Emily Margaret Scharer

Emily Margaret Silva Cardoza Scharer was born on March 8, 1925 on her grandfathers' ranch, to her parents Mary Julia Xavier Silva and Willie Silva.
Emily graduated from Terry Elementary in 1939 and Selma High in 1943. She went to work that following Monday for Selma Dressed Beef as a bookkeeper and stenographer.

In 1942 she bought her Uncle Tony Silva's share of the family farm and she was a proud Sunmaid Raisin grower.

In 1944 she married Joe Cardoza, and they had six children, and later married Alfred Scharer.

Emily was employed at the Sierra Kings Hospital in Reedley and Selma District Hospital for 15 years. She also worked for the Agriculture Department as an enumerator. On March 29, 2002 she retired after 18 years of employment with the I.R.S. as a clerk in Fresno.

Emily was currently active in many clubs and organizations including; the S.P.R.S.I. where she was Fraternalist of the year in 2009, L.A.F.F. where, in 2010 she was given the honor of LALIS Honorary Vice President. She was active in her local P.F.S.A. and I.S.M.M. councils as well as in the Brotherhood of Saint Anthony where from 1996-97 she served as their Grand President. She was a member of Eagles Auxiliary of Sanger, and Saint Josephs Catholic Women's Club. She was also the first female President of the S.P.A.A. in Selma.

Emily was preceded into death by her Parents, and children Margaret & Bill Cardoza

Emily is survived by her children; Mary Jo, Joseph, Michael, and Michele Cardoza. She was guardian of and raised her granddaughter Tisha Marie Cardoza. Grandchildren; Jasmine, Lindsey, Kathleen, Zachary, Cassandra & Bethany Cardoza, Andrew & Joseph Barela, and Brent Coolidge, 2 Great Grandsons Urijah and Demitre Barela along with numerous godchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Emily died at home on February 24, 2012, across the street from where she was born.

A viewing will be held Thursday, March 1, 2012, 4:00 to 8:00 pm at Thomas-Robinson Funeral Home in Selma, CA. The rosary will be prayed Thursday, March 1, 2012, 6:00 pm in the funeral home chapel.

A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 2, 2012, 9:00 am at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Selma, CA. Interment will follow at Floral Memorial Park in Selma, CA.