Emma S. (Stefanik) Grega

Emma S. Grega, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, was warmly welcomed into the arms of our Heavenly Father on Monday, October 3, 2022.  Emma was called from her earthly paradise to our heavenly paradise, to be reunited with her loving husband, John. Emma and John were married in the former St. John’s Nepomucene Roman Catholic Church in Freeland, PA, on December 30, 1950.  Emma and John celebrated many wonderful years of marriage. They enjoyed traveling, and often visited New York City, and their favorite tropical vacation spot of Waikiki.   

Emma was born in Sandy Run, PA, on July 8, 1928, to the late Anna Metro and John Stefanik Sr., and was the youngest of seven siblings, (Joseph, George, Thomas, Edmond, John Jr.  Martha and Emma).  Emma often spoke of her early years with friends and cousins, enjoying the meager playgrounds of the coal mining villages of Sandy Run, Sandy Valley, and Eckley, PA. She traveled the back roads on her bike with cousin Theresa, picking berries along the way, and spent many a Sunday afternoon in Hazleton with friends of the family. Emma moved to Freeland at the age of sixteen, with her mother and father. She took on a newspaper route, joined a local backyard pinochle group, and from there, many friendships blossomed. Emma traveled to Hazleton on the weekend buses for sewing lessons, and in tune with the fashion of the time, began sewing her own outfits.  She was employed at the local W.T. Grant store, the Elks Club bingo, and Shaun’s Woodworks. During the summers off from school, Emma enjoyed working at the Sea Bright, NJ resorts with her schoolmates. Emma was a wonderful cook and prepared many holiday dinners for extended family. 

Emma attended Sandy Run School from first to eighth grade, Foster Township Junior High School, and Freeland High School. She often spoke fondly of those years, of her teachers and mates.  Her school years cultivated numerous friendships, many of which lasted a lifetime. Emma enjoyed her involvement with the Freeland H.S. class of 1946 reunions and helped produce the 60th Anniversary documentary video of the affair, of which she was particularly proud.  She was a member of the MMI Ladies Auxiliary, from which her two sons graduated, contributed significantly to St. Ann’s cookbook, and was involved in many activities held by the former St. John Nepomucene R.C. parish.  Emma was employed at RCA, Mountaintop, and Bucilla handcraft industries.  Prior to her marriage to John, Emma resided in Lincoln, Nebraska while working as a secretary for State Farm Insurance. Emma was multi-talented in varied forms of artistry, including home design, photography, arts and crafts, card making, and many others. She possessed ambitious writing skills that provided opportunities for expression and friendships.  

Emma and John bought their retirement home in Naples in 1997, and cherished the abundant warmth, sunshine, and pleasant afternoons at the beach. Emma belonged to the Newcomers and Shells ladies luncheon clubs of Naples, Florida.  She had an endearing love of gardening. Several fruit trees she and John planted adorned their landscape. Emma remained in close touch with numerous acquaintances, friends, and relatives, from northeast Pennsylvania, Arkansas, Nebraska, Colorado, California, Hawaii, and Florida, throughout her lifetime. Surviving Emma and John are their four children, John Jr., Brooklyn, NY; Anne, Naples, FL; Mary Jubay, Sugarloaf, PA; Joseph, Weatherly, PA; and granddaughter, Auraleah, Luzerne, PA. Emma had a profound love of home and family, and enjoyed playful time with the family pets.  A private viewing and Funeral Service were held at the Damiano Funeral Home, McAdoo, and a Committal Service and entombment followed at Calvary Cemetery, Drums, PA.

May those who held Emma in kind regard, know that she remains close at heart, and forever a kindred spirit.  Those who wish to celebrate Emma’s life, may consider planting a tree in her honor, make a contribution to one of the many charities for the needy, animal rescues, or Hurricane Ian victim funds. 

Mother…your wings were ready, but our hearts were not.  May you rest in heavenly peace. 

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