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Emma H. Reiss
August 2, 1923 ~ August 17, 2017 (age 94) 94 Years Old Light a Candle
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Message from David & Pascale Murphy
September 2, 2017 8:51 AM
To Emma's children and grandchildren --
I first met Emma with my mom, Jinny Murphy -- when Al and my dad, Bill, were at Whitney Center. I noticed at once the spark of intelligence and warmth in Emma's eyes as she cared for Al each day and buoyed my mother's Nordic moods. But at first I didn't notice what else was happening. That Emma and Jinny enjoyed each other's company, sympatico in the same foxhole, was plain enough. But there was more, I soon realized.
It wasn't until their husbands died, their wifely duties done, that their friendship bloomed in full. Lunches, museums, lectures, a couple trips to Naples, and above all the daily phone calls about life, family, gardening, art, politics and books. Emma brought my mom back to life after my dad died; she was so quick, gentle, perceptive and clear-eyed -- and interested, as my mom often put it, in "almost everything."
My mom isn't as clear-minded now as she was a year or two ago, and I feel badly that I was away on business when Paul so thoughtfullly called to let me of Emma's passing.
When I told my mom, her voice filled with emotion: "She was the best friend I ever had. I can't believe she's gone. We spoke every day, did you know that?"
That the best friend my mother ever had is a woman she didn't even meet until both of them were about 80 years old says it all as to how special Emma was. Can a life be lived more richly than still being curious and open enough to meet your best friend in life at 80? What a testament to Emma.
Our deepest condolences,
David & Pascale
I first met Emma with my mom, Jinny Murphy -- when Al and my dad, Bill, were at Whitney Center. I noticed at once the spark of intelligence and warmth in Emma's eyes as she cared for Al each day and buoyed my mother's Nordic moods. But at first I didn't notice what else was happening. That Emma and Jinny enjoyed each other's company, sympatico in the same foxhole, was plain enough. But there was more, I soon realized.
It wasn't until their husbands died, their wifely duties done, that their friendship bloomed in full. Lunches, museums, lectures, a couple trips to Naples, and above all the daily phone calls about life, family, gardening, art, politics and books. Emma brought my mom back to life after my dad died; she was so quick, gentle, perceptive and clear-eyed -- and interested, as my mom often put it, in "almost everything."
My mom isn't as clear-minded now as she was a year or two ago, and I feel badly that I was away on business when Paul so thoughtfullly called to let me of Emma's passing.
When I told my mom, her voice filled with emotion: "She was the best friend I ever had. I can't believe she's gone. We spoke every day, did you know that?"
That the best friend my mother ever had is a woman she didn't even meet until both of them were about 80 years old says it all as to how special Emma was. Can a life be lived more richly than still being curious and open enough to meet your best friend in life at 80? What a testament to Emma.
Our deepest condolences,
David & Pascale
Message from Carla Rizzuti
August 27, 2017 11:54 AM
It is with fond memories I send condolences to Emma's family. I knew her from Christ Church in Bethany years ago. She was a wonderful, kind soul. With sympathy,
Carla Rizzuti
Carla Rizzuti
Message from Betty R Goodwin
August 24, 2017 5:07 PM
Dear Reiss Family,
I am sorry to read about your mother.Emma she was a special woman who was friendly to all.iwas a neighbor for over 20 years. She enjoyed her garden and home.She always had a smile,and friendship to all.
Please accept my sympathy at this time.
With regrets,
Betty R. Goodwin
I am sorry to read about your mother.Emma she was a special woman who was friendly to all.iwas a neighbor for over 20 years. She enjoyed her garden and home.She always had a smile,and friendship to all.
Please accept my sympathy at this time.
With regrets,
Betty R. Goodwin
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