Emma Arocho

EMMA AROCHO, age 88, of Portage, passed away Wednesday, July 2, 2025, while surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Puerto Rico on January 12, 1937 to the late Castulo and Elena Otero. She was a strong woman and came to Indiana when she was 15 years old.  She knew the value of hard work, sometimes working a few jobs at once, all while taking care of her family. She had been a custodian for the River Forest Schools for many years and had cooked at Las Palmitas and for the members of Caballeros de San Juan.  Emma was known for her cooking and enjoyed nurturing those she loved. Emma also had an incredible memory and had developed her own system to remember numbers. She will be remembered for her social nature, sense of humor, and focus on family. Emma was a wonderful wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.

She is survived by her 2 children, Bruny Claudio of Portage and Tony (Albi) Arocho, Jr. of Calumet City, IL; 8 grandchildren, Angel (Kristi) Claudio, Michael (Kate) Claudio, Ashleigh (Cory) McCullough, Matthew (Emily) Claudio, Andrew (Katie) Claudio, Micaela (Riley) Lewis, Illiana (Jeremy) Hayward, Emilio (Allison) Arocho; 17 great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and other loving family and friends.

Emma was preceded in death by her husband Tony Arocho; grandson, Little Tony Arocho; and 12 brothers and sisters.

A visitation for Emma will be Wednesday, July 9, 2025 from 2-8 p.m. at United Pentecostal Church of Portage, 2865 Willowdale Rd., Portage, IN. There will be additional visitation on July 10, 2025, Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Eli Soto officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Portage.