Emma Spinder (née Markwart) passed away just shy of her 99th birthday at her care home, with her daughters Carol and Sharon by her side. She will be dearly missed, but not forgotten.
Born in Rothsern, Saskatchewan July 17, 1922, she grew up on a farm. Her eldest brother drove the one-horse open sleigh to school in the winter. Not being one for the cold or extreme heat, she moved to Vancouver near the end of the Second World War with a friend, Betty Smith (née Vogel). During war time, moving to Vancouver was limited to those who had a proven address/place to live. This was provided to them from family friends in Saskatoon, and off to Vancouver they went.
Once in Vancouver, following her first job cleaning homes, Emma secured a job at the Aristocrat restaurant on the corner of Broadway and Granville. She began as a server, then on the fountain: making milk shakes and banana spits, then cashier. Working there during the war she served mainly the Air Force men. There were blackouts in the city when the air raids occurred. Her original rent in Vancouver was $8/month including dinner.
Strong willed and determined, she would read for the students taking shorthand at Pitman’s business college, which was across the street from the Aristocrat. In exchange, Emma received some free classes and paid for the rest of her tuition to earn her diploma in business administration. Thereafter she worked as an office manager at Atlas Iron & Metals Ltd. on Prior St. She expressed that if she’d had a chance to go to university, she would have studied pharmacy.
Emma managed to save money and buy her own house. For fun, she would go with friends to the beach or to the horse races where they would make light bets or go to the dances. The latter is where she met her husband, Frank. She raised and is survived by three children Carol, Sharon and her niece, Christine.
Throughout her life Emma enjoyed bridge – a revered player – and doing crosswords. She was active in the church and found community in her bible study group. She had a special gift with indoor plants, her favourite being the African violet, and Emma’s family and friends were the happy recipients of her delicious baking – cookies, pies and berry crumbles. In her later years she enjoyed lawn bowling and became an avid Canucks fan.
The family would like to thank the caring, loving staff at Bradden Private Hospital where Emma resided for the past 2.5 years.
Prayers will be offered Thursday, July 15, 6 pm at St. John the Apostle Church, 5457 Trafalgar St, where Funeral Mass will also be celebrated on Friday July 16, 10:30 am with Father Anthony Ho, celebrant. Live stream and recording of the Funeral Mass will be viewable at: www.legacystreaming.com/kearney/
Please join the family for a reception following the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the BC division of the Canadian Mental Health Association. cmha.bc.ca
6729 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC, V6P 4X1 may be used as an acknowledgement address.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Emma Agnes Spinder July 17th 1922 July 1st 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Vancouver, Province: Colombie britanique