Inquest concludes Emma Pohajdak's death was accidental

Emma Pohajdak, who was born in Bedonia in northern Italy in June 1930, was affectionately known as “Emmie”, the court heard. 

The 92-year-old was one of 10 siblings – five sisters and five brothers – and worked in the agricultural sector picking potatoes and carrots. 

Her father died during the Second World War. 

After she moved to Norfolk, she became a factory worker at Bernard Matthews for 15 years, and had one son, Adrian, with her Ukrainian husband. 

Outside Norfolk Coroner's Court at County Hall, Norwich (Image: Newsquest)

A previous resident of Foulsham, near Bawdeswell, she regularly attended church and had many friends in the area. She was also an avid reader despite never learning to write in English. 

She was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2012.   

Mrs Pohajdak lived on her own in Dereham until a fall at home in early 2018. In February of the same year, she moved to Lincoln House care home in Swanton Morely and reminded a resident there until her death. 

Her son, Mr Pohajdak, said: “She enjoyed being in the care home and took part in the activities there. She ate well and would always arrive early for her meals. 

“She was a very happy soul, but the Alzheimer's had taken away most of her understanding.” 

READ MORE: Woman who survived bomb raids marks 100th birthday

Robert Leverett, head of care at Lincoln House, said: “She was generally a joyful character.” 

She also regularly attended Roman Catholic services, he added. 

The inquest into Mrs Pohajdak took place at Norfolk Coroner’s Court on Thursday, May 25 and was led by senior coroner Jacqueline Lake.

Summing up the evidence, Ms Lake told the court that following a fall on Tuesday, February 14, Mrs Pohajdak was taken to the Norfolk and Norwich hospital. She died five days later on Sunday, February 19. 

Ms Lake recorded a conclusion of "accidental against a backdrop of natural disease".