Emma J. Bradshaw, 87, died peacefully at her home in Aurora, Illinois on December 18, 2025.

Born October 10, 1938, Emma was  a native of Anacoco, Louisiana, where she grew up with her twin sister Betty, her mother Helyn taught home economics, and her father Curtis was the principal at Anacoco High School and later the Vernon Parish Superintendent of Schools.

She received an undergraduate degree from Northwestern State College of Louisiana and a masters degree from Louisiana State University. . 

Emma taught at every level from kindergarten through college in Louisiana, Texas, New York, and Illinois, but she took the most pride in being a mother to her four children and a grandmother to her seven grandchildren. 

After moving to Illinois in 1967, she lived in Lombard, Woodridge, Lisle, and Aurora.

Emma was a talented writer and occasionally published short stories in magazines such as Redbook. A lover of animals, she financially supported several animal welfare organizations  and personally advocated for animal welfare. 

Emma is survived by her sister Betty Okrent, her children James Kubal-Komoto (Hiromi), Michael Kubal (Kathi), Anne Kubal (Shawn), and Bill Kubal (Khadine); her grandchildren Justin, Jackson, Kai, Dylan, Liam, Sasha, and Riley; and many nephews and nieces as well as her beloved dog Lana.

She donated her body to the Anatomical Gifts Association of Illinois in the hope that even after her death, she could continue to teach those preparing for careers in health care.

No memorial service is planned, but a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Her family encourages donations in her memory to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.