WESTFIELD – Susan Skinner Emery, 81, (1944-2025) of Westfield, MA, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2025, at Hospice of the Fisher Home in Amherst. Born on March 30, 1944, in Springfield, MA, she was the daughter of the late Arlan and Clara Skinner. She grew up in Belchertown, MA, with her beloved sister Jane.
A cum laude graduate of Springfield College, Susan taught Physical Education and Science in the Westfield Public Schools for nearly four decades, retiring in 2003. She was a teacher who made learning fun and inspired countless students. She mentored new teachers throughout her career and later supervised student teachers at Westfield State University.
A devoted Boston Red Sox and Celtics fan, she never missed a game. When the Sox broke their curse with the 2004 World Series victory, she celebrated with a solo midnight bike ride around her neighborhood. She also made many yearly pilgrimages to Florida for Red Sox Spring Training, a tradition she treasured.
Creative and generous, Susan was known for her baking, sewing, theorem painting, and especially the 100-plus jars of homemade jam she and her sister Jane made each year as gifts for friends and neighbors. She also loved Broadway musicals—especially Les Misérables and The Phantom of the Opera—and always looked forward to chair yoga with her YMCA friends.
She treasured her family, her wide circle of friends, and her community and church, where she served as a deacon and volunteer. She had a way of making everyone feel cared for, whether it was driving a fellow church member to an appointment, helping to plan a fundraiser, or simply showing up with a plate of cinnamon coffee cake. Of all her roles, though, she was most proud of being “Mimi” to her five grandchildren, and nothing brought her greater joy than celebrating their accomplishments and cheering them on.
She is survived by her daughters, Holly Lurgio (Peter) and Meredith Hofmann (Eric); her grandchildren, Colby, Patrick, and Michael Lurgio, and Emery and Clea Hofmann; and her sister, Jane Skinner Ketchen (Greg). She was predeceased by her long-time cherished friend, Jim Shea. Her family is deeply grateful for the tender care she received at Bronson Rehabilitation Center in Westfield, Mary’s Meadow in Holyoke, and Hospice of the Fisher Home in Amherst, as well as to all the friends who visited and sent cards.
Calling hours will be held Wednesday, September 24, 2025, from 4–7 p.m. at Firtion Adams Funeral Home, 76 Broad Street, Westfield, MA. A funeral service will be held Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 10 a.m. at the Second Congregational Church, 487 Western Avenue, Westfield, MA. Friends are invited to wear their favorite Red Sox apparel or something red in her honor.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of the Fisher Home (Fisherhome.org), the Jimmy Fund ([email protected]), or a cat rescue of your choice.
