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Emma May Obituary
Emma May, 25, of Wallingford, passed away unexpectedly April 18, 2023 at her home.
Emma was born in Meriden on October 6, 1997, the daughter of Michael and Kathleen (Caputi) May.
Emma was a wonderful daughter, sister, and friend who touched the lives of those around her. She was a graduate of Lyman Hall High School and Vassar College, where she earned her degree in mathematics. Her love of mathematics continued after schooling through the tutoring and education of others. In addition to her passion for mathematics, she found great joy in pet sitting. She always had wonderful photos and stories to share of her animal friends.
Emma had many hobbies including playing video games, composing music, creating art, and reading. She was a very proud member of the transgender community and advocated for transgender awareness and rights.
In lieu of flowers, call up an old friend and check in on the people you love.
In addition to her parents, Emma is survived by her brother, Michael T. May and his wife, Alexandra Kaye, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Emma’s family will receive relatives and friends at The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 North Main Street Ext. on Saturday, April 29, 2023 from 1 pm until 3 pm. A celebration of her life will be held at 3 pm in the funeral home.
17 Entries
Ezra Goldberg
May 7, 2023
My condolences to the family and friends of Emma. I'm Ezra, one of Emma's housemates from Kingston. From April to November Emma lived with us, and she was such a light in the house. We'd play video games together, I made some gluten-free cookies and meals to share with her, and we would chat about being queer and trans, mathematics, and our day-to-day lives. Over the past few weeks I've really missed Emma. I didn't do a great job at staying in touch over the past year and a bit, but I loved seeing the photos of the puppies and cats she was petsitting, and listening to her music on soundcloud when she shared it online.
I hope Emma rests in peace and knows she is loved. Condolences again to the family, can't imagine what you are going through, just know that Emma spoke highly of you all.
Kristin Skuches
May 2, 2023
Dear May Family - I'm so saddened to hear of Emma's passing. I first met Emma as the Swim Coach at Foran HS. Our senior night was vs. Lyman Hall, and we acknowledged the kids from LH, as well. I remember being so impressed that Emma was attending Vassar - and such a force to be reckoned with in the pool - it was great to watch her career over the years. In 2018, my son would also attend Vassar and swim. It was great to see Emma's name on the record board. My son has had nothing but wonderful things to say about Emma. My heart goes out to all of you.
Carleen Lindsey
May 1, 2023
Dear Kathy, Mike, Michael and your whole family. Thank you for sharing your deeply moving and beautiful celebration of Emma’s life during her memorial. You filled my heart with love as you shared wonderful stories of joyful times together with her. I knew her personally as a happy little kid playing together with Michael when we all spent so much time together during her early years. I have been blessed to know your family since time before your little ones were sparkles in your hearts, Kathy and Mike. I mourn with you as a fellow parent and with you Michael, as I too lost a sister way before her time (only in my opinion of course). I hold them both in my heart with my loving God and wish peace and comfort to you all and thank you so much for the beautiful direction to stay close with our loved ones in lieu of flowers.
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Lisa Swanson
April 29, 2023
I was shocked and saddened of the passing of your daughter Emma. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
John Petro
April 29, 2023
Kathy and Michael, my deepest condolences at the sudden and untimely loss of your daughter. There are no adequate words to express the grief I feel for both of you and your son. You are in my thoughts and I'm here should you have need.
With deepest sympathies in love for both of you,
John Petro
Joan Bushey
April 27, 2023
Mike so very sorry for the loss of your daughter. You are in my thoughts prayers at this sad time. Joan Bushey
April 27, 2023
May Emma's Light continue to shine.
Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Vassar College
April 26, 2023
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics was very saddened to hear of the loss of Emma May. Emma was a real presence in the department during her years at Vassar. John McCleary, Emma´s major advisor, describes her work in mathematics as outstanding. Jan Cameron had Emma in an advanced course on real analysis and spoke of her real strength in communicating mathematics as well as her excellent presentations. Charles Steinhorn had Emma in an advanced course on mathematical logic where she wrote a near perfect final exam. Emma also worked hard as a grader for multiple courses, producing consistently excellent solutions to problem sets in a modern algebra class. She graciously took on extra work around the department by stepping up when one class was in sudden need of an extra grader in the middle of the semester. All of us who had her in class were impressed by Emma´s talent for, engagement in, and love of mathematics. Again, we are deeply sorry for her loss and send our sympathies to Emma´s family and loved ones.
Sarah Serkin
April 26, 2023
Emma was a beautiful individual who I was fortunate to have as a student for two out of her four years in high school and see her passion and ability in mathematics truly blossom. I was so proud of her journey both personally and academically. She will be greatly missed.
Moshe Cohen
April 25, 2023
In the summer of May 2018, Emma worked with me on mathematics research, and I remember how excited she was, staying later than other students working tirelessly on calculations. She saw connections the rest of us did not! We had many good conversations about music in the front seat of the van as we drove to and back from Burlington for a conference where she presented with the other students. I can share copies of this work, if you'd like. Later that fall, I introduced Emma to a colleague visiting from Queen's University, and I remember how interesting the conversation between them was!
Joe & Betsy Kaminski (Moodus)
April 24, 2023
To Emma's family and friends: We don't know you personally but we know your heartache. The obituary is moving and courageous. We support you and hope you'll accept this gesture of kindness and sympathy.
The Gallo Family (Wlfd swim)
April 23, 2023
Coach Kathy- The Gallo family sends our deepest condolences at the loss of your daughter. May her peace bring you and your family the same peace in her light. Andrea, David & Zoe
Bruce Marquardt
April 21, 2023
Mike - I am so sorry to learn about the loss of your daughter Emma. As you may remember, I had her in my Sunday School class. She was a great kid.
Leslie Spiars
April 20, 2023
I am so very sorry for the loss of Emma. She was so young and smart and kind. I pray we all find Peace by sharing memories, loving one another and continuing to fight for transgender rights in her honor. Please know you are not alone and please reach out at any time. I will reach out to an old friend or two and I will remember to check on loved ones in lieu of flowers and am so thankful for the recommendation. ♥
Jude and Rita Napierkowski
April 20, 2023
So sorry to learn of Emma’s passing. Thinking of the family and sending condolences.
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