Searching for a spotlight

Former resident Emma K. was born in a shadow as the youngest of eight children but found her spotlight in the South Port community. Although born and raised in Pennsylvania, Emma moved to Florida in the mid-80s hoping to experience better weather and a fresh, new atmosphere.

Before moving to Port Charlotte, Emma worked as a secretary throughout her life. Growing up in a large family, money was scarce and she pursued a business secretarial track as higher education along with her older sisters, although her true passion lied in music.

Emma was an accomplished musician who fell in love with the piano thanks to her family of musicians who helped hone her craft all her life.

“I can remember her playing so distinctly. She always said that if she had truly gone to college she would have majored in music,” her niece, Karen Neidert said.

Emma’s older brother moved to Port Charlotte in the 1980s due to his instrumental part in helping West Virginia Wesleyan College form a branch in Port Charlotte geared towards educating adults. Many of his siblings, including Emma and her husband Bob, followed along and also moved south. Never having children, Emma lived with her husband until he became sick with Leukemia in 1997. Emma then moved to the independent living sector within South Port Square where she resided in good health for two decades, until March of 2020.

“She really loved it at South Port but she would always talk about how she missed Bob. They had a really close relationship and a great marriage. He was only sick for about a year and a half so he died rather quickly leaving everyone surprised,” Neidert said.

Although suffering the loss of her husband, Emma was an active member of the community, taking full advantage of the amenities a close-knit community like South Port offers. She was able to become independent and make many friends and memories. Her family recalls uncovering square dancing costumes in her apartment closet, demonstrating Emma’s lively and active personality.

Emma was exposed to coronavirus in March and sadly passed away peacefully shortly after. Although appearing to make up only a small part of a large family, Emma’s legacy remains big in the minds of many.