Obituaries

Emma S. Bishop

October 18, 1937-August 17, 2026

Emma S. Bishop, 88, of Westfield, NY passed peacefully on Monday, August 17, 2026 at the Heritage Park Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Facility in Jamestown, NY.

Emma was born on October 18, 1937 in Spangler, PA the daughter of the late Jay Lee and Virginia (Hevner) Stiffler. She married the love of her life Ronald C. Bishop Jr. on September 3, 1960 in Cherry Tree, PA and he preceded her in death on April 14, 2012 after 51 years of marriage.

Emma graduated from Westfield Academy and Central School in 1955. She loved music and dancing so she moved to New York City to follow her dreams. She auditioned for the Rockettes and on her third attempt she was selected by the Radio City Rockettes, a world-renowned dance company. Emma performed in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, at the Christmas Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting and Radio City Music Hall.

A Westfield resident since 1987, Emma and her late husband moved here from Maplewood, NJ where they raised their family. She was the co-owner with her husband Ron of the Center Stage Dance Studio, she also taught piano and was a trained pianist.

Emma is survived by two sons, Ronald Bishop and his wife Sheila of Hockessin, DE and Richard Bishop and his wife Ronnie of Wallsburg, UT; three cherished grandchildren, Neil, Zoe and Sophia Bishop; three siblings, Virginia (Garry) Sines of Melbourne, FL, Dorothy Buterbaugh of Landenberg, PA and George (late Natsuo) Mikesell of Arlington, VA; survived by many nieces, nephews and her feline companion " Cuddles".

Friends may call at the Mason Funeral Home, 37 Clinton St. Westfield, NY on Monday, August 24, 2026 from 11AM - 1PM, where a funeral service will follow at 1 PM. Interment will be private in the Westfield Cemetery.

Please share online condolences at www.masonfuneral.com.