Emily Rosenthal (nee Neubauer) who spent much of her life in her hometown of New Britain, died Friday, April 14, 2023 at the age of 97.

Family was everything to Emily – or Mimi as she was known to her eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was overjoyed to welcome the latest generation, two great-great-grandchildren into the family this year.

Over the years, she hosted countless family dinners, often topped off by her signature apple pie. She and her husband, Manny Rosenthal, loved nothing more than having family nearby. And it was fitting that members were gathering at her request for one last party when she passed away.

Emily was an avid golfer, playing in women’s leagues around the region. She enjoyed gardening, having grown up on New Britain’s East Side with a large vegetable plot. And she loved watching UConn basketball teams — and musical theater, from the Goodspeed Opera House to Broadway.

Emily attended St. John’s Lutheran Church in New Britain and later Rocky Hill Congregational Church after she and her husband moved to that town in the mid-1970’s. She also volunteered in the New Britain Memorial Hospital women’s auxiliary. She and Manny later moved to Avery Heights in Hartford.

Emily was born to Louis and Marie Neubauer and started working at the downtown W.T. Grant store, where she designed display windows. She married Manny, whom she met at the store, and worked in the family businesses – first at Lifshutz department store in New Britain and later at A. Kamin’s in Glastonbury. They celebrated their 67th anniversary before his death in 2018.

Emily was predeceased by siblings Betty, Louis and Adolph, as well as granddaughter Sarah. She is survived by her children Pat Josephs of Bristol, CT, Diane Thomas (Doug) of West Hartford, CT and Dave Rosenthal (Suzy) of Denver, CO. She is celebrated by grandchildren Steve and Eric Josephs; Will, Katie and Matt Thomas, and Anne and Jack Rosenthal (Kate). And by great-grandchildren Kyle Josephs, Cailyn Tischbein, Annalee Couturier and Manny Rosenthal. The newest generation – Liam Tischbein and Lucia Bidwell – would have loved getting to know her.

A Funeral Service will be Monday, April 17, at the Sheehan Hilborn Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Ave., West Hartford. Calling hours begin at noon and the Service will follow at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Rose Hill Memorial Park in Rocky Hill.

Donations in Emily’s memory can be made to the Helen & Harry Gray Cancer Center at Hartford Hospital or Rocky Hill Congregational Church. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com