Emma Guidry

Emma Guidry October 20, 1919 - July 17, 2013 Resident of Concord, CA Emma Guidry passed away peacefully on July 17, 2013 in her home surrounded by her loving family. Emma touched many lives in her 93 years and will be remembered by many as a gentle, caring, giving woman. Emma was born Irma Bastari in Shaw, MS to parents Vincezo and Palmina Bastari who had emigrated from Assisi, Italy in 1913. As a first generation American, Emma spoke Italian exclusively until the age of 7. She was raised on a working farm with her six brothers and four sisters. Emma moved to San Francisco at the age of 18 and held several jobs in the food service industry. Emma met US Navy Machinist Second Class, Cecil (Frenchy) Guidry, at a dance hall in San Francisco in 1943 during a brief shore leave. They were married 2 weeks later. Emma and Frenchy would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in October of this year. After they were married, Emma worked as a cashier for many years at Manning's Restaurant in San Francisco. She took great joy in raising her two sons, Paul and Gene. In 1964, Emma and Frenchy moved to Scotts Valley, CA where they lived until moving to Concord, CA in 1986. During their long life together Emma and Frenchy enjoyed traveling, fishing, frogging and catching crawfish. They were able to see 47 of the 50 states in their motorhome. Emma will always be remembered for her infectious laugh, fabulous cooking, canning and family gatherings which she truly enjoyed hosting. Matriarch of the Guidry family, Emma was survived by her husband Cecil of Concord, CA and son Paul Guidry (Rita) of Walnut Creek, CA. Grandchildren, Paula Ratto (Louie), Gina Domeniconi (Henry), Teri Campbell (Eric), Cindi Edelschein (Glenn) and Kim Ricci. Great grandchildren, Chris Taylor (Jennifer), Nick Taylor, Krystal Byard, Christiana Ratto, Courteney Ricci, Jordan Edelschein, Gianna Domeniconi and Conner Ricci. Great great grandchild, Madelynn Taylor. Sisters, Mary Bradshaw, Edith Cocilova and Clara Wright along with numerous other family and extended family members. Emma was preceded in death by her parents Vincezo and Palmina; brothers, Rigo, Tilio, Aldo, Amilio, Sam, and Cerro; sister Jenny and son Gene. A mass and memorial service will be held on Wednesday, July 24th at 11:00 at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church, 5562 Clayton Rd. Concord, CA 94521 for family and friends. A reception will be held at the church hall immediately following the service. A private graveside service and will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to Hospice of East Bay 3470 Buskirk Ave. Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 or to another charity of ones choice in her name. The family of Emma, would like to thank the entire staff of Hospice of East Bay for their kindness and care of Emma. We would also like to thank Marianne Breaux, her sister-in-law and friend, for helping us care of Emma during her last days.