Emma Joan Spees

Oct 2, 1932 -

Aug 15, 2020

Emma Joan Spees of Eagle River, Alaska, died peacefully on Aug. 15, 2020, at Marlow Manor Assisted Living in Anchorage, Alaska, at the end of a glorious summer day. A kind, loving, fun, smart and devoted partner to Bob, her husband of nearly 70 years; a dedicated mother to her three sons; "Mom Mom" to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a strong woman who broke down barriers and built a successful labor relations career in the engineering and construction industry, Emma was a true friend to all who knew her. Born on Oct. 2, 1932, in Philadelphia, Pa., to George and Edna Linz, Emma was the oldest of four children. She graduated from the Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls and later studied at the University of Pennsylvania. A true renaissance woman, Emma balanced family life in the early 1970s with a thriving career at United Engineers & Constructors while simultaneously studying in the evening at the Wharton School of Business. Emma broke ground by succeeding in an industry that did not traditionally include women and did so on her own terms. In 1977, Emma, Bob and family moved to Eagle River which has been their home for over 43 years. In Alaska, Emma was employed by the U.S. Census Bureau and believed in community involvement serving as a volunteer with United Way of Anchorage, as the State Chair for the American Cancer Society and also as a member of the Alaska Republican Women's Club. Emma was a devoted member of St. Andrew Parish and was instrumental in the Parish Ladies Group, Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Prayer Chain, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Vacation Bible School, Toastmasters for Teens and RENEW. Previously, Emma was a member of the National Association of Women in Construction, served as a Cub Scout den mother and belonged to the Huntingdon Valley Junior Women's Club. Emma deeply valued her family and friends and was caring, creative, resourceful and a warm and welcoming presence to all. Emma loved to read, garden and travel. Emma and Bob enjoyed adventures throughout the Lower 48 and Canada in their Volkswagen camper and visited all 50 states and every Canadian province, as well as spending extensive time exploring Europe. In her later years Emma experienced Alzheimer's disease, and was lovingly cared for at home by Bob, her devoted husband, until the very last days of her life. Emma briefly made her home at Marlow Manor where the incredible and caring staff offered additional assistance and comfort to her. Emma is survived by her husband of 69 years, Robert F. Spees; son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Lois Spees of Anchorage; son and daughter-in-law, Brad and Ruth Spees of Eagle River; grandchildren, Dorothy (Shanley) McCauley, Elliot (Andrew) Schmitt, Bryan Spees (Romina), Brendan Spees (Timber); and great-grandchildren, Killian and Ursula McCauley of Anchorage. Emma was preceded in death by her parents, George and Edna Linz; son, Robert F. Spees Jr.; sisters, Edna Smith and Joan DeRocini; and brother, George Linz Jr. The family will hold a private remembrance followed by a funeral mass at St. Andrew Parish in Eagle River.