Emma Oronte

Emma Sorgi Oronte, of Norwell, passed away on May 10, 2018 three weeks short of her 99th birthday. Emma was a second-generation Italian immigrant, born in Bostons South End and was married in 1942 to Thomas Oronte also of the South End. They moved to Norwell in 1952 where Emma lived in the same house until her passing. She raised her family in Norwell and was an active member of the community involved in Boy Scouts, Little League, and was a long-time employee of Kresge Corporation. Emma was an accomplished baker and chef who specialized in novelty cakes and treats. Decades before it was popular, Emma advocated eating fresh fruits and vegetables. Emma was legendary among her friends, family and neighbors for creating various recipes from scratch. Everything tasted terrific and somehow there was always enough to go around. She was a talented gardener who acquired every sick and dying plant from neighbors, nearby nurseries, and the occasional unoccupied property, always nursing them back to health. Her gardens were convoluted combinations of tomatoes next to geraniums next to hot peppers, but everything thrived. She leaves a wake of wannabe cooks and gardeners attempting to emulate her success. Emmas energy and keenness for the little things in life will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know and love her. Emma was predeceased by her beloved Thomas Oronte. She is survived by a brother Peter Sorgi of Braintree, her loving children Thomas Jr. of Norwell, daughter Elaine Kennefick and her husband Stephen of Pembroke, daughter Karen Oronte of Hull, son Stephen and his wife Karen of Marshfield, son Eugene Oronte of Quincy, daughter Audrey Walker and her husband Peter of East Bridgewater. She is also survived by six grandchildren John Oronte and his wife Johanna of Cambridge, Mathew Kennefick of Wentworth, N.H., Sabrina Kennefick of Midlothian, Texas, Emerson Oronte of Boulder, Colo., David and Daniel Oronte of Hingham. Emma was a twenty-year cancer survivor and in keeping with her longtime message that she wanted flowers when she was alive, not when I die, in lieu of flowers, please send donations to American Cancer Society visit https://www.cancer.org/ Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visiting hours on Tuesday, May 15, from 4 - 7 p.m. at Sullivan Funeral Home, 551 Washington St, Rte 53 in Hanover. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 16, at St Helens Church, 383 Washington St., Rte 53 in Norwell. For directions and to sign Emma's online guest book, please visit SullivanFuneralHomes.com.