Emma Stefano

Emma Nicholasa Di Stefano, born on December 23, 1933 in Manhattan, NY, passed away on November 18, 2019 in San Antonio, Texas at the age of 85.  Emma is preceded in death by her husband Joseph Di Stefano, her parents Victor and Gloria G. Cordero, her brothers Victor II and Joseph Cordero, and nephew Victor Cordero III.  She is survived by her sister Dora E. Otero; sons Joseph K., Augusto A., daughter Marisa; daughter-in-law Darcee L.; grandsons Michael A., Christopher M., Matthew J., Brendan B.; granddaughter Gianna K.; and great granddaughter Crystal Gandara.

Growing up in New York, Emma attended the High School of Fashion Industries, enjoyed dancing at the Palladium Ballroom with her younger sister Dora and friends, viewing films with what became her lifelong friend Lydia Graham, and visiting Birdland jazz club with her husband Joseph and listen to live music from musicians like Tito Puente, whom they knew.  In addition to these pursuits and in the course of her life, Emma worked as an accountant at Rush Enterprises and RAFB, a child day care facility and Bexar County Women’s Shelter, and as a telephone operator in New York with AT&T / Southwestern Bell.  Her priority was her family and the raising of her three children Joseph, Marisa, and August; and with an unusual ability and with ease she was able to bridge her love of fashion, art, music, craft, and business  with her love of family.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday November 22, 2019, at 5:00pm with viewing at 4:00pm at the Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Schertz, TX.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to a children’s charity of your choice.