Emily D (Polchin) Grula

Emily D. (Polchin) Grula, 99, of North James Street, Hazleton, passed away peacefully late Saturday
night, January 24, at her home. Her son Tom was by her side, as she entered paradise into the loving
arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Born in Hazleton, she was the daughter of the late George and

Susan (Sholtis) Polchin. Emily was a 1944 graduate of Hazleton High School. She was employed in the
local garment industry after her six children were in school.

Emily’s faith was an important part of her life, and she was an active member of Holy Trinity Slovak
Roman Catholic Church and SS. Cyril and Methodius Parish, St. Joseph Church. She was involved in her
community through the PTO at St. Joseph’s School, singing in St. Joseph’s choir, and Bishop Hafey High
School Mother’s club.

Emily and her late husband Joseph shared nearly 60 happy years of marriage and took the time to
appreciate the small joys of life, whether it be completing a daily crossword puzzle together or simply
sitting on their front porch watching the sunset. Together, they built a life of love and happiness.

An avid card player and member of the Tong Card Club, competing with Emily meant a lot of laughs.
Many other games brought out her fun-loving side: she rarely turned down a game of Trouble, Down &
Out, Chutes and Ladders, and especially the fan favorite, Zonk. She loved scratching off lottery tickets
and would state, “They should make more of these tickets as winners!” whenever she would lose. Emily
was a regular spectator at many sporting events in which her children and grandchildren participated,
always cheering enthusiastically. She also loved rooting for the Phillies and watching college basketball.

Emily also learned to play piano later in life.

Emily’s quick wit and big heart made everyone in her presence feel welcomed and comfortable, as she
was able to break down walls with a good joke, story, or conversation. Those who knew her outside of
her family often spoke about her in the highest regard—Emily knew how to acknowledge everyone
through her love and devotion, no matter who you were. She lived by the Golden Rule: do unto others
as you would have them do unto you.

Emily's home welcomed a revolving door of visitors, where family and friends frequently stopped in to
spend time with her and Tom. Her family will greatly miss Sunday lunches with her (and listening to her
say that she couldn’t eat everything on her plate, though she ended up doing it and had dessert), simple
conversations about her day, her puzzle masterpieces, and her starting of pitch for the song “The Final
Countdown” during birthday parties.

Above all else, Emily was the heart and soul of her family, a true matriarch. Known lovingly as
“Grammy,” she was an extraordinary wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who brought
joy, warmth, and laughter into every room she entered. She was the center of her family’s world–a
steady presence and a guiding hand; a source of unconditional love, the occasional teasing, and
consistent cheating at UNO (though she continuously denied it).

Her passing leaves an immeasurable void. While we all wish we had more time, we are profoundly
grateful for the bond we shared with her, knowing that no amount of time could ever have been
enough. We move forward with a plethora of memories, stories, photos, and videos to reflect back on
and remember the light she brought into our lives. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

In addition to her husband Joseph, Emily was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Andrew,
Edward, Joseph, and George Polchin; and sisters Margaret Pesta and Catherine Ranick.

Surviving are children Mary (Rick) Umstattd, Joseph (Carrie) Grula Jr., Joan (Todd) James, Thomas Grula,
John (Penny) Grula, and Anne (John) Klein; grandchildren Michael James, Marie Haverfield, Lauren
James, Sean Thiers, Rachel Grula, Vanessa Grula, Erika Grula, Kyle Klein, David Klein, Adam Grula, Joseph
Grula III, and Faith Klapper; great-grandchildren Ella James, Rhylan James, Ainsley Haverfield, Lyla Thiers,
Teagan Haverfield, Javier Calix, Brooke Thiers, and Ethan Klein; and her sister, Sister M. Susan, SSCM.

She is also survived by sister-in-law, Pauline Grula, and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on February 13th at 10:00 am in St. Joseph Church, SS. Cyril
and Methodius Parish, Laurel Street, Hazleton. Friends and relatives may call at the church prior to the
mass from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Interment will take place privately at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Hazleton.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Emily’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or SS Cyril
and Methodius Parish, 604 N. Laurel St., Hazleton, PA 18201.
Arrangements under the direction of the Joseph B. Conahan Funeral Home, Hazleton

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