Kay Emm

We honor the life of Elizabeth ‘Kay’ Emm, age 65, whose earthly life ended Saturday, October 28th, 2023, following a courageous battle with cancer. 

Kay was born on November 4, 1957 and was a lifelong Streator resident. She was the daughter of Robert G. ‘Bob’ and Elizabeth ‘Betty’ (Petro) Norris. She grew up on Monroe St and always felt a strong attachment to her childhood home.

Kay graduated from Streator High School and later married her husband, Phillip Emm. They enjoyed 39 years of marriage until his death on April 13, 2018. Kay and Phil welcomed a daughter, Erin Elizabeth, born in 1979.

Kay held various jobs over the years. Her happiness though was found in gardening, crafting, and cooking. She loved canning and making delicious Czechoslovakian foods passed on from her mother and her Baba. 

She loved collecting things, especially unusual antiques, and historical objects. She was active with the Streator Hobby show for many years with her parents. She was a talented and creative soul. Kay was artsy and also known for her beautiful calligraphy and unique handwriting. 

Kay’s favorite holiday was Halloween. More than anything, she took delight in haunted tales and spooky places. She was passionate for all things paranormal. For years she and Phil would transform their yard into a scary scene, even dressing up in the creepiest of costumes to scare up the spirits. All who knew her will remember her spooked facial expressions and infectious laugh, especially on Halloween.

Family and friends describe her as a spunky, artsy, funny, loving, feisty, driven, and passionate person. Kay enjoyed times spent with friends, long phone conversations, and watching late night scary movies. She loved her pets, being outdoors in her yard and garden, and could craft a great story to tell.

She was a unique person and will be missed by many.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Erin (husband DJ) Marconi of Streator; a granddaughter, Macie Marconi, a sister, Sandra ‘Sandy’ (Norris) (husband Terry) McGuire of Beloit, WI; sisters-in-law, Judy (Marco) Norris of Ottawa, IL, Patricia (Stasko) Emm and Linda (Emm) Rapson of Streator, a very dear Aunt, Dorothy Swital of Streator and several nieces and nephews. Kay leaves behind her beloved dog, Otis, and her cat, Sable. 

She was predeceased in death by her parents; her husband, Phil; and a brother, Robert ‘Bob’ L. Norris.

Following Kay’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. A celebration of life will be held at a later date with burial of ashes in Riverview Cemetery. Hagi & Schultz Funeral Home, Streator is entrusted with arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Family, which will donate to Streator’s local animal food drive (Streator Helping Pets) on Kay’s Birthday, Nov 4th, in the City Park.