Saint Emma, also known as Emma of Lesum or Emma of Stiepel, lived in the city that is now Bremen. Emma was born into the Immedinger family and lived in the early eleventh century. The legendary King Widuking, who fought against Charlemange, was the ancestor of the Saxon nobles known as the Immedingers. Her brother, Meinwerk of Paderborn, was a bishop, and Emma's father was a count. Liudger, a Saxon duke's son, was her husband. Imad, a boy, is the only child of their marriage. In 1051, he was appointed bishop of Paderborn.

There is not much surviving particular information regarding St. Emma. According to legend, she possessed a fierce temper when she was younger. After visiting Russia in 1011, Emma's husband became ill and passed away. After this terrible event, Emma dug deeper into her religion. Her disposition softened. She established several tiny parishes and was a significant donor to churches. She gave money to the Cathedral in Bremen. Her empathy for the impoverished was renowned.

She was interred in a tomb in Bremen Cathedral upon her passing. Her right hand, which she used to deliver gifts, was the only part of her body that remained when her grave was opened later. Her undamaged hand was sent to the abbey of St. Ludger in Werden.

She was regarded as a saint after her death, although there are no formal dates for her beatification or canonization. She has two known feast days: December 3, the reported date of her death in 1038, and April 19.

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