"My Aunt Jennie was a sweet, loving, compassionate woman who?s life was family first. She never had a bad word to say about anyone. She had the patience to teach me how to crochet and knit. She is the one that changed my bandage every evening after I was hit in the eye with a rock and had 13 stitches because my mother or father could not seem to handle any blood. She is the one that I ran to when I first started my monthly because I knew she would be home when my parents were not. Thank you Aunt Jennie for living just 5 houses down from me and being there for me when I needed you. Even though you had your own children you still had time to care for me when I was in need. In my book you.are a saint. ?"
In loving memory of
Jennie Emma
September 6, 1924 - May 12, 2020
Jennie Emma (nee DeRose), of Catalina Hills in Gloucester Township, born Sept. 6, 1924, passed peacefully at age 95, on the morning of May 12, 2020.
Beloved wife of the late Joseph P. Emma. Devoted mother of Joseph Emma (Beverly), Chuck Emma (Theresa), Ron Emma (Cathy), Donnalea Emma, Kathy Foglio (Richard), Paul Emma (Jill). Cherished grandmother of Melissa (Nico), Lori, Kristie (Mike), Jenna (Tom), Lauren (Alec), Mark (Jenn), Danny (Amber), Julia (Alek), Steve (Gennarose), Michael (Farrah), Nicole, Jayla, Jorden and great grandmother of Manny, Sean, Karlie, Brooke, Chase, Josephine, Nataliana, Dominica, Giabella, and Olivia. Dear daughter of the late John and Lena (nee Hepp) DeRose. Sister of the late John DeRose, late Charles DeRose, and late Carmela Kulitz (DeRose). Jennie was loved by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Jennie was born and raised in South Philadelphia. She worked as a secretary for the Draft Board of Philadelphia. Jennie married her true love, her one and only, Joe, in 1945. Jennie then found her true calling in life, as a mother and grandmother. She was devoted to her husband and 6 children. She was so sweet, and the most loving, caring and patient woman, and had never ending energy. She made a million meatballs and chicken cutlets in her time and thousands of pots of escarole chicken soup! She especially liked to read romance novels and baking, every Saturday morning. Her biggest enjoyment was caring for, feeding and playing games with her grandchildren. Music always filled her home, either Frank Sinatra on the turntable, or her family making their own. She smiled big and sang along when her husband and children would sing songs, especially, "When you're Smiling", "You are my Sunshine", & " All my Lovin" .
Due to the restrictions set forth by the State of New Jersey, a private viewing will take place at Gardner Funeral Home in Runnemede followed by a private entombment at New St. Mary's Mausoleum in Bellmawr.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you say a prayer for Jennie.
Tributes
"Chuck and all of the Emma Family, My sincere condolences to all. Your Mother was a sweet soul with an infectious smile.You were blessed with beautiful parents who created an incredible family.You can bury the heart but never the Love, Jerry Chambers "
"MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCE TO THE FAMILY. MAY THE GOD WHO BINDS UP THE BROKEN HEARTED AND COMFORTS ALL WHO MOURNING DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME "
"Jennie Emma was such a sunny person. Our beloved Catalina Hills neighborhood was so much closer with her loving presence. Our sincere sympathies, Rich and Doreen Salimena"
"Joe, Beverly, Sorry to read about your loss. Think about how long you had her in your life. How fortunate that was. You are blessed to be able to enjoy having a Mother to guide you. Our regards to all. Anne and Paul"
"When you arrive in heaven as God?s creation, I?m sure he will rally a standing ovation . Giving and caring all of the time , That stairway to heaven you have climbed. So sit back ,relax ,and enjoy the rest, Cause God knows on earth you were the best . We will miss you . Keep on smiling , RIP All our love , Terri & John "
"Chuck, my deepest sympathy for the loss of your mother. I hope the family embraces the feeling that her life was ?a life well lived?. I prayer has been said for Jennie. Dennis Cox"
"Chuck, my deepest sympathy for the loss of your mother. I hope the family embraces the feeling that her life was ?a life well lived?. I prayer has been said for Jennie. Dennis Cox"
"Mrs. Emma always had a smile whenever I saw her...the kind of person who made you feel that she was really happy to see you:) A sweet, lovely lady who will be missed by her loving family and friends. God Bless! Judy and Bob Drennen"
"Such a loving and caring woman. Mr. And Mrs. Emma touched my life in so many ways. Mrs. Emma you will be missed. God bless, Lisa Devine-Darney. "