She was born on February 14, 1914, in Chateaugay, New York, the daughter of Edward A. Perks and Persis E. (Stanley) Perks.
She was brought up by Harry and Esther (Perks) Rex, her aunt and uncle, after her mom passed away in 1915.
She spent most of her lifetime in Lake Clear and Saranac Lake, New York, and three years in Vermont. She married Adrian A. Donaldson on October 26, 1935, in Saranac Lake, NY. She then became a housewife and mother to their five children.
She was predeceased by her husband of 61 years on December 10, 1996.
She is survived by two daughters, Beverly J. and Robert Bruce of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Carol A. and Brian S. Howes of Moretown, Vermont. She is also survived by three sons, Roger A. Donaldson and his companion Marion Callahan, Richard A. and Aleitha R. Donaldson, and Robert A. and Deborah J. Donaldson all of Lake Clear, New York. She is also survived by 19 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
Emma was predeceased by her mother and father, her Aunt Esther and Uncle Harry (a.k.a. Mom and Dad Rex), two brothers, Charles F., and Clayton E. Perks, and three sisters, Clara Marshall, Hazel Darrah, and Louise Cosgriff.
We would like to thank the staff at Woodridge Nursing Home, especially everyone on the Evergreen Unit for the care they gave to Mom while she was a resident there. Also thank you to Dr. Karen Endacott and Dr. Timothy Wargo for their care given to Mom.
Calling hours took place at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake, NY, on Tuesday April 10, from 6 to 8 p.m. A funeral service took place at the funeral home at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 11, 2007, with the Rev. Merry Waters officiating. Burial followed in Mountain View Cemetery in Gabriel's.
Friends wishing to remember Emma may make memorial contributions to the Saranac Lake Volunteer Fire Department or the Mad River Valley Ambulance Service, Inc. in care of the Funeral Home.
