Barbara Mariamne Emms (nee Williams) passed away peacefully at The Village at University Gates in Waterloo on November 14, 2022. Barb was born in Toronto, Ontario on March 10, 1932 to an English mother (Elva Sarah Carter) and a Welsh father (David Lloyd Jones Williams). Her father’s work took Barb and her older brother Robert (Bob) to Montreal and North Bay. While in North Bay she met Don Emms, the love of her life. He was a dashing young classmate and hockey player. She was an ardent fan, never quiet in the stands. She cheered for Don and her beloved Montreal Canadiens. She was an accomplished athlete, excelling in basketball, softball, skiing, tennis and golf. She continued playing golf as an adult, maintaining about a 12 handicap, seldom finding the rough. Barb was a good student, and after high school at NBCI, she went to secretarial school. She worked in several offices, including the offices of the Swedish company Sandvik.
Barb and Don married in Toronto on October 3, 1953 and settled in Goderich. Work took them to Strathroy where their children Ronald Wayne and Sandra Lynne were born. After several moves, they settled in Ingersoll in a home right across from the golf course. While in Ingersoll, her beloved golden retriever, Pal, joined the family. In the summer Barb could be found golfing, in the pool or on her riding lawn mower, and in the winter curling. Knitting, crocheting and needlepoint were crafts at which she shone. Many of her afghans can be found in the homes of family members. Her needlepoint “ladies” adorn the walls of her home.
She worked alongside Don for several years for the sporting goods company H&B. After retirement they spent several winters in Lake Placid, Florida, golfing every day. Both recorded multiple holes-in-one.
Barb’s family grew with Ron marrying Barb Manicom, and Sandy marrying Howard Jones. Barb has four grandchildren, Ron and Barb’s children Christopher and Heather, and Sandy and Howard’s children Daniel and Emily. Heather and her husband Kevin Donily have two daughters, Barb’s great-grandchildren Penny and Navy. Chris’s fiancée is Ruby Malik.
A few years ago, it became apparent that Barb was showing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Don did a wonderful job caring for her at home until it became apparent that home care was no longer feasible. She moved into her new home at The Village at University Gates in Waterloo on December 9, 2020. She was always smiling, and loved participating in all of the outings, crafts, music events, and the multitude of other activities run by the Village. Much of this happened during the time that Covid-19 was ravaging the world. The staff was stretched to the limit, but remained professional and compassionate. Thanks go out to all of them.
It was hard to say final goodbyes to her, but the disease finally claimed both her mind and her body. She left us surrounded by love.
As per her wishes, there is no visitation or funeral service. Cremation has taken place.
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Monday November 14th 2022
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Barbara Mariamne Emms Monday November 14th 2022..
Décès pour la Ville:Kitchener, Province: Ontario