Emma S. Coira, 85

Emma Selzer Coira, 85, died Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2008, at the Elizabeth House.

She was born on Jan. 13, 1923, in West Palm Beach, Fla., the second child of the late August J. and Ruth Boone Selzer. She was also preceded in death by her younger brother, Thomas L. Selzer.

Survivors are her husband, Charles F. (Bud) Coira Jr.; her daughter, Barbara (Babs) Newton and her husband, Coy Newton, of Hendersonville; her son, Charles F. (Chuck) Coira and his wife, Robin, of Charlotte; her sister, Mary Ann Sanford and her husband, Robert G. Sanford, of Midlothian, Va.; her brother, A. Joseph Selzer and his wife, Dorothy, of Fayetteville, Ark.; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Her family moved to Hendersonville in 1942 and she attended Mercy School of Nursing in Charlotte. Returning to Hendersonville, she met her husband. They were married in 1947 and lived in Charlotte until retiring in 1982 and returning to Hendersonville. She was active in community beautification and was largely responsible for the restoration and improvement of Jump Off Rock.

A celebration of her life by her friends will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday at the Cedars. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Four Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, N.C. 28731. Burial will be private.

Forest Lawn Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.