GREECE, NY – Dorothy Emerson, 96, formerly of Eldred, PA, died peacefully on Friday, March 8, 2024, with family at Journey Home in Greece.

Dorothy was born on May 30, 1927, at her maternal grandparents’ home in Sheffield, PA. She and her family lived in Coryville, PA during her first nine years. In 1936, her family moved to Eldred where she and her younger sister and brother grew up; all three graduated from Eldred High School.

During high school, Dorothy worked as an usher in the town theater and at Anderson’s Food Market. Unbeknownst to her at the time, her supervisor at the food market would become her mother-in-law. She met US Army Tech Sergeant Walter Emerson while he was on leave from the fighting in Europe during World War II. After serving over three years in the European Theater, Walter returned to Eldred, and they were married on May 22, 1946.

Dorothy and Walter lived in Eldred for over twenty years and raised three children. They were active in the community and in St. Raphael Catholic Parish. Dorothy was a devoted and loving Mother; dedicated to raising their three children. Due to Walter’s employment, they eventually relocated to Maynard, MA; Keene, NH; and then Conklin, NY. As their children became teenagers and young adults, Dorothy enjoyed re-entering the workforce at ACME Electric in Allegheny, NY, Sears and Roebucks in Natick, MA, and Concord Laboratories, Inc. in Fitzwilliam and Keene, NH.

Over the years, Dorothy provided care for elderly family members and was always there to help sick or injured friends. She was an avid crafter and loved to crochet. All her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as many friends, and other family members, received a personalized afghan. She loved to bake and was always whipping up delightful treats for family and friends.

Upon retirement, Dorothy and Walter moved to Monroe, NC and enjoyed many years of lasting friendships and was actively involved in her community and church. In later years, they moved to Leicester, MA to be with their daughter, Deborah, and her family and other family members. For several years, Dorothy was Walter’s loving care partner. They celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary in 2014. After Walter passed in 2015, Dorothy moved to Greece to be with her son, Thomas, and his family.

Dorothy was predeceased by her parents, George and Anna Drabant; her husband, Walter; her younger sibling, Dolores Irwin; her granddaughter, Ann; and her grandson, Daniel.

Dorothy is survived by her brother, James Drabant of Locust Grove, VA; her children and their spouses, Thomas (Mary Ann) Emerson of Greece, NY, Deborah (James) Dalton of East Brookfield, MA, and James (Joan) Emerson of Biddeford, ME; seven grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.

A 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Tom Brown on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Saint Raphael Catholic Church in Eldred. Burial will immediately follow the Mass and will be in Saint Elizabeth Cemetery, Smethport, PA next to her loving and devoted husband.

Donations are suggested to either Journey Home, 994 Long Pond Road, Rochester, NY 14626, or your local hospice organization.