Service Information
Emily Wilkins, age 91, of Glencoe, Minnesota, passed away Monday, February 5, 2018, at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, Minnesota.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, February 12, 2018, 12:00 P.M. (Noon) at Church of St. Pius X in Glencoe, Minnesota, with interment at a later date.
Visitation will be held Monday, February 12, 2018, from 10:00 A.M. -12:00 P.M., two hours prior the service at the church.
Obituary
Emily Theresa Wilkins was born on June 9, 1926, in Stewart, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Jeffrey and Mabel (Navara) Novotny. Emily was baptized and confirmed in her faith at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Stewart, Minnesota. She attended parochial school at St. Boniface and later graduated from Stewart High School with the Class of 1944. Emily furthered her education at the College of St. Catherine, graduating with majors in both Biology and Music.
On October 2, 1948, Emily was united in marriage to Raymond C. Wilkins at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Stewart. The couple made their home in the Glencoe community and through the years, three sons joined their family, Jeffrey, David and Mark. Emily gave piano lesson in her home and when her boys were all in school, she applied for and was accepted as the elementary school librarian. She enjoyed this position until she resigned 8 years later to teach piano full time at her home. Emily thoroughly enjoyed the one on one aspect of her teaching and literally hundreds of students of all ages came to her door. She continued to teach until an unfortunate surgery to her eye forced her to retire.
Emily served as church organist for over 50 years, playing for weddings and funerals throughout the area as well as for the weekly church services. She enjoyed playing Bridge, crossword puzzles, Sudoku, reading and needlework were her favorite past times. Emily liked to cook, garden and volunteering at Glencoe Regional Health Center for several years.
Emily passed away on Monday, February 5, 2018, at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, at the age of 91 years, 7 months and 24 days.
Blessed be her memory.
Emily is survived by her:
Sons - Jeff Wilkins of Glencoe, MN
David Wilkins of Golden Valley, MN
Mark Wilkins of Glencoe, MN
Grandson - Douglas
Sister-in-law - Rosemary Novotny of Oakdale, MN
Many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Emily is preceded in death by her Parents, Jeffrey and Mabel Novotny; Husband, Raymond Wilkins; Brothers, Paul Novotny and James Novotny.
Peg Hatlestad says
Mrs. Wilkins was the first person to inspire my love of music on a personal level. I have been a church organist/pianist for over 50 years and I think of her so often for lots of different reasons. She had such a quiet, gentle spirit and was always so kind, even when I hadn’t practiced. She is no doubt playing for the angels today. I appreciate the great gift she gave me and so many other piano students. Blessed be her memory!
Sarah Adelmann Spanos says
Emmie was my piano teacher, sweetest teacher ever. Please have some rainbow jello salad at her funeral, it was her favorite. I know because she asked me to pass it to her at my mom’s funeral thirteen years ago. Rest in peace gentle soul.
Tricia Ellis says
Mrs. Wilkins was such a dear. She taught me and five of my siblings how to play piano. I have such fond memories of Mrs. Wilkins. I remember she told to play as if I was painting a picture, I think that’s when it all clicked. I hated piano lessons at first. My mom, Bernice Ellis, forced us to all play piano from 1st grade unit 4th grade. I couldn’t wait for 4th grade. Then 4th grade came and because of Mrs. Wilkins’ positive influence I kept playing. I decided I wanted to be GOOD and from there we entered competitions. I am saddened to learn of Mrs. Wilkins’s passing. I know she touched the lives of many. I’m sorry that I am not able to attend the visitation for Mrs. Wilkins as I live in NYC but Mrs. Wilkins and her family will definitely be in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Tricia Ellis