Obituary of Emma Mortensen

Scotia- Emma Mortensen, 83, died peacefully in her home in Scotia on January 19. Her close family had gathered two weeks before to celebrate Christmas and her birthday with her.
Emma was born in Louisville, Kentucky to Lawrence and Lucille Gognat and spent much of her childhood in Bridgeport, Illinois. She graduated from Bridgeport High School and took classes at the University of Louisville.
In 1960 she met Walter Wayne Mortensen. Wayne and Emma were married the following year. In 1967 they moved to Scotia NY.
Emma worked as a clerk at Knight Orchards and enjoyed givingtours for school children.
She and her husband had strong faith and were long-time members of Calvary OPC.
She loved the Skating Dutchmen and held season tickets for Union Hockey since 1982. She was able to attend two Frozen Fours with her son.
She treated the first Saturday in May as a high holy day as she put everything else on hold to watch the Kentucky Derby. She always cried when they played My Old Kentucky Home.
Emma kept in touch with many long-term friends she met through square dancing, bridge playing, gardening, church, and her writing group. She could have let her “taxi license” expire when her children left home, but instead she continued to offer rides to medical visits, shopping, and church activities to her friends as they lost their ability to drive.
"Auntie Em" was a "Second Mother" to 27 nieces and nephews and many others.  She loved sending "thinking-of-you" cards and birthday greetings and attending family reunions.
She is survived by her husband, Walter Wayne Mortensen, a son, Mark (Joneen) Mortensen, grandchildren Christian (Jennifer) and Jamie, and her brothers William and Lawrence. Her daughter, Nancy (Mark) Lang, passed away in 2016.
Calling hours will take place Monday January 30 from 5-7 pm at the Glenville Funeral Home. A service will be held Tuesday January 31 at 11 am at Calvary Orthodox Presbyterian Church. There will be a time for visitation before the service starting at 9:30 am and a reception afterward, both at the church. A private burial service will be held at a later date at Park Cemetery, Scotia.
In lieu of flowers, please consider becoming a Second Mom to someone who needs one. It can start with something as simple as a hug, a smile, or a thinking-of-you card.