Julia May Emigh Fletcher

Long-time Ithaca resident Julia M. Fletcher died peacefully of natural causes on September 17, 2023 at the age of 97. She was born to Lora Finney Emigh and Charles Emigh in West Pittston, PA on May 20, 1926. For the past two-and-a-half years she was a resident of Our Lady of the Valley assisted living in Roanoke, Virginia to be near her daughter, Carol Fletcher. Julia was preceded in death by her husband Alan M. Fletcher (d. 2019) and her sisters, Ann Rivers and Connie McDaniel. She is survived by her four daughters – Anne Fletcher (Steven Gilbert), Carol Fletcher (Sam Yoculan), Cynthia Fletcher (Steve Braun), and Lois McFall (Stan McFall) – 10 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren, as well as by many nieces, nephews, and their families.

Julia received her Bachelor of Science degree in home economics from Juniata College in Huntingdon, PA . Before starting a family, she was a fashion buyer in New York City. In retirement, she took art lessons, which unveiled her incredible artistic ability. Julia will also be remembered for her remarkable piano playing, love of flowers and gardening, regard for antiques, restoration of their historic home on Forest Home Drive in Ithaca, seven wonderful years living in the Netherlands with Alan, and her love for her “four girls”.

The family wishes to extend sincere thanks to those who cared for Julia during the last years of her life including  the staff of Our Lady of the Valley assisted living and Good Samaritan Hospice in Roanoke, VA, as well the staff of Walden Place assisted living in Cortland, NY.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, is assisting the family.