Emma Jean Hemingway passed away peacefully in her sleep on the afternoon of January 28, 2023 at the age of 90.
Emma Jean Fulsang was born on March 31, 1932 in Chicago. She was one of seven siblings, six of them girls. Growing up during the Great Depression helped develop in her a strong sense of determination and purpose, in addition to her innate intelligence.
She married James Renker Hemingway in 1951, while he was serving in the US Navy. Jim survives her after 71 years of marriage. She was his soul mate.
Emma Jean is survived by her three daughters, Jacqueline, Susan, and Laurie, all of whom live in the Puget Sound area. She is also survived by one sister, Ellen Carter, five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.
Her early career was focused on bookkeeping and business administration. Later she became active in politics, and served as an administrative aide to the Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives. She also ran as a candidate for Illinois State Representative for her district in south suburban Cook County.
In 1985, Emma Jean and Jim relocated to the Pacific Northwest, joining two of their daughters who had relocated here. They resided in their home on Hood Canal Drive in Hansville for the next 37 years.
Leveraging her business skills, Emma Jean worked in the accounting department of the Kitsap County School District for several years prior to her retirement. She was also active and well known in the Hansville and Northern Kitsap community.
Emma Jean had many interests and hobbies. She was an outstanding gardener, with an in-depth knowledge of ornamental plants and flowers. She was also deeply interested in genealogy and did extensive research into both branches of her family tree. A voracious reader, she averaged reading a book per week all through her retirement years and was an active member of the local book club. Her love of games was shared by her daughter Laurie, and she was an avid and competitive Bridge, Mahjong, Scrabble, and Chinese Checkers player.
Emma Jean will be remembered for her strength, her intelligence, her quick wit, and her love of life, along with the love and support she gave to her family and friends. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
No services are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Emma Jean’s name to your favorite charity.