Melvina M. Emerson, 90, of Burt Street, Taunton, MA, died on Friday May 30, 2014 at Longmeadow Nursing Home. She was the wife of the late David L. Emerson of 53 years. Born in Providence, a daughter of the late John and Eva Mazika who came to the United States from Lithuania, she had lived in Taunton since 1950.
Mrs. Emerson was a passionate horticulturist and spent many hours tending to her African Violets, Christmas cacti, crocuses, creeping phlox, and iris. She loved sunbathing, collecting beach glass along the Rhode Island shore, taking the bus to Providence, shopping at the old Outlet Department Store, making grape jelly and raspberry jam for Christmas presents, creating flower arrangements, and taking care of her many pets. She was an avid skier, often at North Conway, New Hampshire in her youth, later on the gentle golf course hills near her home, and met her husband on an Appalachian Mountain Club ski trip.
After graduating from Mt Pleasant High School in Providence in 1942, Mrs. Emerson worked for Atlantic Chemical Company prior to her marriage and relocation to Taunton in 1950.
She was a Sunday school teacher and longtime member of the Rehoboth Congregational Church, and in her later years devoted much of her time to biblical study with groups at the LaSalette Shrine. She was also a member of the Taunton Garden Club.
She leaves a daughter, Judith A. Emerson of Taunton, a son, Robert D. Emerson of Hopkinton, MA and three granddaughters. She was the sister of the late Ann Netsel and Mary Bain.
Calling hours will be held at the O’Keefe-Wade Funeral Home, 70 Washington Street in Taunton on Thursday June 5th from 5:30 – 7:30 PM. A memorial service will be held Friday June 6th at 11:00AM at the Rehoboth Congregational Church, 139 Bay State Road, Rehoboth, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations in Melvina’s memory may be made to the Rehoboth Congregational Church or to the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center, 281 North Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301.