Emma Romano Sabella

Emma Romano Sabella, 93, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2007, at Woodbury Wellness Center in Hampstead.
Emma was born in Brooklyn, NY, on April 20, 1914, the eleventh of twelve children born to Giovani and Adelina Romano. The darling of her older brothers and sisters, Emma loved to swim and dance and in 1938, married Simon Sabella. Together they had three children and enjoyed 29 years of marriage before Sam's early death in 1967. Ten of Emma's brothers and sisters preceded her in death.
Emma lived her strong Christian faith by always reaching out to family members, friends, neighbors and anyone she encountered who needed a helping hand. She was a take charge kind of person who never gave in to self pity. After her husband's death, Emma challenged herself with a new job at Nikon Camera but still found time to organized frequent family reunions, volunteered at church and the local hospital, and knit afghans and slippers for all her children and grandchildren. She loved to travel. Emma enjoyed touring the continental US as well as Canada, Italy, Germany, England, Spain Greece, Holland and Hawaii.
In New York and later California, Emma guarded her independence, filling her days with work, exercise, enjoying grandchildren and leisure activities. She moved to Hampstead, NC in 1994, to live with her son, James, and his family, NC, quickly became her home thanks to numerous friends who opened their hearts to her. In 2002 Emma moved to Woodbury Wellness Center where many caring hands and kind words offered the support she needed as her vibrant life diminished. Her family is grateful to all caregivers including Hospice who offered professional and compassionate attention as Emma entered the last phase of her life.
Throughout life, Emma was sustained by faith in God and loved her family. She is survived by three children and their spouses: James and Kathy Sabella of Hampstead, NC; Robert and Joyce Sabella of Massapequa, NY; and Leslie and John Gilson of Huntington Beach CA. Emma took great pride in her 8 grandchildren and delighted in 12 great grandchildren.
Emma will be taken to New York for Mass of Christian Burial and interment. An announcement will be forthcoming of a celebration of life service at St. Jude Catholic Church in Hampstead.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice or the charity of your choice.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.andrewsmortuary.com.
A Hampstead Chapel Service.