The campus community mourns the passing of Kay Emery, 81, who died Sunday, July 27. Kay retired after more than 25 years of service to Bucknell as a custodial section supervisor.
I encourage you to visit our In Memoriam site to share personal notes of sympathy and remembrance with others.
On behalf of our entire University community, I extend our deepest sympathies to Kay’s family, as well as to all who knew her at Bucknell.
John C. Bravman
President
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Kay E. Emery passed away at the age of 81 on July 27, 2025, at the Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pa. Kay was born to Clyde Foust and Estella Trawitz on July 2, 1944, in Montgomery, Pa. Kay’s life was marked by dedication, love and service to those around her.
Kay’s life began in Montgomery, where she was raised amidst a large and loving family. She was preceded in death by her father Clyde Foust, her mother Estella Trawitz, her stepfather Howard Trawitz, her brothers Clyde Foust Jr., Wilbur Foust and Donald Foust, and her sister Patricia Rearick-Baumgardner.
She is survived by her husband Lewis Emery, her daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Kay’s memory will also be cherished by her brothers Wayne Foust, Russell (Barbara) Trawitz, Gregory (Wendy) Trawitz; sisters Bonnie Egizi, Susan (Gary) Leech, Crystal (Galen) Schmidt, and many nieces and nephews.
On Nov. 23, 1961, Kay married the love of her life, Lewis R. Emery. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams. Their union was blessed with two wonderful daughters, Pamela (Pasquale) Festa and Kelly (James) Hornberger.
Kay’s professional journey spanned 26 years at Bucknell University, where she made many lifelong friends and left a lasting impact. After her retirement, she continued to serve her community by working with a local church group, the Busy Bees. Kay was a woman of many talents and loved spending time with her family most.
Kay was a dedicated, supportive, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her joy was multiplied by the arrival of her grandchildren, Vincenzo Festa, Luigi Festa, Samantha (Shane) Apple, James (Emily) Hornberger, and great-grandchildren, Pasquale Festa, Alano Festa and Katness Apple.
A memorial service to celebrate Kay’s life was held on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, at 1 p.m. at John Shaw III Funeral Home, 801 Market St., Lewisburg, Pa., 17837.
Kay’s spirit will continue to live on in the lives she touched and the love she shared. As we say goodbye, we express our gratitude for the privilege of having known such an extraordinary woman. Her memory will forever be etched in our hearts.