Emma Pianko

Emma Lawrence Pianko, age 84, of Mountain City, Tennessee passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

Emma was born to George Lawrence and Mary Crotty (Murphy) at St. James Hospital on July 24, 1941 in Newark, New Jersey.

Emma is preceded in death by both of her parents and a brother, Joseph.

Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter, Karen Pianko Emmons and son, Michael Pianko-Klein of New Jersey; brother, Richard Wachunis (Phyllis) of Florida; granddaughter, Ashley Pianko; grandson, Anthony Pianko; special niece, Susan Crane of North Carolina; her two cats, Sammy and Gabby, she called them her babies; her special friends, Barbara Coyne, Clifford Hewitt, Missy and Nancy Gentry; her Sunday lunch buddies, Sue Bunting and Linda Wilson.

Emma was a human resources employee with Goody Products for two decades in New Jersey. She was an excellent cook, she was best known for her delicious cheesecakes, In her early life she liked to seize the day by heading out on spontaneous road trips and making nature excursions with an infectious zest for life. As an accomplished aquarist she spent countless hours tending to her saltwater fish tanks, creating vibrant underwater worlds that were beautiful as they were complex. Emma lived in the Mountain City for over twenty five years and made many friends and she cherished them all. She was a faithful associate at the Antique Store and Rescue Dog End of Life Sanctuary.

Emma’s wishes were to be cremated and not to have a public gathering. She wanted to be remembered in your own quiet way knowing she is at peace. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that memorial donations be made to Rescue Dog End of Life Sanctuary in Mountain City, TN. Donations of your time, money or supplies to this organization will ensure Emma’s value continues to make an impact on her legacy of adopting and sheltering animals.

We want to thank the hospice team with Amedisys Hospice for all their good care during this time, especially Savanna and Gail, you were our sent angels.

The family of Emma Pianko has entrusted her care to Mountain City Funeral Home, 224 S. Church Street, Mountain City, Tennessee, 37683.