Emma Julienne St. Onge

Emma was born on September 24, 1922 in Fall River, MA to the late Rhea Fonteneault and Donat Couture. She was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Paul Arthur St. Onge, two brothers, Norman and Rheal (Bill), and two sisters, Rita and Lorraine. Emma was the eldest of the five siblings and spoke fluent French from their French Canadian heritage.

Emma moved from Connecticut to Florida with her family in 1950 and lived in the Orlando area for 61 years, which were bisected by 10 years in St. Louis, MO where they moved due to Paul’s work.

Left behind to cherish her memory are her 7 children, Leo Paul St. Onge of Wexford, PA, Andrea Hunter of Winter Garden, FL, Mark St. Onge of Mt. Dora, FL, Alice St. Onge of Coos Bay, OR, Peter St. Onge of Kaneohe, HI, Linda Azamian of Laguna Hills, CA, and Kenneth St. Onge of Wildwood, MO and their families. Emma leaves 16 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great- grandchildren.

Emma and her husband Paul loved to travel all over the world enjoying many cruises and tours before his passing at age 86. She was an avid reader from a young age and loved to spend time with family going out to eat, watching movies, celebrating holidays and family milestones, and playing Scrabble. She always encouraged curiosity, study, hard work, and pursuit of what you love.

Emma was awarded Honored Senior Artist at the age of 76 by President Clinton in 1997. She received her formal education in art at Hartford Public High School from which she graduated in 1940. She taught all seven children and several grandchildren and great- grandchildren to paint. She said,”I would rather paint than do housework! If one of my paintings brings pleasure to just one person, it has been worth the effort.” She started a successful art business at the age of 83. Her numerous, varied and beautiful paintings grace the homes of family members, friends, and many others.

The funeral Mass is set for Saturday, March 27 at 10:00 at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Orlando, with Committal Service to follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Gotha, FL.