Emilienne E. Mulford's Obituary
Emilienne E. Mulford of Mid-Florida Lakes Yacht Club, Leesburg, FL, passed away on August 18, 2016, at the age of 92 in the loving arms of her husband. Emmy was born on July 11, 1924, in Yale, MI to Emile and Rachel Lemaire, and grew up in Rensselaer, NY. In 1938, when Emmy was 14, she met her future husband, Ralph Mulford, at a high school basketball game. During World War II, Ralph enlisted in the Army Air Corps and was stationed at the Pyote Army Air Corps Base in Texas prior to deploying to the Pacific Theater. On New Year’s Day 1944, aginst her father’s wishes, but with the help of her mother and best friend, Emmy travelled to Texas to be with Ralph. She and Ralph eloped on January 4, 1944, in Monahans, Texas.
Emmy had an adventurous spirit and was an avid traveler. She and Ralph travelled throughout the United States and Europe, as well as to Central America and North Africa. Emmy’s parents were French immigrants, and she had a life-long passion for French language and culture. Since moving to Florida more than 25 years ago, Emmy has been active with a French women’s group located in central Florida.
Arts and culture were an important part of Emmy’s life. She and Ralph spent many evenings Round Dancing and Western Square Dancing and enjoyed dancing weekends as well. Her other interests included decorating, gardening, cards, singing, and playing the organ and piano.
Emmy and Ralph were best friends and partners in life for more than 72 years, and she will be dearly missed. She and Ralph owned Rensselaer Appliance in East Greenbush, NY, where they also raised their family. In addition to her husband, Emmy leaves behind 3 children: daughter Kay Crandall (Preston) of Leesburg, FL, son Vincent Mulford of Hudson, NY, and daughter Cynthia Mulford (Roger Allen) of Castleton, NY. She is also survived by 3 grandchildren and their spouses, as well as 4 great-grandchildren. She was pre-deceased by her parents and younger brother Roland Lemaire. Emmy’s spirit of adventure, love of travel, and appreciation of arts and culture remain alive in her children and grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Mid-Florida Lakes Clubhouse on Saturday, August 27th at 1:00 pm. Friends are invited to attend and share memories of Emmy. Light refreshments will be provided. Flowers and memorial gifts may be sent to the Mid-Florida Lakes Clubhouse, 200 Forest Dr., Leesburg, FL 34788. Memorial donations may be made in Emmy’s name to The Villages Hospice House, 601 Casa Bella, The Villages, FL 32162. Arrangements have been entrusted to Steverson, Hamlin & Hilbish Funerals and Cremations, 226 E. Burleigh Blvd., Tavares, FL 32778, (352)343-4444.
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