Emmerson, Marny (Mary Adeline)
January 26, 1918 – February 20, 2021
Marny passed away peacefully on February 20. Predeceased by her parents, David and Edith (Fox), and
her brothers, Frank and Ralph (Bob). Much beloved aunt of Aline (Roger), David (May) and Josée.
Cherished great aunt of Chantal (John) and Sean (Eden) and great-great aunt of Tristan, Elizabeth and
Isaac. She will be remembered as an independent, capable and strong person who overcame many
barriers that existed for a woman in the workforce at that time. She was unfailingly kind and generous
with all and will be greatly missed by family and friends.
Marny was born near Abernethy, a small eastern Saskatchewan town. Her father was a homesteader
from Peterborough who settled in the area in 1905. His untimely death in 1923 led to Marny and her
two younger brothers, Ralph and Frank, being raised by their mother who had come from Nova Scotia to
teach in rural schools.
After graduating from the University of Saskatchewan with a BA in Economics and Political Science,
Marny worked at the University as secretary of the music department. In 1943 she was hired by the
Government of Canada and made a move to Ottawa. She was employed initially as a Defence
Production Officer at the Defence Production Board. Later she became one of the very few female
Commerce Officers. When working for the Canadian delegation to NATO in Paris in the 1950s, most
meetings began with “Gentlemen, Miss Emmerson”.
After her retirement in 1980, life did not slow down for Marny. She was an active member of the UCW
as well as secretary treasurer for the Chelsea Club, president of the Canadian Federation of University
Women-Ottawa and board trustee for Dominion Chalmers United Church. The family was barely able
to keep track of her activities.
She was also a founding member of the Madeira Group known for their conviviality and good cheer.
Marny was a constant and adventurous world traveller, visiting five continents. She journeyed on the
Concorde, the QEI and the QE II, the Orient Express and South Africa’s Blue Train. Her last overseas trip
at the age of 89 was to Vietnam and Cambodia to see the temples of Angkor Wat.
She was the one who kept in touch with all branches of the family across the country and abroad.
Gifted with a prodigious memory, she could be counted upon to detail the exact relationship of even
distant family members.
The family wishes heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Duke of Devonshire.
Donations in Marny’s memory may be made to the Canadian Federation of University Women Ottawa
Scholarship Fund. www.cfuw-ottawa.org/page-806994
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Marny Mary Adeline Emmerson Saturday February 20th 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Ottawa, Province: Ontario