Celebrant Pam Meily Vetter


	Celebrating Life Everyone Has A Story...

Emily Mae Sullivan was born in Stanbury, Missouri, in 1918, to Clara and Albert Sullivan. Emily came from a large family with eleven siblings. There was always someone to play with and she had a good childhood. Emily lived through the Great Depression and appreciated everything she had in life. Survival instincts required during the Depression started a lifelong habit of saving things and canning fruits and vegetables so there'd always be enough to eat. Her father worked as a carpenter and farmer, while her mother raised the children. When her father passed away in 1948, her mother shared a strong example by raising the children on her own. Emily also inherited her mother's strength of character. By high school, Emily was on the debate team and enjoyed reading books. She went on to graduate from Warsaw High School. She quickly earned a position as a teacher and enjoyed children so much.

Emily also found true love in Mahlon Woirhaye at home in Missouri. When he moved to California to work as a gear maker with Western Gear, he sent for her and she joined him in California. The couple married and was blessed with three wonderful children: Mahlon Jr., Catherine and Donna. It was very difficult for everyone when Catherine passed away at 15 months of age from pneumonia. It proved to be one of the hardest parts of Emily's life.

Emily focused on her children and had great pride in her family. She was really involved with her children's lives. Beyond that, she worked by providing childcare out of her home. She had ten children plus her own to care for most days and she was good at it. Later, she worked for the State of California running her own Unemployment Office. Emily was an open book. If you asked her a question or you needed her to listen, she was always there for you. Everyone in the neighborhood was also welcome in their home. Emily was so happy to welcome 7 wonderful grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren into the family. Always the caretaker, Emily cared for her husband Mahlon until the end of his days in 1986.

Family was very important to Emily. She spent enjoyable times with Mahlon Jr. and his children Mahlon III, Warrick, Brendan and Loren. Emily Mae was also extremely close with Donna's children: Dwayne, Christine and Shelley. Emily was the matriarch of the family. She lived so close to the family that her grandchildren could visit anytime, the door was always open. There are many memories of times spent at the family cabin by Green Valley Lake and water skiing at Clear Lake. She also enjoyed snow skiing in the winter. Shelley, who lived with Emily for a year, remembers how much Grandma Emily loved taking Hot Air Balloon rides at 5 am. She had the energy to get up early and live life to its fullest. Emily Mae went on to marry a second time. She met Loren McGaha and fell in love. The couple was married about seven years before he passed away from cancer. Emily was by his side until the end. She was the caretaker to so many.

Emily will be remembered for the way she lived her life. Despite living with cancer for the last six years of her life, she continued to be energetic, loving, nurturing, affectionate and cared for others with a generosity of spirit. She inspired the next two generations to be happy with everything they have in life. She taught others about appreciation and gratitude. Emily Mae always told her family, "I love you." She absolutely believed in God, heaven and reincarnation. In the end, she comforted her family and prepared them for her passing. Emily's purpose in life was to share her positive attitude and instill others with confidence. She was proud of everyone in her family. Emily Mae will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Memorial donations are welcome in her name to the American Cancer Society www.cancer.org.