Obituary of Emma Knight Gearhart

Emma (Emily) Knight Gearhart of Gowanda, NY, formerly of Belfast, ME, died Sunday, September 2, 2012 at her home in Gowanda. She was a retired village clerk for the Village of Farnham, NY, where she worked for several years. She was born in Manchester, NH, the daughter of the late Banfield and Doris (Robbins) Knight. She grew up in Belfast, ME, moving to the upstate NY area in the 1940’s. Emma enjoyed traveling and for many years during retirement she and her husband wintered in Florida in their RV returning to NY for the summer months. She was a self taught musician who enjoyed playing the guitar, keyboard, singing, yodeling, and performing in front of audiences with her husband and other fellow musicians. She had a quick wit and wonderful sense of humor and always could find a light side to most situations. She believed that was what kept he young. She will be remembered for her love of animals and providing a loving home for all animals she owned. She is survived by her husband, Harold Gearhart of Gowanda, NY, two daughters; Doris B. Cunningham of Belfast, ME, Patricia M. Ifkovich of West Seneca, NY; several stepchildren, grandchildren, step-grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She is also survived by a special nephew Richard Bierer of North Collins, NY whom she spent numerous hours helping live independently. Besides her parents she was predeceased by her sister Banette Bagley and her son-in-law James Cunningham. Because of her love of animals the family suggests memorials to your local SPCA or animal shelter. A memorial and interment will be held Friday, September 14, 2012 at 2:00 pm in the Hillside Cemetery (Upper Cemetery), Lincolnville Center, ME.