Nellie Emmi was longtime Downey resident

DOWNEY -- Nellie Emmi, a longtime resident of the Island neighborhood in Downey, passed away on Jan. 21 at the age of 88.

Nellie Emmi was born Jan. 5, 1928 in New York City. She is survived by her son Steven Emmi and his wife Bambi, her sister Angie Fusco and husband Pete in New Jersey, her brother Nick La Giglia and wife Mei in Hawaii, along with many nieces and nephews in California, New Jersey and Colorado. 

Nellie moved to California in 1948 after marriage to Thomas Emmi. In 1953 Nellie and Tom purchased a home on the Island in Downey where she resided the remainder of her life.

Nellie had two children Steven and Gerri. Nellie was a noontime cafeteria supervisor at the Rio Hondo Grammar School for more than two decades. She was also a seamstress who in her younger days often made her own clothes for herself and family.

She was an accomplished quilter and was an active member of her quilting guild. She was a long time member of the Happy Hookers, a crochet group, and also block captain for Unity in the Community in her neighborhood.

Nellie was a strong advocate for the rights of people with developmental disabilities and a supporter of The Arc Los Angeles & Orange Counties in Downey where her daughter attended their workshop for more than 30 years. 

Nellie was interned at Riverside National Cemetery after her funeral service at Our Lady of Perpetual Help church on Feb. 2.