Obituary of Emma J. Speidel

Emma J. Speidel, 92, a long-time resident of Alplaus, New York went to be with the Lord on August 3, 2018 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Emma was born on August 18, 1925 and spent her childhood in Schuylerville, New York with her parents and ten siblings. She was married for 52 years to the late Randall Speidel. She was preceded in death by her son, Randall Speidel, Jr. She is survived by two sons, Joseph Speidel and his wife, Penny, of Richmond, Virginia and Richard Speidel and his “better half”,  Betsy Cartin, of Schuylerville; daughter-in-law, Irene Speidel of Ballston Spa; six grandchildren (Lisa, Stacy, Thomas, Gregory, Melinda and Matthew); five great-grandchildren (Henry, Brianna, Catie, Mandy, and Thomas); two great-great grandchildren (Adalee and Paisley) her brother, George Biss of Chicago, many nieces and nephews, and her lifetime friend, Myrtle Bryce.

Emma was very proud of her family’s farming heritage.  After graduating from Schuylerville High School, Emma worked as a secretary at General Electric in Schenectady where she met her husband, Randall. Together they lived in Alplaus for more than 50 years. She was a teacher’s aide at Glencliff Elementary School until her retirement.

Emma was known for her love for her family and friends, her willingness to help others, her quick wit and sense of humor, and her passions for quilt making, needlework and many other crafts. She was also an avid collector of Madonna figurines.

Emma especially loved to travel in her senior years and took several trips to Europe to visit her parents’ birthplace in Udal, Slovakia. In recent years, she enjoyed family events in Arizona, Texas, Alabama, the Caribbean and a cross-country trip by train to the west coast.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to charities Emma supported, Catholic Relief Services or SmileTrain will be appreciated.

Funeral Services will be held 11 AM on Wednesday, August 8th at St. Peter's Church on Broadway in Saratoga Springs. Calling hours are Tuesday evening 6 to 8 PM at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd. Burial will follow Mass at St. Peter's Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at glenvillefuneralhome.com 

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