout her life and gave her strength during some of her most difficult moments. Those who knew Emilia will remember her wonderful sense of humor. She loved to dance, enjoyed trips to the casino—especially playing bingo—and loved gathering with family and friends for a game of Lotería. She also had a special love for her dogs and cats over the years, who brought her companionship and joy. She found happiness in music, celebrations, laughter, and simply having a good time with the people she loved. Emilia also loved to cook, and some of the family’s most treasured memories were made together in the kitchen. Each Christmas, making tamales has been a family tradition—one filled with food, laughter, conversation, and time spent together.

Emilia is survived by her husband, Lawrence; her stepchildren, Nancy and Robert; her father, Estevan Gem; her sisters, Cecelia (Gonzalo) Ortiz, Rachel Gem Lopez, and Caroline (Mark) Paxton; her nieces, Annette and Stephanie; her grandson, Robert Jr.; and her great-grandchildren, Victor and Jasmine.

She was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Frances Garcia Gem, whose memory remained close to her heart.Though her absence will be deeply felt, Emilia’s memory will live on through the family who loved her, the faith community she served, and the many lives she touched.

Services will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Tolleson, Arizona. The Rosary will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the Mass at 10:30 a.m.Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Family and friends are then invited to return to Blessed Sacrament for a reception in celebration and remembrance of Emilia’s life