Myra Edna Emerson

Myra Edna Emerson, 91, of Lancaster, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Just days earlier, she had joyfully celebrated her 91st birthday in the company of all five of her children and many of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Born on May 31, 1934, the daughter of William and Edna (Holly) Manson. Myra made Lancaster her home for most of her life. With her beloved husband Fred Emerson, she raised five children and built a life grounded in love, service, and devotion to family and community. She is survived by her children: Holly H. Emerson of Puyallup, WA; Roxie A. Severance of Whitefield, NH; Lorraine J. Emerson (Michael Dauphinais) of Westminster, MA; Tammy R. Lazott (William) of Lancaster, NH; and Mark M. Emerson (Teresa) of Lancaster, NH. She also leaves behind cherished grandchildren: Chris Severance of Sandown, NH; Belinda King of Nashua, NH; Kurt (Aly) Severance of Maynard, MA; and Amber (Martin) Culver of Whitefield, NH as well as 7 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her loving husband Fred Emerson, grandsons John and Michael Emerson, and her brother William Manson. Myra dedicated her life to serving others. She received two Governor’s Volunteerism Awards—from Governors John Lynch and Chris Sununu—for her tireless leadership running the Lancaster Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen. She was also a Girl Scout Leader, a devoted member of Christ United Methodist Church for over 73 years, and an incorporating member of Caleb Caregivers. A gifted seamstress and quilter, Myra poured her love into every stitch—creating and altering wedding and prom dresses for her family, and making hundreds of quilts for the Veteran’s Home as part of the Caring Quilters of Lancaster. Her desire to create quilts for others in need began in 2011, when she coordinated with her granddaughter's company to send quilts to Japan for those affected by a tsunami. In one of her final loving acts, she completed handmade quilts for each of her children and grandchildren, leaving them with a piece of her warmth and care. Myra also served for many years on the board of the Lancaster Historical Society and was a familiar, welcoming face at the Lancaster Fair, where she helped run the halls for countless seasons. She found great joy in baking, teaching her children and grandchildren to sew, and (to the delight of her family) could never resist bringing home more fabric. She was the fierce, loving matriarch of her family, passing down not just skills, but strength, humor, and an enduring sense of purpose. A celebration of Myra’s life will be held at Christ United Methodist Church in Lancaster, NH on Friday June 13th at 11 am. Calling hours are Thursday, June 12th, 5 - 7 pm, at Bailey Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Christ United Methodist Church General Fund or the Lancaster Historical Society. Her love and legacy will continue to live on in the many lives she touched.

Myra Edna Emerson

May 31, 1934 - June 8, 2025