Livonia, NY: Roma (Colburn) Emery, a true one-of-a-kind and pillar of her community, passed peacefully on April 26, 2022. Born to Charles and Lela Colburn on June 27, 1934, she is predeceased by her loving husband Richard, with whom she shared a wonderful life. Roma impacted countless lives throughout her career as a teacher and was admired for her commitment to the community. She was a great teacher, mentor, and friend, and the greatest mom, grandma, and Gigi. She loved to travel, play cards and other games, and attend movies and Broadway musicals. Above all, she loved spending time with her family. Roma is survived by her daughters; Suzanne Emery, Michele (John) Coakley and Pamela Noveck; grandchildren, Amanda (Tim) Ulm, Ashley Coakley, Andrea (Michael) Golder, Tess, Alexis, and Eric Noveck; great-grandchildren, Rowan, Alexandra, and Liana Ulm, and Michael Golder III; sisters-in-law, Ruth Sidorowicz and Sandi Emery; numerous nieces and nephews, and friends galore.
Family and friends may call on Friday, May 6th, from 3pm – 7pm at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., 21 Big Tree Street, Livonia, NY. Private family service and burial to be held at Union Cemetery, Livonia. Where Roma went, fun followed. Please join us in celebrating her life at the Avon Inn Grand Ballroom, 55 E. Main Street, Avon, NY on Saturday, May 7th, from 1-4 pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the United Methodist Church of Livonia, 21 Summers Street, Livonia, NY 14487 or the Dick and Roma Emery Memorial Scholarship, PO Box 191, Livonia, NY 14487. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
I student taught with Roma in 1970-1971, or so, in fifth grade in Livonia. She was the most inspiring teacher/mentor that I could have ever had. I loved how she brought fun into every lesson and everyday. I’ll never forget her singing “Jeremiah was a Bull Frog” to the kids, it definitely brought joy to the students and provided a good study break. I went on to become a teacher, teaching 2nd grade for 3 years in New York and 5th grade, my most favorite grade ever, for 17 years in Texas. Even though I never saw Roma again after we parted, we still kept in touch with Christmas cards and those newsy Christmas letters. I was afraid something was wrong when I didn’t get her card this year, hence I am late in find out. She was indeed a wonderful lady, teacher, and I know she was a great mom and grandma as well. She will be missed by all.
Mary Sue (Gage) Brown
Plano, TX
Condolences to the family. Roma and Dick were Livonia icons and wonderful neighbors to us on Kensington. We miss them both, but happy that they are now reunited in the Kingdom of Heaven.
We are so very sorry to hear of Roma’s passing. What an incredible lady she was! She loved life and loved her family. She always made us feel welcome. We feel lucky to have known her – she will truly be missed!
To the entire Emery family: So very sorry over the news of Roma’s passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
To Suzanne, Michelle, Pam and families:
Sending my sincere condolences for your loss. Roma was so much a part of so many people’s lives. She was the consummate party planner and created fun wherever she went. Her smile was a ray of sunshine to everyone around her. You all are fortunate to have shared so much of her life and understand what beautiful messages are being sent upon her passing. No doubt she has already planned events with the angels. What a lady! My fond memories, love and sympathy are sent to all of you.
What a amazing lady ! She was so loving and witty ! She treated Courtney like her own grand daughter and I will never forget that ,not having any family here . Everyone that knew her loved her . My deepest sympathy to all of her family .
Mrs. Emery was my 5th grade teacher at Baird Rd Elem. in Penfield. She was the best teacher, ever–firm but kind. She was a colleague of my aunt, Melba Williams, and they were the inspiration for me to become a teacher. She made being in school fun and we all wanted to please her.
What a wonderful lady!
We are so sorry to hear of Roma’s passing…sending Hugs to the entire family. Roma and I shared many laughs and of course our love of People magazine! I miss her lunch visit and our talks. We have so many fond memories celebrating with them at the horse races too…I think the best part was listening to their funny banter and stories! Your parents were amazing and loving people. We were so lucky to have them as neighbors and friends not once but twice
My 5th grade teacher! I still remember her walking in our classroom & dancing down the aisles & singing “Ease on down the road…” bc she had just seen the The Wiz & was very excited. She was full of energy & her classroom was very entertaining & fun! I enjoyed having her as a teacher. She will be missed. Best wishes & comfort to her family. Amybeth
I send my sincere condolences to Roma’s family. Such a wonderful community giver and fun uplifting woman. With Best Regards,
Kate Kingsley
Geneseo
Roma was one of my favorite people, and a great friend to my parents Walt and Helen Murphy. My sympathies to you all, and, by the way, great obituary!
