Emily Belle Oxx, 87, passed away Tuesday, September 22, after a long and happy life.
She was the wife of the late Charles H. Oxx and the mother of the late Charlene Oxx.
Born on March 10, 1928 to Mabel Simpson, an opera singer and writer, and John Siegrist, an electrician, she was raised in a household filled with the practical and impractical, improvisational, and ingenious. Her grandfather, James Simpson, was an accomplished water colorist and her father was credited with Newport’s first radio station, WMBA.
Emily used her intellectual and artistic talents as an elementary school teacher in Newport for 26 years until her retirement in 1990. After her retirement she opened “The Seaflower”, a flower design boutique on Christie’s Row. She was a member of the Newport Art Association where she pursued her love of painting. One of the highlights of her coursework there was a group trip with fellow artists to Tuscany.
A lover of the arts and life, she wove dignity, grace, and elegance into every facet of her life. Emily was also known as the consummate hostess, opening up her home and pool to friends and family. Always ready with a kind word and welcoming smile, she was a dear friend to many. Her intellectual curiosity contributed to her complexity and fascinating personality.
Emily is survived by her daughter, Valerie Piner and husband, Richard and her daughter, Sandy Oxx. Her grandchildren, Liza Heapes and husband, Josh, Casey Koppelson and husband, Jay Kang, Charlie Koppelson and girlfriend, Chelsea Cordes, and Margo and Emily Derecktor, along with great grandchildren, Quinn and Cole Heapes also survive her. Her brother, Jack Siegrist, nephew, Jan Siegrist, and nieces, Melinda Early and Susan Siegrist also survive her.
Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, September 26th, from 10 -11 a.m., with a memorial service to follow at 11 at Hambly’s Funeral Home, 30 Red Cross Avenue in Newport.
Donations should be made to the Redwood Library, 50 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840 or the Newport Art Museum, 76 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840.
Emily and Charlie Oxx
