Elisabeth O. Emerson (nee Olness) died peacefully at home in Minneapolis, Minn., on November 30, 2017. She was surrounded by the loving company of her husband, daughters and eldest sister.
Elisabeth was born October 25, 1947, in Rushford, Minn. She lived on the family farm in Peterson, Minn., her entire childhood and graduated from Peterson High School (Go Tigers!) in 1965. She attended the University of Minnesota and earned BA of Child Psychology, Masters of Planning and Masters of Public Health. She worked for the City of Minneapolis as a draftsperson in the early ‘70s. Later she worked for Group Health and the Minnesota Department of Health. In 1996, she began her work for the World Health Organization (WHO), going from one global crisis to the next, aiding those affected. Countries include Bosnia-Herzegovina, Indonesia, East Timor, Thailand, Kuwait, Mozambique and Myanmar. Elisabeth really enjoyed this international work and being a benefit to children and families. She especially enjoyed her assignment for WHO at the United Nations headquarters in NYC.
Her greatest pleasure outside work was her tremendous love for her daughters and even more delight in having seven “Good as gold!” grandchildren. They were her heart and soul.
Survived by husband of 49 years, Alva W. Emerson of Minneapolis, daughters Erin Emerson Egginton (Ryan) of Minneapolis, and Saffron Emerson (Paul Broenen) of Cannon Falls.; seven grandchildren: Chase, Jonathan, Quentin, Sage, Kyrian, Lillian, and Ethan. Sisters Karen Olness (Hakon Torjesen) of Kenyon, Sigrid Kilcullen of Virginia state, and Julie Wright of North Carolina; plus a multitude of nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews and more.
She was preceded in death by parents Norman and Agnes Olness and beloved brother Andrew Olness.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial to the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota or the Elisabeth Emerson graduate fellowship at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 6 from 6-7 p.m. at Washburn Mcreavy Funeral Home in Edina, Minn., 50th and Highway 100.
Funeral with lunch will be Thursday, December 7, 11 a.m. at Minneapolis Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, 50th and Knox. Visitation will be one hour prior.
Interment will take place Friday, December 8 at 11:30 a.m. at Arendahl Cemetery in Fillmore County, Minnesota.
Please attend any of these events as you are able.