Emma (Seifrit) Weigley

Emma Weigley, an author and educator specializing in nutrition, died on Saturday, April 18th, 2020 at the Saint Monica Center for Rehabilitation & Healthcare in South Philadelphia where she had been a resident for over a year.  She was 87.  The cause of death was complications from the novel coronavirus.

Emma was born in Reading, PA on January 27, 1933.  In 1963, she married the renowned military historian, Russell Weigley.  The couple moved to Philadelphia, which had long been their mutual dream.  While living in Philadelphia, Emma commuted regularly to Manhattan, where she earned a PhD in nutrition from New York University.  For decades, Emma taught nutrition at Drexel University and the University of Pennsylvania.  During her academic career, Emma published numerous articles in scholarly journals, and also authored a well-regarded book-length biography of Sarah Tyson Rorer, who is often considered to be America’s first dietician.

Emma loved living in the heart of Philadelphia.  She was still walking at least two miles a day at the age of 80.  She would try new restaurants, browse at local flea markets, and attend local arts and cultural events around the city.  One of her favorite things to do was watch the lightening bugs in Rittenhouse Square at dusk during the spring and summer.

Emma is survived by her daughter Catherine, 43 of Philadelphia, PA, and her son Jared, 46 of Brooklyn, NY.

A memorial service will be held at a date to be determined.  The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Food Trust at http://thefoodtrust.org