Kathleen A. Emerson of South Portland passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, June 1, 2025, after a brief illness.

Kathleen was born in Lynn MA on July 17, 1961, to William and Donna Little who latter moved to Maine to raise their family.  Kathleen attended Bonney Eagle and then Deering H.S. where she graduated.

Kathleen was always a dedicated worker from the time she was old enough, working at the Barron Center and Ocean Street Variety when she was young and later going onto MMC where she worked as a Central Processing Technician for 35 years and up to the weeks of her passing.

Kathleen loved rides on the motorcycle and travel. Some of her most memorable trips included her trip to Aruba and Florida with her husband, Keith, who she met in an elevator at MMC in December 1989 (as described as a "meant-to-be moment").  The two were married in 1992 and shared 33 years of marriage and their son Andrew.

Kathleen and Keith began their family and their home in South Portland. Kathleen found her oasis, being surrounded by her Oriental Poppy, Rose and Butterfly Bushes, which attracted many birds including hummingbirds and butterflies.  She had Andrew (her in-house-tech) install an app on her tablet so she could track the migration of the hummingbirds on their travels to and from Mexico.  She was an avid animal lover and would champion all causes against the mistreatment of animals and population protection.  She was also intrigued in the nature and nurture of the female orangutans who adopt an orphaned baby orangutan.

Kathleen leaves behind her loving and devoted husband, Keith Emerson, and son, Andrew.

She was preceded in death by her father, William A. Little, her brothers, Donny and Jamie Little, and her brother-in-law, Timothy Ricket.

She is survived by her mother, Donna Shackley of South Portland; brothers, Lincoln and Shawn Little of Portland; her sister, Debra Rickett of South Portland; brother-in-law, Kenneth and wife Julie of Poland, ME; brother-in-law, David of South Portland; and many special nieces and nephews, who she adored.

Keith and Andrew would like to extend sincere thanks to the Mercy ICU Team for providing such warm and loving care to Kathleen in her final moments.