Emma turned 100 on September 12. Her party is today. Emma actually predicted that this party would take place. Her parting words at her 90’th party were, “See you at my hundredth!” Not one of us in the room that day doubted her words. And here we are today, preparing to celebrate a century of Emma.

We’re part of Emma’s extended family. Families of son Peter’s Boston College crew that Emma gathered in fifty years ago and claimed as her own. The cottage was a gathering place during the college years. As the years went on, wives and children were added to the group.

So many memories. We were all in awe of her energy and drive. When most older people were settled in for the night, Emma would be out to dinner after a day on Old Silver, with plans to drive back to Taunton later that night.

Emma stories are part of our shared lore. Her delight in slightly off-color jokes. Her total pride in Peter, while insisting that any accomplishment of his would get no higher than an A- grade. Her happiness at Peter and Janet’s wedding. Her joy in having a granddaughter to call her own. Her firm belief in the church. Her dedication to her family, her job, and her various committees and charities and wide circle of friends. She did it all, and did it well.

Happy Birthday, Emma!