Gudlaug Emens

Gudlaug Kristin Emens, affectionately known as "Lulla," passed away peacefully at her home in Jamesburg on July 21, 2026.

Lulla was born on July 29, 1924, in Hvammstangi, Iceland. During World War II, she served as a volunteer nurse and met her future husband, Lewis D. Emens Jr., an American Army medic. The two married and welcomed their son, Lewis D. Emens III. In 1945, Lulla immigrated to the United States, becoming one of Middlesex County's first "war brides." She and her husband made their home in Jamesburg, Lew’s hometown, where they later built their house on Michael Street. That home remained Lulla's residence for the rest of her life.

Lulla was an active member of the Jamesburg community and numerous organizations throughout the years, including the Jamesburg Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary when Lew was a fireman, the American Legion in South River, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Scandinavian Club, and many others. Faith was an important part of her life. She was a parishioner of St. James Church in Jamesburg and Corpus Christi Church in South River.

After raising her family, Lulla worked for many years as a Work Supervisor at the New Jersey State Home for Boys and also cleaned homes.

Lulla found joy in many interests and hobbies. She loved traveling, especially returning to her native Iceland. She had a lifelong passion for history, particularly the history of her family and the countries she called home. Music was another great love, and she especially enjoyed piano, jazz, and classical music, often playing the piano herself. She had a gift for gardening and took particular pride in her roses and African violets. She was an avid reader, wrote poetry, and generously volunteered countless hours to the organizations that meant so much to her. Above all else, she treasured the time she spent with her family, friends, and loved ones.

Lulla's remarkable life touched countless people. Through her kindness, generosity, faith, and unwavering love for others, she left an enduring mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Lewis D. Emens Jr.; her sons, Lewis D. Emens III and James G. Emens; and her daughter-in-law, Camille Emens.

She is survived by her sister, Hilda DeSanctis and her husband, Dennis; her brother, Arnie Arnason and his wife, Debbie; and her daughter-in-law, Eileen Emens. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Lynette Emens; Jennifer Emens-Escalera and her wife, Rachel; Leigh Ann Emens; Lewis J. Emens and his wife, Gina; John Emens and his wife, Iris; Eileen Brooks; and Susan Emens.

She was the proud great-grandmother of Mayor Thomas Emens of Jamesburg; Jasmine Cornett and her husband, Christopher; Sydney Emens; Jude Emens; Lewis D. Emens; Nicholas Emens; Jeffrey Emens; Daniel Carpentiero; and Angela Carpentiero. She is also survived by her beloved great-great-grandchildren, Gee, Gabriella, Galianna, and Christopher Jr.

From the young woman who crossed the Atlantic after World War II to begin a new life in America to the beloved matriarch of a family spanning five generations, Lulla's more than century of life was one of resilience, service, faith, and love. She was many things throughout her remarkable life, but above all else, she was “Gram,” beloved sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother whose love shaped generations of her family.

Gudlaug's life was a beautiful journey filled with love, laughter, and countless memories. We invite you to share your memories and upload photos of Gudlaug to the memorial page, to celebrate her life and the joy she brought to all of us.

A visitation service for Gudlaug will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 11:00-12:30 pm EDT at the Lester Memorial Home, followed by a Funeral Prayer Service at 12:30 pm EDT. Interment will take place at 1:30 pm EDT at Fernwood Cemetery.

As we gather to celebrate Gudlaug's remarkable life, we invite you to share your fond memories, stories, or photographs of her on her memorial page. These shared recollections will serve as a comforting reminder of the love and joy she brought into our lives. In the words of Emily Dickinson, "Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality." So let us keep Gudlaug's spirit alive by remembering and celebrating her life.