Emily M. (Landers) Federici

STERLING – Emily M. (Landers) Federici, 81, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born and raised in Leominster, Emily was the cherished daughter of the late James and Helen (Hebert) Landers. She attended St. Cecilia Catholic School and graduated from Wachusett Regional High School in 1962.

That same year, while working as a bank teller, Emily met the love of her life, Robert Federici. Their first date at “The Lazy A” sparked a lifelong romance. They were married in 1963 at St. Richard’s Church and made their home in Sterling, where they lovingly raised their family.

Emily enjoyed a rewarding career as an executive secretary at Enron Chemical, retiring after many years of dedicated service. In retirement, she embraced her creative spirit, painting, photography, sewing, and playing the piano. She was a familiar face at the Sterling Auction on Tuesday nights and treasured her Monday Mahjong games with friends.

She found joy in spending time with her close-knit circle, taking weekend trips to Watch Hill, attending dinners with her 1962 Wachusett classmates, and participating in Grange pitch tournaments. Earlier in life, she and Robert were active members of a local bowling league.

Emily’s love of games was a family tradition, board games, card games, and puzzles filled her home with laughter and connection. She especially enjoyed playing Hand and Foot and Spite and Malice, always with enthusiasm and skill.

Her adventurous spirit shone through her photography. With her 35mm camera in hand, she captured stunning images during a balloon ride over central Massachusetts and an open-door helicopter flight above Sterling and the Wachusett Reservoir.

Emily and Robert shared a passion for travel, particularly their road trips to Florida. A highlight was their 25th wedding anniversary celebration in Hawaii, where Emily took a solo helicopter ride to photograph the breathtaking scenery. The family also created lasting memories on camping trips and vacations throughout Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

Emily is survived by her devoted husband of 62 years, Robert; her children, James A. Federici and his wife Ellen of Northbridge, and Lisa M. Bishop of Hardwick; and her beloved grandchildren, Nolan and Allyson Bishop and Adam Federici. She also leaves her sisters, Beverly Foss and her husband Joe Thibodeau of Northport, Florida, and Kathleen Tisdale and her husband Alan of Venice, Florida, along with many cherished nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son-in-law, John N. Bishop Jr., in 2024.

Family and friends are invited to gather for Calling Hours on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Miles-Sterling Funeral & Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Road, Sterling, followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at Hillside Cemetery in Sterling.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Emily’s memory to the Sterling Ambulance Fund or the George P. Gibbs Little League Fund.