Emily S. (Stevens) Willets

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Emily Stevens Willets, age 87, of Sewickley, on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at Masonic Village of Sewickley.

She was born in Steubenville, Ohio, on August 14, 1936, to Edward Dyer Stevens and Helen Williamson Stevens. Emily is survived by her children, Charles S. Cross of Baden, PA, Joan C. Queen (Norm Queen) of Swanton, MD, Mary L. Cross (Denice Roy) of Moultonborough, NH; four stepchildren; cousin, Mary Zipser; and a niece, Clara Bingham. She is predeceased by her husband Elmore A. Willets; son, Edward D. Cross; and her sister, Joan Bingham.

Emily moved from Ohio to Sewickley and attended Sewickley Academy before graduating from the Miss Porter’s School and Briarcliff College respectively.

Emily played the piano beautifully and loved to accompany carolers at Christmas time to everyone's delight! Music was just one of her many passions. She also enjoyed gardening and was involved with many of the area's garden clubs; her agapanthus was legendary, and her gardens were featured in the Sewickley Garden tour.  From the golf course to the tennis courts, Emily was a fierce competitor. She had a bridge table set up at all times and was always eager to beat you in a game of Scrabble. Most Sundays she could be found with her many reference books and the New York times crossword puzzle, which she completed successfully on many occasions.

Mostly, Emily cherished her family, friends, and was a beloved grandmother to her three grandchildren. Church was a constant in her life, and she was a devoted member of the congregation at Christ Church at Grove Farm, often offering her flower arranging expertise. After the death of her husband, Emily found a winter refuge in Florida and really enjoyed spending time near the ocean which she loved, having spent summers as a child on the shores of Cape Cod.

Our family is grateful to know that Emily is finally at peace.

There will be no funeral services at this time. However, a Celebration of Life for Emily will be held sometime in the spring. Arrangements are entrusted to RICHARD D. COLE FUNERAL HOME, LTD., 328 Beaver St., Sewickley, PA 15143. 

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