Emma Margaret Maraia

Emma Maraia (Irish) passed away on April 28, 2020 after a two week battle with Covid-19.  Emma was a longtime resident of Mt. Vernon, born October 26, 1935 in Brushton, N.Y. to James and Katherine Irish. Emma chose to be known as “Kim” and her early years were spent on the multi-generational Irish family farm in Moira, N.Y. James and Katherine would go on to have more children and Kim would be one of nine children. During the years of the second world war, the family would move to Mount Vernon, N.Y. and this is where Kim would settle.

On October 4th,1958, Miss Emma "Kim" Irish became Mrs. Emma "Kim" Maraia and is predeceased by her husband Anthony (Tony).  They are survived by their five children Margaret Morrison, Michelle Weber, John Maraia, Timothy Maraia, Tony (T.J.) Maraia; granddaughters Christina Maraia, Erica Tagley, Victoria Morrison; grandsons Michael Cortazzo, John Maraia, Anthony Maraia, Michael Maraia and her brother William Irish as well as many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to raising a large family, Kim would have a lengthy career as a Librarian at the Mount Vernon Public Library. She had a gift of being able to connect with children from all demographics and infected them all with her love for literature and the power of the written word. The amount of children she helped reach their potential is truly immeasurable. Even after retirement, Kim would stay active within the library, volunteering and assisting with book sales. Kim absolutely loved the autumn season of the northeast. She made an annual trip with her daughter, Margaret to Vermont during peak fall foliage and would attend the Sleepy Hollow Halloween parade with her children every chance she got. Kim was an extremely generous soul. In her younger years, she worked as a waitress and this experience never left her. She was notorious for over-tipping waitstaff, as she remembered all too well the struggles of earning a living in that line of work. Her sense of humor was sharp as a tack and her advice filled with compassion and sincerity. If there is one thing that could be said about Kim, it would be that she loved her family more than anything else in this world, and there is nothing that she would not do for them. Her heart knew no limits.

A memorial service will be held as soon as possible.

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