Emma M. Shelsby, 88, of Baltimore, Maryland, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Emma, also known as Emmie, was the beloved wife of Gilbert F. Shelsby, Sr., and a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Born to the late Louise and Adolph Lachnit, she was raised with the strong values of faith, family, and compassion that she carried throughout her life.

Emmie shared her life with her loving sisters and their families: Louise Schafer and the late Paul Schafer, Sarah Biebl and Robert Biebl, and Jessie Fyfe and the late Donald Fyfe. Family was the center of Emmie’s world, and she took great joy in staying connected with those she loved.

She was a proud and loving mother to George Prell, Jr. and Jo Prell; Sharon Alaimo and the late Bernie Alaimo; Linda Duvall and the late Michael Duvall; Gilbert F. Shelsby, Jr. and Laurie Ann Shelsby; Stephen Shelsby and Vicki Shelsby; and Kim Shelsby and Jennifer Golden. Her greatest pride was her growing family, which includes nine grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.

Emmie was a woman of deep faith and an active member of Epiphany Lutheran Church, where her kindness, generosity, and joyful spirit touched many lives. She had an infectious personality and a wonderful sense of humor that could brighten any room.

Nothing brought Emmie more happiness than her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved with her whole heart, always the first to hold a new baby and happiest when receiving hugs and kisses from her littlest loves. Her warmth, laughter, and unconditional love will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her.

Emmie’s life was a reflection of her faith and her love for others. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished and the many hearts she touched.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Emma’s life on February 21, 2026, at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 4301 Raspe Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21206. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM, followed by a service at 2:00 PM and a luncheon immediately after. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Epiphany Lutheran Church’s current, benevolent, or endowment funds at God-is-love.org/donate.

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