Emilia “Punky” (Falcetti) (Palombella) (Schauer) Houghton, age 76, passed peacefully on August 26th, 2026. She was born to her late parents, John Falcetti Sr. and Maria (Sheldon) Falcetti in Westfield on November 18th, 1949.

Being a vibrant soul, Emilia was always the life of the party. She lovingly earned the nickname Punky as a result. Punky was adventurous and courageous, loving to explore on cross country trips. Though she most enjoyed spending time with the love of her life, Harold “Butch” Schauer. The two would spend hours meandering through Stanley Park, their favorite spot being the rose garden. Punky shared her love of plants and flowers, especially roses, with Butch. She was also a proud member of the Big Y bakery, working at nearly every location in Western Mass as a manager, a baker, a mentor, and hardworking, helpful member of the team.

Living up to her nickname, Punky was known to throw extravagant St. Patrick’s Day parties with her family and friends. She made it an event to look forward to and remember for dozens, creating countless fond memories for thirty years. Her faith and dedication to her parties was just as strong as it was to Blessed Sacrament Church in Holyoke, being a generous donator and member.

Punky is predeceased by her parents, her second husband Butch, her third husband George Houghton, her brothers John Falcetti Jr., Richard, and Robert, her sister Evelyn Angelica, her sister Rosemarie Savage, and her sister Patricia Williams. She is survived by her sister Marie Traska (Randy), her brothers Charles Falcetti (JoAnn) and James Falcetti, her sons Joe and Peter Palombella, her grandson Andrew Palombella, and her granddaughter Victoria Palombella, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation for Punky will be held Monday, August 31st, 2026, at Messier Funeral Home at 1944 Northampton St, Holyoke MA from 9 A.M – 12:30 P.M., followed by a Funeral Mass at Blessed Sacrament Church at 12:45 P.M. at 1945 Northampton St, Holyoke MA with a burial to follow at Forestdale Cemetery at 304 Cabot St, Holyoke MA.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please donate to Blessed Sacrament and The Alzheimer’s Association in Punky’s name.