- Date Of Death: January 19, 2023
- State: Massachusetts
Emma loved her children and pushed for a good education for her children and herself. While working two jobs, Emma pursued her degree in pharmacology. The weight of raising four children and the determination to stay in a good public school system forced Emma to put her dreams on hold. Emma spent countless hours meeting with teachers, principals and administrators advocating for her children.
Emma was introduced to Buddhism in 1982 by her sister Stella and became an active member of the SGI-USA. The premise that all individuals possessed the power to change their lives in this lifetime resonated deeply. Emma embraced Buddhist studies and activities and fiercely believed in her ability to protect and encourage her children through diamoku. The chanting of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.
Emma’s Buddhist practice, strong determination, hard work and laser focus on education truly changed her future, the lives of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Emma was known for providing all of her children some fairly intense lessons, including teaching a child how to take someone down who was larger, teaching how to throw a punch, practicing CPR on baby dolls, basic dance lessons because rhythm doesn’t really come naturally, positive affirmations known as the “I am statements,” to counter the many facets in the world that would tell us what we were not, and perhaps her most famous – tongue fu, so we could always advocate for ourselves and our loved ones with our words.
Coming together as family was a priority for Emma. She always told her children, “you only have each other” and stressed the importance of keeping our family together. Emma discovered Oak Bluffs on Martha’s Vineyard. She loved the ocean, diversity and tranquility. It became and continues to be the family destination for vacation. Emma loved Ocean Park and sitting on the porch, watching the ocean and happy families.
Emma inherited from her parents a love of music and dance, she also inherited their good looks. Similar to her mother Clara, Emma was stunning. She was pursued by CEOs and multiple NFL players. Emma decided that she would never remarry. Emma’s external beauty was only ever overshadowed by her inner beauty and compassion.
Emma provided a safe haven and opened her home to foster children, unwed mothers, and foreign students. Emma believed if you could help, you absolutely should. A focus on compassion and support defined how Emma ran her household, how she defined her career and where she volunteered her time.
Emma served as the Director of the Cambridge Citywide Center for over 25 years.
Emma had an incurable illness that she battled for years. Emma departed this lifetime on January 19, 2023, surrounded by the love of family and friends. Emma is preceded in death by her mother Clara May Spencer, by her father Curtis Mays.
