Loretta L. Emmons

Loretta von Seydewitz Emmons of Trumansburg passed away at home surrounded by family on Sunday, January 19, 2025 at the age of 61. 

Lori was born in Beth Page, New York on September 24, 1963. A proud graduate of SUNY Morrisville and Cornell University, Lori dedicated her professional life to the fields of public relations and institutional development. She spent most of her career at Cornell University in its law school, forging meaningful relationships with dedicated alumni. Lori also worked at Hobart & William Smith Colleges and the Paleontological Research Institute. She found deep fulfillment in her work, considering herself fortunate to collaborate with individuals who shared her commitment to education, nonprofits, and community. 

Beyond her career, Lori served on three community nonprofit boards, giving her time and energy to causes she believed in. Lori was an active member of FFA during her youth. She also worked on the Darling farm as a farmhand during the summers of her junior and senior years. Her time working on the Darling farm not only shaped her strong work ethic but also fostered deep, lasting relationships with those around her, bonds that became a cornerstone of her life and remained dear to her throughout the years. 

Her dedication to NY agriculture was particularly evident in her recent service to the New York FFA Leadership Training Foundation, where she served on its board of directors and chaired its fundraising committee.

In addition, she carried on the legacy of her father by learning the art of woodturning, a craft that brought her joy and a sense of connection to him and his woodworking friends. She was also a self-taught carpenter, which resulted in several house remodeling projects, building a garden shed, and completing the interior of her woodshop. 

Lori’s greatest legacy, however, was her unwavering loved for her family. She will be remembered for her smile that could light up a room, her ability to make everyone around her feel at ease, and her endlessly compassionate heart. 

Lori is survived by her husband, Donald Emmons; two children, Kirk Emmons and Danielle (Christopher) Quartaro; step daughter, Kelly (Eric) Pample; step grandchildren, Sierra Rupe, and Morgan, Emma, and Benjamin Pample; parents, Stanley and Ann von Seydewitz; brother, Stan (Cindy Gardner) von Seydewitz; sister, Teresa Fritz; and several nieces, nephews, and extended family. 

The family will be present to receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00pm on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South Street, Trumansburg. A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, January 24 at the funeral home. Committal will follow at Grove Cemetery in Trumansburg. 

The family asks those that would like to make a contribution in Lori’s memory to kindly consider the New York State FFA Leadership Training Foundation, 9340 Long Pond Road, Croghan, NY 13327.