Marlene Emms

Marlene Elizabeth Emms, 68, of Lee’s Summit, MO passed away on September 8, 2018 at home surrounded by her family.

Marlene was born on September 5, 1950 in Cape Town, South Africa. She completed her primary schooling at Queenstown Girls Home. Furthering her education, she attended East London Nursing College and obtained her Registered Nursing degree at the age of 20. Marlene continued school by attending Mowbray College of Midwifery, which was a two year program and obtained her Mid-Wife diploma. Next she sought her post graduate degree in Community Health from the University of South Africa, which was a four year program that she was enrolled in full time, but still managed to work full time at night during her studies. Her career path led her to obtain her nursing licenses in South Africa, England, Wales, and Australia; as well as, Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, and California in the United States. She retired from John Knox Village after a 19 year career, ending that career as a Registered Nurse Supervisor in April of 2018.

Although education and her career were important to her, she did meet the love of her life in Charles Emms. Charles and Marlene wed in 1977 in Peti, South Africa, sharing that marriage and love for over 40 years and to this union, they welcomed two daughters: Elizabeth and Caitlin. Marlene will be remembered for enjoying music, movies and reading, along with a love for the beach. To say she will be greatly missed by those who knew her, is an understatement as her personality and smile will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

Marlene was preceded in death by her mother, Katherine. She is survived by her husband, Charles Emms; her daughters: Elizabeth (Aaron) Butler and Caitlin (Paul) Maxwell; her 5 grandchildren; her sister: Delyce Thomas; her two brothers: Allan Sandham and Gene Sandham; and many extended friends and family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Gibson at 1801 NW Killarney Ln, Lee’s Summit, MO 64081, on Wednesday, September 12th beginning at 7:00 pm. Please come by to share your stories of Marlene with the family. A special thank you from the family is extended to the staff of Village Hospice for the love and care that you showed to Marlene over the past few months.

Please note there is parking across the street from the side of their house and at Presbyterian Church next to their house if you need.