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Emma Milkeraitis Obituary

I feel so lucky. I get to write my own obituary and make my end-of-life decisions. It is fashionable to go kicking and screaming and fighting for every breath. Not me, I choose grace and dignity.

Several components of my heart failed. Many options were suggested to allow for some normalcy for living. Shortly after that I was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer.

How much effort do I expend to live another day? How many of my assets do I give for that day? I saw my future becoming filled with tests, appointments, and procedures. Whether it is 70 or 100 years - we only live for a flicker of time in relation to this earth. I went home and called a travel agency!

I ended up in Alaska because I would never miss an opportunity for adventure. The first time I put on skis was in Switzerland. In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a fellow befriended my friend and me. Later in his car we realized he was a militant with explosives in his trunk. After the initial shock, and a few glasses of champagne, we found him to be a very likeable and patriotic person.

Although I came from a very conservative background, my travels transformed me into the person I am today. Because of this, in my trust I stipulated that some of the money I leave be used for travel, with Alaska being the first trip. Hopefully traveling will convert all of my beneficiaries into tree huggers like me!

In my travels I have learned:

Greed and power are insatiable.

Don't leave anything undone. If you always wanted to jump out of an airplane or kiss an elephant - DO IT!

Make your end-of-life choices while you are able, with forward vision.

Support the arts in all forms; it is our communication to future generations. Unlike me, the arts will live forever.

Do not hang on to life; be remembered for the life you lived rather than as a burden in death.

No regrets and no scooter chair for me!

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Anchorage Daily News from Nov. 10 to Nov. 11, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Emma Milkeraitis

27 Entries

Deborah Olivo

November 30, 2012

I lived as her neighbor for many years and she was always so sweet and kind. Encouraging me to get involved in things. This year I have been doing more within my community and I am thankful for her encouragement. I will miss her stories and her joy to life.

Carline Buckley

November 30, 2012

This is the Emma that I have had the pleasure of knowing and growing to love. You remain resolute and steadfast even until death. I am so proud of you. You have moved on but you have left us much richer and happy yo have been a part of your journey. All my love ..

Carline

I love you Emma. You taught me so much in such a short amount of time. I will never forget you. Your beautiful and caring heart is contagious.

Hannah Lorenzen

November 28, 2012

Nancy (Faville) Wade

November 21, 2012

I also worked with Emma in the early 1990's at Alyeska Pipeline. She had a passion for protecting the environment, and was not afraid to speak out. I mostly remember the evening sightseeing flight she arranged for 3 of us to ANWR, just to see what it was all about. We landed near a herd of Musk Ox. She was a good friend, and I am glad she was able to end her special life in her own way with dignity.

Twila Bell

November 19, 2012

Did not know Emma but wish I had....she actually did what I wished I would do presented the same challenge. God bless her on her that eternal journey.

Chantel AK

November 18, 2012

I didn't know you Emma, but I sure wish I did! May this next part of your journey be just as amazing!

jack veit

November 18, 2012

I was fortunate enough to have met Emma at the Bartlett Democratic Club. She sold the tickets for the 50/50 drawing and always had to sit behind the speaker. I volunteered to sell the sell the tickets so she had a chance to enjoy a meal and listen to the speaker. I wish I had gotten to know her better. I know her pressence will be missed at the Bartlett Club meetings. She was a woman that had strong convictions and was not afraid to express them. I hope she found comfort and solace in her final days.

November 17, 2012

I had the pleasure of working with Emma as nurses for the state of Alaska .Emma was not only funny but a awesome person with a huge heart. Emma and I also volunteered for the campaign which she enjoyed. Emma will always be remembered. Long lives her memories.
Sonia Romain (Anchorage, Alaska)

Vicki Swanson

November 16, 2012

Emma and I worked for Alyeska Pipeline in the field - me as a Safety Specialist and Emma as a Technician. Both of us being one of the few women working in a predonimately man's environment and loving our work. Since my job consisted of lots of driving on the Haul Road and visiting Pump Stations on my 800 mile route, I spent little time in one place. So arriving at the Pump Station when Emma was on shift was a real blessing and treat. I had a woman to talk to who enjoyed life, had a great attitude, shared personal and global experiences and thoughts, and added sunshine to my 2-week shift. I am glad she was a gift to my life.

Alison Childs

November 13, 2012

I read obituaries as part of my job and this is the rirst time I've read one written by the deceased. I never knew Emma but I wish that I had. Her gusto for life and positive outlook are highly admirable. An inspiration to us all.

