Emma Grace (Rixey) Lambert, 92

November 28, 2023

Emma Grace (Rixey) Lambert, 92, of Lancaster, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2023. Born in Jacobs Creek, PA, she was the daughter of the late John A. and Olive B. Rixey. She got married in Winchester, VA in 1953 to Charles W. (Chuck) Lambert, and they lived in Bordentown, NJ while he was in the army. After moving back to western PA to start a family, they relocated to the Millersville area in 1959. She and Chuck, who predeceased her in 2021, were married for 68 years.

Emma was the first in her family to finish high school, graduating in the Class of 1949 at Monessen High School. She worked as a waitress at Johnston’s Restaurant, and then later as cashier for Arlan’s, Mailman’s, and Maxwell’s. Music was important to her. She played trombone in the school band, and she also played the piano. Her favorite song was “Silhouettes on the Shade,” which she played and sang to her grandchildren.

Emma’s home was always open to her ever-growing family. She hosted many holiday and birthday gatherings throughout the years. She loved to cook for these, and she was famous for her potato salad, apricot cookies, and pizzelles. She kept the house immaculate, and she made sure that Chuck kept the yard carefully tended.

Emma spent countless hours with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and she always had a welcoming lap to rock them and read the “I Spy” set of books. Board games with the grands was always a big hit, with Hi-Ho! Cherry O being a favorite.

Emma is survived by 4 children: Richard Lambert (Jean), Diane Barlieb, Charles H. Lambert (Annette Auchter), and Linda Lambert; 8 grandchildren: Laura, Katie, John, Melissa, Kelly, Jessica, Julia, and Krista; and 8 great-grandchildren: Penny, Allison, Sarah, Leila, Cameron, Dwayne Jr., Des’ree, and DaShae. She is also survived by her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, James and Verona Lambert. She was predeceased by her sisters: Thelma, Viola, and Ethel; and brothers: Roy, Charles, Ben, John, Lewis, Clarence, and George.

A time for friends and family to gather will take place from 10-11 AM on Friday, December 29, 2023, at Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, 441 N. George St., Millersville, PA 17551. A memorial service will take place at 11 AM with interment at Millersville Mennonite Cemetery to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in Emma’s name can be made to Hospice & Community Care, 685 Good Drive, Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604.