Emily H. Vecella's Obituary
VECELLA, Emily H., age 87, of Islamorada, Florida and Kenwood, Ohio, passed away Wednesday, April 13, 2022.
Emily graduated from New Bern High School in New Bern, North Carolina. Following high school, she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Goucher College in Baltimore, Maryland. She attended and was an active participant in the Matecumbe United Methodist Church in Islamorada. She taught Sunday school and participated in numerous Bible studies, among many activities. In addition, she was active in the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). More recently, she joined the Madeira Presbyterian Church in Ohio.
Friendly, lovely, gracious, compassionate, and family-oriented, Emily was a true Southern belle, a proper lady, and was loved by all who knew her. Her hobbies included tennis, golf, reading murder mystery novels, taking overnight boat trips with her husband, traveling, and playing Bridge and other card games with friends. She was very outgoing and loved going out to eat, attending live performances and theatre, and listening to music. She appreciated art and loved to play the piano. Always spiritual, she read her Bible almost daily and assisted her church in many stained-glass projects, which ultimately led to the church being recognized on the Historic Registry for its beauty. She also adored the beauty and elegance of orchids. Even from her early days, especially when her kids were growing up, spending time in the Florida Keys was always a family tradition. The countless memories and days spent in Islamorada will always be considered some of her best. Along with her husband, she also established the tradition of getting her children and grandchildren together every three years for a family reunion. The reunions were always in a different location, which resulted in memorable trips to Hawaii, New Hampshire, Colorado, the Poconos, and other unforgettable locations. Emily always included custom-made t-shirts for the family photo that could not be forgotten each time they came together. Among many things, she will always be remembered for being a classy lady, especially how she always took the time to write beautiful thank-you cards for anyone or any occasion that she felt deserved to be appreciated.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank, in 2016; one son David Vecella, in 2008; her parents, William and Myrtle Hollister; and three brothers, Robert, William, and Gordon Hollister. She is survived by one son Frank (Pam) Vecella; daughter Cathy (Steve) Kramek; daughter-in-law Teri Vecella; five grandchildren Heather (Emil) Ziembo; Jennifer (Britt) Herron; Emily Vecella; Frank (Katryna) Vecella; and Ryan Vecella; and four great-grandchildren Eli, Sam, Holden, and Hudson.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, May 24, 2022, at Matecumbe United Methodist Church at 11:00 AM. A reception following the service will be at the Islamorada Fishing Club, starting at 12:30 PM. Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville, Ohio, is serving the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Matecumbe United Methodist Church in Islamorada. Condolences at www.stubbsconner.com.
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