Michelle Meyer

November 12, 2012

Dear Emma, you were always courageous, fierce and "all in", whether volunteering on a campaign, making sure you nurtured my son's love of rocks, or being a friend. Thank you. I am a better person for having known you. I wish you a beautiful journey.

Laurie Sisson

November 12, 2012

I'm waving goodby, Emma. My first trip on my own was to Alaska to attend college. I agree. Bon Voyage. Love to your family.

Meredith Buchman

November 11, 2012

I worked with Emma at Alyeska Pipeline at Pump Station 1 in 1990. She was one of the few women technicians working there and was an amazing lady. She taught me so much in my first supervisor job. She is still teaching us all. She will be missed.

Pat Hood

November 11, 2012

I only wish Ms. Emma could have lived long enough to peak at my funeral. - Pat

Susan Klein

November 11, 2012

I knew Emma through a political campaign and enjoyed her and her humor. I think it was 2010 that I took her some ferns from my garden to plant and saw her again at her place later that year when she showed me where she had planted them. She was going to get more this year, but that never happened. At that time she told me of her cancer and she was going to just live her life as best she could until the end. Her obituary reflects the way she lived her life. I'm glad to have known her.

John Milkeraitis

November 11, 2012

Never wanted to say Good Bye,but in the end I got to say So Long I'LL see you soon. I love you. Your Brother

Diana Kuhns

November 11, 2012

Wishing you, Emma, peace & the opportunity to continue your gift of compassion & sharing with others in your afterlife. You certainly have impacted many lives ... Especially Jeremy's, mine & Boots! You will be missed, My Friend.

Diana Kuhns (Seattle, WA)

Mary Lou Comlin

November 11, 2012

I am a hospice social worker and am blessed to know people at the end of their lives. I never met Emma, but wish I had been fortunate enough to have that opportunity. Her words touched me so much. What a gem of a woman!

Dawn Furnish

November 11, 2012

I never met Emma, but happened to be reading orbituaries, and I was taken by the example she has set, I have always thought the same way as she about leaving this world, Best part is that she did do it her way...

L. A.

November 11, 2012

This woman rocks!

Kathi Detweiler

November 10, 2012

I am grateful Emma agreed to stay with our family in Michigan just a short 3 months ago. I learned emormous amounts of the Milkeraitis history within that short time. She taught my family that we always have a choice in how we live our lives, we need only to consider how committed we are to our cause, and accept the challenges that comes with those decisions. Emma remained strongly committed to her causes until her last breath was taken. She will be forever remembered as a fearcely- independent, strong, amazing, woman.

Gary Detweiler

November 10, 2012

I am so thankful for how things went for my Aunt Emma at the end of her life, especially her living with my family for a short time. I am glad she got to know my wife and kids a little better and they got to know her. You will be missed Emma. Love, Gary

Sandra Allen

November 10, 2012

Emma's obituary was in the Anchorage paper today. I never knew her but was deeply moved by her self-written piece and her outlook on life and death. So inspiring. Thank you Emma.

Barbara Carlson

November 10, 2012

I am so sorry to learn of Emma's fatal illnesses, but am glad that she got to make her own end of life decisions. I am grateful for this opportunity to write and hope that Emma's friends, family, and beneficiaries will see it. Emma volunteered with the Anchorage Coastal Beluga Survey in 2009 and graciously served on our crew at Ship Creek. This was a challenging year and Emma stuck it out with a small, but determined cadre. At an appreciation coffee for volunteers she once gifted me an out-of-print NOAA whale poster because she felt more people would see it if I had it. Emma testified passionately at the Anchorage public hearing to support the Designation of Critical Habitat for the endangered Cook Inlet beluga in 2010 at the Loussac Library. Emma lived life with great enthusiasm, and she will be missed. From Friends of the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge....

Gail Marriott

November 10, 2012

My aunt was a wonderfully independent person. I am so honored to have been able to live with her for several years after college and get to know her better. I am trying to honor her legacy of concern for our treatment of the earth and fellow human beings!

November 10, 2012

Thanks Emma. I willtry to honor your council. Love. Don

Bea

November 10, 2012

I didn't know Emma, I stumbled across her obituary on Facebook. I am an Alaskan and admire her choice to live her life, while she lived. I hope I have the guts to do the same. Thanks.

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