What a wonderful lady Roma was. My sincere condolences to the Emery family.
Roma was an exceptional human being, full of life and love. She played a mean game of euchre, told a great story, and filled any room with fun and laughter. My thoughts are with you Suzanne, Michele and Pam. Thanks for sharing your parents with the whole town of Livonia.
A good neighbor, a fun friend and a devoted mother and grandmother. She will be missed!
To the Emery Family, my sincere condolences. My trips with your Mom and Dad – especially Ireland, Scottland and England were a high point of my life because your Mom and Dad made it so much fun. I can’t think of Roma without hearing her say, “I’m going to have as much fun as I can, as fast as I can.” What a wonderful example she set of how to fearlessly embrace life. Your Mom and Dad are pillars of the community that we will never see the likes of again.
May God bless you all with loving memories and thank you for generously sharing your Mom and Dad with the rest of us. I’m happy for your Dad that they are together again.
Lou Murphy
To Susan, Michelle ,Pam and Ashley
So very sorry for your loss.
our deepest condolences to you all. Had your mom in grade school, she will be missed by all that knew her. She was a great influence to many.
To all the Emery Girls,
My heart breaks for you all! Thank you for all the laughs in our past. Your Mom was one of a kind. Whenever I saw her she made me feel special. I loved going to water aerobics to see her smiling face and hear her funny jokes. I’m thinking of you and praying for you. My Sincerest Condolences
To all of Roma’s family ,
We are saddened to learn of Roma’s passing . Roma was one of a kind …fun, energetic, loving , and dedicated to her family, friends , the Livonia schools , and our community. Whether you were blessed to know her as a fellow educator, neighbor or friend working on Garden Club gardens and projects , her enthusiasm for life and love of her family shone through. Suzanne, Michele and John, Pam and all Roma’s family … our condolences, prayers and love go out to all of you.
David and Mary Jo Dussault
So sorry to hear about Roma! Wonderful teacher and friend. She will be missed so much!
My sincere condolences to Roma’s family. I enjoyed working with Roma for several years, while we were in the Livonia Garden Club.
She always had a smile on her face and often volunteered to host gathering and made a positive contribution to the club’s initiatives.
She definitely made a difference in many peoples lives. children and adults. .
Rest In Peace Roma
So very sorry to hear of Roma’s passing. She was always a joy to see. Great sense of humor and so observant of everyone around her. She gave so much to the Livonia community. She will be missed by all.
Oh my goodness you daughters’ of Roma, where to begin!!! So much of my young life I was fortunate to be around both your Mom and Dad. Roma always had a beautiful smile and her lovely voice I hope to always hear in my mind.
I recall when she was first a mother living on West Avenue. For some reason I see a carriage and two little fancy dressed little girls by her side!
I will never forget the parties she threw. I wasn’t there, just heard about them when someone, stopped for coffee with my Mom.
Roma was always one of the “girls” who travelled to Oswego to watch musical theatre that my brother Tim directed. She was always a supporter of Tim and he always enjoyed her… Who didnt? !!! Roma was a treasure and I personally will miss her, she had such a joy of life and all of us benefited from her enthusiasm.
I loved the Emerges so much our little town of Livonia will miss them!! There are few of their caliber left in this world.
I send my love to you all and know the stories you already know and new ones you hear will help you get through not only the near future but in the years to come.
Love always,
Barbara Gene
Roma was my teacher for the year that we had too large a class and we – her class kept the same instructor -Roma- and we all rotated our room. I was a different and interesting year. I know she will be missed by many.
We are sending our sincere condolences to Roma and Dick’s family. I am very upset I didn’t get a chance to talk with her after she moved. I received a lovely Christmas card. She was a wonderful neighbor I only knew for 1 year, but touched our hearts. From day 1 she brought over muffins on our moving day. I felt like I knew her all my life. I will miss you sweet Roma. I will have a tea party with my family in your honor.
Oh how my heart breaks for Roma’s fzmily and all the Emery’s who have said farewell to a marvelous woman. She was a great neighbor who knew how to share her love of family and friends. While the earth moirns the loss, the Heaven rejoices in its gain.
Michele, Suzanna, Pam, John and family,
I am very sorry for your loss. Mrs Emery was an excellent teacher and long-time paper route customer. Sending prayers and thoughts to you all.
I am so so sorry for your loss. I am heartbroken as she was my mom’s best friend and as a child growing up she was like a mom to us. We had so much fun on West Avenue playing in her linen closet and banging on the piano downstairs. Memories I will never forget and always cherish. I now have peace knowing she is with my Mom,Bob and Dick.