Emily B. Fleischman, age 96, a longtime resident of Glen Ellyn, IL, died on Tuesday, August 1, 2023.  She was born September 21, 1926 in Chicago to Herbert and Lulu Butler.

Emily grew up in Flossmoor and graduated from Thornton High School.  Having attended Illinois Wesleyan University, she finished her Bachelor of Arts Degree at the University of Iowa. Following college, she taught Art at Hinsdale High School, where she met Ray Fleischman.  They were married in December of 1952.  After the birth of her daughters, she became a full-time homemaker.

She continued expressing her artistic gifts at home in her roles as wife and mother, and as a "Picture Lady" at her children's school. Often Ray would request her help with items for his set-decorating career; many of her paintings and craft pieces have appeared on television in commercials and movies. She was a life-time member of the DuPage Art League, and later in life, she produced a substantial body of work with an emphasis on watercolor. She sold many paintings and showed work in various art shows, some of them juried, and received many ribbons.
Emily loved classical music, and for many years sang in the church choir at the First Congregational Church of Glen Ellyn and other community choirs. Writing poetry became a passion, and she was published in "Seeding the Snow" and several other poetry journals. She also loved learning and practicing Tai Chi. For years, she found joy in her work as a tour guide at the Morton Arboretum, where she led tours on the1937 Ford open-air bus.

Emily relished birdwatching, spending time in nature, and riding her bicycle, often enjoying these activities with Ray. Her infectious laughter, kindness, and insatiable curiosity made her a joy to be around.

Left to honor her memory are her beloved daughters, Diana (Bill) Fraser of Cypress, TX, and Eileen (Ross) Heise of Lombard, IL, along with her six cherished grandchildren, Heather (Glenn) Dominy, Aubrey (Matt) Heimbaugh, John (Liz) Fraser, Adam (Tatiana) Heise, Beth (Andrew) Luther, and Graham (Ann Marie) Heise. Emily's legacy continues through her sixteen great-grandchildren, Ayden, Mason, Reid, Jude, Liam, Ethan, Blair, Chase, Jack, Elliott, Grace, Emily, Felicity, Michael, Isaac, and Peter. She also leaves behind her sister-in-law, Mary Butler of TX. Emily was preceded in death by her loving husband, Ray, her devoted parents, and her dear brother, Herbert Butler of MI.

Emily B. Fleischman will be remembered for her immense love and generosity of spirit, her dedication to the arts, and her unyielding zest for life. Her impact on the lives she touched will be forever cherished, and her spirit will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.