Emma Santini Dickey of North Branford, formerly of Westbrook, died peacefully on Dec. 7. She was 93 years of age.

Born in Swissvale, Pennsylvania, on October 6, 1924, she was the daughter of Danilo and Genevieve Santini. She graduated from Purdue University with a degree in chemistry and worked in the war industry during the last part of World War II. She went on to work in the pharmaceutical industry where she met her husband. She continued working until their marriage in 1948.

She loved sailing, skiing, hiking, camping, and traveling. She was engaged in civic affairs in her various communities, for example, running political headquarters, and testifying before Congress on behalf of water rights, development of subsidized housing, and walking trails expansion. She also enjoyed her involvement with the Unitarian church.

She was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Knowles B. Dickey. She is survived by their children Andrew and Ellen Dickey; spouses Deborah (Tarpey) Dickey and Rick Leinenbach; and their grandchildren Mark Dickey and Calvin Leinenbach.

A memorial service will be held Dec. 17 at noon, at Evergreen Woods in North Branford. Donations to The Nature Conservancy (www.nature.org) would be appreciated by the family.