Emily E. Arnold
Emily was always on the go -- except when reading a good book, sipping tea, and enjoying a spoonful of peanut butter.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held from St. Peter's Catholic Church, 121 S. Second St. Columbia PA 17512 on Friday, October 30, 2026, at 11:00 AM
Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Wrightsville PA.
The family will receive friends at the church on Friday from 9:30 AM until 10:45 AM.
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Emily Elizabeth Cranford Arnold on October 23, 2026, at St. Anne Retirement Center. Emily was the loving wife of James Arnold. Born in Columbia on August 31, 1946, she was the daughter of the late George and Rose (Madonna) Cranford.
Emily graduated from Hempfield High School in 1964 and Millersville University in 1968. She began her career as the librarian at Columbia High School, where she met James. They married in 1970 and shared 56 years of love and devotion. While working, Emily earned her master's degree from Drexel University. She retired from Columbia High School in 2008, a span which included an eight-year "break" to raise their three daughters.
A loving wife and mother, loyal friend, and planner of adventures, Emily was always on the go -- except when reading a good book, sipping tea, and enjoying a spoonful of peanut butter. She loved horses, sewing, crafting, antiquing, swimming, collecting, card and board games, and cooking. She especially enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren participate in sports and activities, and camping at Assateague Island.
Emily had a kind and generous heart and loved being surrounded by family and friends. She gave freely of her time through Girl Scouts, coaching, school volunteering, and working high school sporting events. Her warmth, energy, and willingness to help others touched many lives.
Emily is survived by her husband, James; three daughters, Angela, wife of Dave Sowers; Hilary, wife of Andrew Collier; and Lanae, wife of Matthew King; eight grandchildren, Sophia, Hannah, Brian, Ava, Jake, Aaron, Kyle, and Luke; and numerous dear friends.
Emily will be remembered for her boundless energy, adventurous spirit, generous heart, and deep love for her family and friends. She leaves behind a lifetime of cherished memories and a legacy of love that will live on in all who knew her. She will be dearly missed.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held from St. Peter's Catholic Church, 121 S. Second St. Columbia PA 17512 on Friday, October 30, 2026, at 11:00 AM with the Rev. Mark Wilke, Celebrant. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Wrightsville PA. The family will receive friends at the church on Friday from 9:30 AM until 10:45 AM.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Peter Catholic Church, Columbia at the above address.
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