Emma Jean Moulton, a gifted organist, choir director, and beloved piano teacher passed away peacefully on December 10, 2025, in her Milton home surrounded by her loving family at the age of 83. A lifelong musician whose talent, dedication and gentle spirit touched generations, Emma spent more than six decades sharing the joy of music with her community.

Emma Jean was raised by her parents Myrtle Hamman, and David Scott Maxwell in Tolono, Illinois where Emma Jean and her late brother David's music journey began. While still in high school she became the organist at the Tolono Presbyterian Church, an honor that marked the start of a lifelong commitment to sacred music. She attained her bachelor’s in music from Millikin University in 1964, and her master’s in sacred music from Boston University in 1967. Following graduation, she accepted her first position as organist at Atlantic Methodist Church in Quincy from 1969-1979. She then took the position as organist and choir director at Parkway United Methodist Church in Milton from 1979-1986. From 1986-2014, Emma spent 28 devoted years, serving with 7 different ministers, as the music director and organist of First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church in Milton.

Her life’s work was her music, and she chose to share that in as many ways as she could. Privately she taught countless students of all ages the art of piano and passed on her technical skills and love of music. She played for weddings and funerals, offering comfort, beauty and a sense of reverence to all those who gathered. Emma founded and directed the Ecumenical Advent Sing from 1979 to 1986, uniting voices in celebration and fellowship. Emma also founded and directed the Milton Young Musicians Festival which ran from 1987 to 2014 creating an inclusive space for young performers to grow and shine. From 1982 to 1993 she was coordinator and then artistic director of Milton Performing Arts Concert Series. In 2012 Emma directed an interfaith community choir for the town of Milton 350th anniversary and collaborated with Brother Dennis Slaughter to write “Our Glorious Milton”. Emma was a member of the Quincy Chorale Society, as well as ACCLAIM, and many other musical groups, spending much of her time enveloped in song.

Emma Jean is survived by her devoted husband of 55 years, Donald Moulton; her four children Scott, Sarah Jane, Anna Lisa, and Amy; six grandchildren, Ashley, Liam, Rose, Manny, Erik, and Emma; and two great-grandchildren Owen and Elliot. All of which she spent a happy lifetime with and who brought her immense joy. The matriarch of her family, she was binding glue that brought everyone together, fostering fond memories of holidays shared with music and laughter in her home.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, December 19th at Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Avenue, EAST MILTON SQUARE from 4:00 - 8:00 PM. Family and friends invited.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, January 17th at First Parish Milton, 535 Canton Avenue, MILTON at 2:00 PM.

Donations in memory of Emma Jean may be sent to the Alzheimers Assoc. 320 Nevada St, Suite 201, Newton MA 02460 or by clicking on this link: Massachusetts and New Hampshire Chapter | Alzheimer’s Association