From The Daily Republic

Emilia Mary Luptak

June 7, 1922 — Nov. 28, 2013

Emilia Mary Luptak passed away on Nov. 28, 2013, at Kaiser hospital Vacaville, Calif.

An Elizabeth, N.J., native, she was born June 7, 1922, to Eastern European immigrants, John and Antonia Luptak. After high school, she moved to California, where she earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of California, Berkeley.

Emi leaves no family members, her only sister, a Catholic nun Sister Dolora of Staten Island, N.Y., died two years ago.

She spent her life as artist, poet, and teacher with a circle of friends from her neighborhood, church, students, teaching staffs and other social groups. Her recent caregivers all remarked on her ubiquitous smiles for them despite her discomfort.

Interested in the Japanese culture, she traveled there and learned the language, making many friends along the way. She sketched her way around Europe on summer breaks. Emi was seen out and about always wearing an interesting hat. She had to be around people and loved food and parties. She also had a love for cats.

A memorial Mass will be said at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 13, 2013, at Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church, 2700 Dover Ave., Fairfield, Calif., 94533, with a casual lunch to follow. All of her varied friends are invited to share their Emi stories and view what remains of her artwork in a setting Emi would appreciate – food and talk.  Interment will be at St. Andrew’s Abby in Valyermo, Calif.