Emmy L. Schuster, 88, of Gulf Breeze, FL passed away on Thursday, August 26, 2021, surrounded by family.

Emmy is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 40 years, Gus, who passed away on February 6, 1998, and by her older brother, Edward Pleva (Rita).

Left to cherish her memory are her five children, Annamarie Fontaine (Paul) of Pensacola Beach, Carolyn Smith (Craig) of Pensacola, Paul Schuster (Wesley) of Gulf Breeze, Mary Beth Smegal of Gulf Breeze, and Kathleen Schuster of Pensacola; also her brothers, Jim Pleva (Til) of Townsend, WI and Joseph Pleva of San Diego, CA; her only sister, Ann Pleva of Gulf Breeze, and sister-in-law, Rita Pleva of Waukesha, WI; her grandchildren whom she dearly loved, Nicole Sigman (JC) of Gulf Breeze, Jonathon Idoni (Chelsea) of Blue Springs, MO, Harley Smegal (engaged to Summer Williamson) of St. Augustine, FL, James Fontaine (Ayla) of Gulf Breeze, and Pete Fontaine of Baton Rouge, LA; as well as her precious and adored great-grandchildren, Aubriana Sigman, Addison Brookshire, Charlotte Brookshire, Lucy Fontaine, Jace Sigman, and Giovanni Idoni; also many loved nieces and nephews.

Emmy, the second of five children, was born on February 1, 1933, in Milwaukee, WI to Edward and Evelyn Pleva. Emmy was reared in a strong Catholic family and was a steadfast believer. Early in life her family moved to Winchester, MA then to West Orange, NJ. Emmy graduated with honors from Saint Elizabeth College in nearby Morristown, NJ where she was involved in many student academic organizations as well as the Glee Club all four years. After graduation she worked in the laboratory research medical field as a histotechnologist at the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research.

Upon the urging of her parents and future in-laws, who were great friends, Emmy became pen pals with US Naval aviator, Gustave P. Schuster, who soon became the love of her life. Emmy and Gus were married on May 18, 1957, in Orange, NJ. Emmy cherished her role as a supportive Naval Commander's wife and caring mother of five young children. She successfully managed her household through multiple moves from Virginia to California, to Texas, to Wisconsin, and finally in 1972 to Pensacola. In 1973, Emmy and Gus finally settled into their forever home in Gulf Breeze.

From her home, Emmy loved cooking and sharing meals with family and friends, especially during the holidays. She excelled in preparing authentic German dishes. A highlight every December was Emmy's transformation of the family living room into a Christmas Village wonderland for family and guests to enjoy. In addition to family, Emmy also made her house a home to many pets over the years including her very special cat companion, Lucy. Her backyard was a haven for a beloved feral community.

A private graveside service will be held on Thursday, September 2, 2021, at Barrancas National Cemetery where Emmy will be laid to rest alongside Gus.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Ann Catholic Church, 100 Daniel Dr., Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 or to a charity of your choice.