Emma Louise Rosenfeld died at home of COVID-19 complications February 7, 2021, in Las Vegas. She was 88.

Emma, known by her middle name as Louise or Lou to her East Coast family and friends, is survived by three children: Erik Rosenfeld, of Melbourne Beach, Fla.; Beth Rosenfeld (Van Johnson), of Alexandria, Va.; and Steven Rosenfeld, of Las Vegas; and three grandchildren, Matthew, Sarah, and Hannah. Other survivors include two step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her husband of 53 years, Mitchell, and four sisters.

Emma Louise James was born February 28, 1932, in Collingswood, N.J. A long-time resident of the Philadelphia/South Jersey area, she served as a sales associate, model, and assistant buyer at the now-shuttered Philadelphia department store Strawbridge & Clothier and as a volunteer Girl Scout troop leader in Norristown, Pa.

After the family moved to McLean, Va., Emma assisted teachers by volunteering as an aide at her children's elementary school. She later resumed her retail career, becoming a sales associate at Woodward & Lothrop department store. Emma and Mitch retired in Florida, where they lived for 20 years.

Emma, who was devoted to her family, made friends everywhere she went. A fervent fan of all animals, she especially loved her family's dogs, rabbits, hamsters, and other critters. When she lived with her youngest son, she fed a convention of hungry quail most afternoons. The quail ran in her direction the minute she went out on the patio.

Independent, intelligent, and well-read, Emma Louise always managed to stay strong, even during the toughest of times. For example, despite having to use a walker toward the end of her life, she continued to cheerily serve beverages to fellow assisted-living residents as hostess of the facility's weekly happy hour. Even with a walker, she moved quickly, disappearing from sight — sometimes leaving her walker behind — if someone looked away for even a split second during shopping trips.

A talented cook and an ardent Nat King Cole fan, Emma also had a green thumb, with the ability to resuscitate any plant, no matter how forlorn it looked. She was particularly proud of her beautiful azaleas in front of her McLean home.

Emma's kind, generous, and gentle nature was evident to all who knew her. That nature was exemplified by the warm expression she used to describe her philosophy of life: "Be nice."

Smile, though your heart is aching

Smile, even though it's breaking

When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by

If you smile through your fear and sorrow

Smile and maybe tomorrow

You'll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladness

Hide every trace of sadness

Although a tear may be ever so near

That's the time you must keep on trying

Smile, what's the use of crying?

You'll find that life is still worthwhile, if you just smile

— Music by Charles Chaplin, Lyrics by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons,
Recorded by Nat King Cole

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 in West Laurel Hill Cemetery, Bala Cynwyd, PA.  A live webcast of the funeral services can be viewed here or on The Oliver H. Bair Company Facebook page.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to The Oliver H. Bair Co.  (610) 449-8585

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