Emilie Lillian (Klein) Federkeil

Emilie Lillian Klein Federkeil, 79, of Strongsville, Ohio, formerly of North Hills, Pittsburgh, died April 15, 2021 at her home. Born July 7, 1941 in Shaler Township, Allegheny County, she was the daughter of Joseph F. Klein, Jr. and Elnora Reeg Klein. She was baptized, confirmed, and attended St. Luke’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bauerstown. Emilie graduated in 1959 from Shaler High, where she was a National Honor Society student and an enthusiastic majorette.  She married her soulmate, perfect match, and beloved partner, Eugene J. Federkeil, on December 29, 1961, and they were inseparable until his sudden death on November 21, 2009.  After moving to Ohio in 1966, Emilie and Gene had spent their life turning a brand new house into an immaculate, organized, comfortable home of their dreams, which they only left for short holiday visits to their folks in PA and a few memorable vacations abroad.

Emilie had a quick, sassy wit and a boisterous laugh; she was a great conversationalist who wasn’t afraid to share her opinions or sage advice (“Listen, now, listen to me…” was a favorite phrase). She constantly gathered news and information from the radio and TV and was blessed with a keen memory; she was knowledgeable on a wide variety of topics from politics, animals, sports, music, history, celebrity news, travel, mechanics, household tips, food, horticulture, health—you name it, and Emilie was up on it! Conversely, she was “Old School” when it came to modern technology: she didn’t drive, nor own a microwave, computer, cell phone, or even an answering machine.  From a young age, Emilie had a flair for fashion and was always impeccably groomed and tastefully attired, yet she was an extremely hard worker who wasn’t afraid to tackle dirty jobs inside or out (donning gloves to protect her beautifully manicured hands, of course!) She was a meticulous homemaker who enjoyed cooking and decorating and was an avid flower, fruit, and vegetable gardener who lovingly displayed gorgeous blossoms and also preserved each harvest for later use. A diehard Cleveland Browns fan, Emilie was in her glory this winning season for the first time in decades; but she still held a soft spot for her hometown Steelers when they weren’t playing each other!  She was also very loyal and caring and took great interest in the happenings of her family and friends, utilizing her impeccable record keeping skills to punctually send cards and notes for every holiday and important life event. Lastly, and most notably, Emilie was a private, proud, strong-willed, fiercely independent lady who didn’t like to ask for aid or favors, or to inconvenience others; if she was absolutely unable to perform a necessary task, she didn’t hesitate to hire a professional. After Gene was gone, her concerned family initially encouraged her to move back to PA, but she was vehement about staying in THEIR home. So for the past 11 years, we have marveled at her resilience, fearlessness, ingenuity, determination, and grit, attributes we never imagined she possessed—well, you showed us, Auntie Em!

Surviving are her brothers, George D. Klein (Patricia) of Valencia, and Joseph F. Klein III (Marjorie) of Butler; her brothers-in-law, Richard Federkeil of Prospect, and John Federkeil (Janet) of West Mifflin; and nearly 90 nieces, nephews, grand- and great-grand nieces and nephews.

Her family would especially like to thank her devoted and caring driver, helper, and friend, Edward Schunn, who was a true Godsend to “Ms. Fed” these past few years—a blessing on wheels! 

Friends of Emilie Lillian Klein Federkeil, who died Thursday, April 15, 2021, will be received from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 25, at FOX FUNERAL HOME, 410 W. Main St., Saxonburg.  A brief service will be held immediately after at the funeral home with Rev. Brian Bocian of St. Luke Lutheran Church, Cabot officiating.  Interment will be private in Allegheny County Memorial Park.

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