Emma Jean Gaines

Emma Jean Gaines passed peacefully at home on March 5, 2023 at the age of 95 after a long life, well lived. Born Emma Jean Olivieri on June 4, 1927 in Bakersfield, she was the fourth child of Antonio and Josephina Olivieri. Emma grew up on the family farm, attending Fairfax Elementary school and graduating from Bakersfield High School in 1945.

She married John Stanley Archerd that same year and they settled in Bakersfield. Together they had seven children; John, Linda, Robert, Frank, Laura, Richard, and Kirk, before divorcing in 1961. Emma went on to raise her young family as a single mother and within a few years purchased her own home. She went on to become a seamstress, owning her own successful business making window treatments. Sadly, two of Emma's children, Laura and John passed in their childhood. As throughout her life, Emma showed strength as a mother and love to her family during these hardships.

Emma met and married Robert Gaines in 1963. With Bob's five children, they combined their large family. Emma spent those years working from home and raising the children. In the years following, Bob and Emma would travel as much as possible. It was common to see them loading up the kids in their camper or Winnebago coach and exploring sights across the United States including a trip to the Indy 500 one year. She also enjoyed going on cruises, traveling to Hawaii and Alaska, with her brothers and sisters.

Emma was preceded in death by her husband and sons; Frank, Richard, and Kirk. She is survived by son, Robert Archerd; daughter, Linda Smith; granddaughter, Jennifer Meyer; grandsons, Eugene, Mitch, and Michael Archerd; and great-grandsons, Ford and Dutch Meyer and Carson Archerd, Emma was able to enjoy time with her family and many who were made family through friendship and marriages. Many summers were enjoyed in her backyard and in the pool. Emma cared for so many through her life, with a spirit of strength and an open door to all. She will be missed and her family is thankful for her long life followed by a peaceful passing.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hillcrestmemorial.com for the Gaines family.