Emilie was born in Brattleboro, Vermont and adopted as a newborn by Coit and Emilie Ladd of Rutherford, NJ. She had 1 older brother, Robert, also adopted.
Emilie was lucky enough to know all 4 of her grandparents. Her maternal Grandfather worked for a NYC newspaper, and her paternal Grandfather was an episcopal minister for 25 years. Her parents had a place on Fire Island where they would vacation. Her earliest memory is of being pulled in a wagon going for an evening walk on the boardwalk.
Emilie went to summer camp every summer. She was a very active tomboy and loved climbing trees, playing all sports, walking on her stilts, playing backgammon, and cards. She did like her dolls and practiced the piano every day. She attended the Lincoln School, and later Rutherford High. She participated in plays and programs at the outdoor amphitheater and was involved in cheerleading, marching band, orchestra, girls’ sports, and chess club.
After high school, Emilie married William Ropp and they had six children together. After her divorce, she worked for 39 years at Methodist Manor in Branchville, NJ.
Emilie loved traveling and visited Europe, Scotland, Jamaica, and many States. She enjoyed knitting, reading, gardening, making jelly and green tomato relish, quiz shows, and word puzzles. Above all, she loved having her family!
Emilie is survived by her six children, Linda Chapter, Susan Burleigh, Emilie Austin, William Ropp, Donald Ropp, and David Ropp; her 12 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. Emilie is predeceased by her parents, Coit and Emilie Ladd; her brother, Robert Ladd; and her grandsons, David Burleigh, and Timothy Ropp.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.
A graveside service will be held privately at a later date.
