Russell – Emma Rosalie Russell of Calgary, beloved wife of the late Calvin Russell, passed away in Calgary on Friday, April 28th, 2017 at the age of 95 years. Emma was born in Dundurn, Saskatchewan on January 5th, 1922 to George and Mary Landree. She married Calvin Russell on Easter Monday, April 20th, 1942. Emma and Calvin moved on to their farm in Tilley, where they raised their three children, Dale, Carrol and Garry. Her first job was to drive her mother-in-law to the Tilley Country Club meeting, where she became a lifetime member. Emma was a retail buyer for 15 years with McLeod’s, CO-OP, Revelstoke and George Timko’s Red and White Store in Tilley. Beginning in 1979, she worked at the Brooks Health Centre as a unit clerk for 8 years. Emma joined the Catholic Youth organization and also the Catholic Women’s League, where she held the position of President. She taught Catechism for 10 years and loved putting on church concerts and dressing the girls in paper dresses to be Christmas Angels. Emma joined the volunteers at the Nursing home with her friend Madge Weiss and would dance with the residents during their coffee breaks and help with fashion shows and Bingo. Emma and Cal moved to Brooks in 1986. After her retirement in 1988, she became very active in Seniors Outreach. Emma was a volunteer for the first cattle drive, she also took nursing home residents to the lake, to the Horticultural Centre and Dairy Queen for ice cream. She received a badge from Edmonton for her many hours of volunteer work. Emma joined the Palliative Care group and spent many hours selling light bulbs to furnish three palliative care rooms in the hospital. With the help of Father Keith, she spent many hours sitting and praying for the sick and dying. Emma was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary, and loved playing darts, cards and shuffle board. She was a kind and caring person, who enjoyed life and had a strong faith in God. “Pray frequently, for prayer nurtures. Pray fervently, for prayer heals. Pray faithfully, for with prayer you are never alone.” Emma was predeceased by her husband Cal; sons; Dale and Garry; grandson, Jeffery, great grandchildren; Callie and Quinn and eleven siblings. She is survived by daughter, Carrol Newberry-Knox (Dwight) of Calgary, daughter-in-law Joan of Medicine Hat; grandchildren, Timothy, Anthony, Darcy, Sandra, Dawn and Roxanne; great grandchildren, Caitlin, Ryan, Joshua, Jackson, Madison Olivia, Jaerret, Jorja, Grayson and Cooper. Emma’s Last wish for the family is: “ This life for me is truly past, I loved you to the very last. Weep not for me but courage take, and love one another for my sake.” Funeral Mass was celebrated on Tuesday, May 2nd at 11:00 AM from St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Rev. Bryan Frank Celebrant. Interment followed at Brooks Cemetery. In memory of Emma, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to Canadian Cancer Society, 200, 325 Manning Road NE, Calgary, Alberta T2E 9Z9.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to:
SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM
BROOKS, ALBERTA.
Condolences may be forwarded through
www.sfh.ca
Telephone 403-362-4636 or
Toll Free (866) 362-4652
“Our Families Serving Your Family Since 1951”
