Emily Melinda Winnie Trapp

Emily Melinda Winnie Trapp, 70, of Leesville, SC, passed away on June 28, 2025, surrounded by her family. Born in Poughkeepsie, NY, on December 2, 1954, she was a daughter of the late George Theodore and Irene Ellis Volick Winnie. On June 28th, the world lost one of its brightest lights when Emily Melinda Winnie Trapp passed away at home in Leesville, South Carolina. True to form, she made sure to go just before 6 a.m. — plenty of time to make it to the biggest yard sale in the sky. She was surrounded by loved ones, sharing stories, laughter, and the warmth of her beloved furry companions. Emily fought cancer with the same grit, humor, and determination that defined her entire life.

Emily lived fully and fiercely. Born in Poughkeepsie, New York, in 1954, she grew up alongside her two younger siblings, causing mischief and making lifelong friends in both Poughkeepsie and Rhinebeck. She was passionate about women’s rights, the power of education, the thrill of a good deal, and her beloved ETV, where she began her career. She spent over 25 years at the State University of New York at New Paltz, ultimately serving as Director of Instructional Media Services, a role she cherished for the mentoring and connection it allowed with coworkers and student workers alike.

Outside of work, Emily gave her time generously, volunteering with various organizations, including the Elmendorph Inn in Red Hook. After the passing of her husband James "Jay" Trapp, she poured her creativity into quilting — adding it to her lifelong love of sewing. Indoors and out, she was a creator: her flower gardens in both Red Hook and Leesville were vibrant and abundant.

She adored a good cup of tea, held strong political opinions, and insisted on impeccable table manners — much to her son-in-law Ben’s continued dismay. Her unmatched talent for finding treasures at yard sales and flea markets became the stuff of family legend, and everyone benefited from her keen eye and sharp bargain-hunting skills.

If you were lucky enough to attend one of Emily and Jay’s legendary parties, you knew you'd leave with a full belly, a happy heart, and probably a killer cocktail recipe. Gift-giving was her love language — closets often held already-wrapped presents labeled months in advance, ready for just the right moment.

Emily is survived by her daughter, Regina "Gina" Trapp-Golden, and son-in-law, Benjamin "Ben" Golden, as well as her cherished pets. She is also survived by her siblings, George Winnie (Valerie) and Theresa Perry (James); her adored niece, nephews, their spouses, and their children, whom she loved deeply, along with many friends that she has made along the way. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of over forty years, James "Jay" Trapp.

In true Emily fashion, there will be no formal funeral — just a celebration of life later this summer (details to follow). If you wish to honor her memory, consider donating to your local animal shelter, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, or better yet, plant something beautiful and let it grow.