With hearts full of love and faith, we celebrate the life of Emily, a devoted woman of God, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who was welcomed home by the Lord and the Blessed Mother she so dearly loved.

Born in Italy, Emily began her life’s journey with courage at a young age. At just ten years old, she traveled by boat to America with her sister Nancy. What began as an adventure—running freely around the ship—ended with seasickness on the final day of the three-day voyage, a story she fondly shared throughout her life. That journey marked the beginning of a beautiful new chapter in a country she would come to love deeply.

Emily embraced her new home wholeheartedly. She completed high school and began working at Cunningham’s in Detroit, where she met the love of her life, Tony. Though it was not love at first sight—Emily initially turned Tony down—his persistence and devotion eventually won her heart. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, love, and family, raising three beautiful daughters who would go on to bless them with four granddaughters and ten great-grandchildren.

A woman who truly loved life, Emily found joy in family gatherings, long conversations with friends, and chats with strangers who quickly became friends. She and Tony were proud members of the Italian American Club, where they spent countless happy days enjoying companionship, playing bingo, and proudly showing off their granddaughters.

Emily expressed her love through food, tradition, and generosity. She cherished cooking and baking, especially during the holidays, and could often be found working on crossword puzzles or shopping at Cantino’s Market—always making sure to buy extra pepperoni rolls so everyone could enjoy.

Above all, Emily’s greatest joy was her family. Her love was unconditional, her table always had room for one more, her cookie jar never empty, and her heart forever open. She delighted in sharing stories from her childhood and making every person feel welcomed and cherished.

Even on the darkest days, Emily’s smile shone brightly. Her gratitude was constant, her “thank yous” endless, and her hugs were filled with warmth and kindness. Her faith carried her through life, and her devotion to the Lord and the Blessed Mother was a guiding light she passed on to all who knew her.

Here to celebrate her life and carry on her legacy of love are her daughters Linda (Jerry), Janice (Clark), and Joann. Grand-daughters Shelly, Dina (Mike), Tara (Maya), and Leanne (Jay). Great-grandchildren, Brynlee, Ava, Carter, Dylan, Annalee, Max, Evan, Carson, Noah, and Nathan.

Emily leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, generosity, and joy. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit lives on in the family she adored and the countless lives she touched. We find comfort knowing she now rests in eternal peace, embraced by God and watching over her loved ones with the same love she gave so freely in life.

Visitation Sunday 2-8pm with a 7pm Scripture. Funeral Services Monday 10am at the John N. Santeiu & Son, Inc., 1139 N. Inkster Road, Garden City, Michigan 48135.

In lieu of flowers family suggests donatiosn to Capuchin Soup Kitchen.