A longtime Missoula icon has died.
Emma Lommasson, who has a building named in her honor at the University of Montana, passed away over the weekend at age 107.
University of Montana President Seth Bodnar released the following statement to MTN News about Lommasson's passing.
“Emma Lommasson was a lifelong champion for education and an ardent supporter of the University of Montana. She held much of our history, having served the university as an employee for forty years and as a volunteer for a decade after she retired. In all, Emma shared her life with our university for nearly 90 years. While we will miss her, we are buoyed by wonderful memories and by her lifelong demonstration of service, community and positivity.”
Lomasson graduated from the University of Montana in 1933 and had met all but four UM presidents. She had been affiliated the university for more than 60 years.
Lomasson became a math and English teacher, earned a Master's Degree and was even a flight instructor for a time.
The Missoula Current reports that the news of Lommasson’s passing broke over the weekend.
“Our family has lost a member today,” wrote Mary Mullen DeJana in a Facebook post. “Such a grand lady and will be missed by so many people. She was the matriarch of our family.”
Details about a Celebration of Life planned for Lommasson are still in the planning stages. We will have more information as it becomes available.
Montana U.S. Sen. Jon Tester reacted to news of Lommasson's passing by saying in a tweet, "Emma Lommasson was a Missoula legend who spent her life making the University of Montana a better place for everyone. She influenced countless students, staff, and faculty in her nearly 90 years affiliated with @umontana , and she will be missed by all."
Emma Lommasson was a Missoula legend who spent her life making the University of Montana a better place for everyone. She influenced countless students, staff, and faculty in her nearly 90 years affiliated with @umontana , and she will be missed by all.
— Senator Jon Tester (@SenatorTester) December 2, 2019
