Browse the obituary of residing in the province of Nouveau-Brunswick for funeral details
The death of Emily Marjorie Polches, occurred on Thursday,
April 10, 2025, at the Hospice House in Fredericton while surrounded
by family. Emily was 83 years old; she was born on July 18,
1941, she was the daughter of the late, Cecilia & Arthur Paul
from St. Mary’s First Nation. Emily was the last
living member of the 10 Children from the Paul clan. Emily
was predeceased by her parents and her 9 siblings; aside from her
siblings Emily was also predeceased by her loving husband, Lee Polches
Sr., also from St. Mary’s First
Nation.
Emily leaves behind her children, Edgar (Katherine), Ernest
(Nisha), Kareen (Mark), Lee Jr and Penny (Stephen) along with sixteen
grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and five extended
grandchildren. Several Nieces and Nephews and godchildren.
Emily lived a particularly good life with her husband who ran their
family Tree Service in the surrounding area of Fredericton.
Emily was also a strong advocate in the community of St.
Mary’s First Nation, she received her CSW from Saint Thomas
University in 1990 and continued to work tirelessly for the youth in
her community. She worked as the community planner, alcohol
and drug worker, as well as a membership clerk for St.
Mary’s First Nation; she also worked as the housing
coordinator for the New Brunswick Aboriginals Peoples Council where
she advocated for social housing. She wore her heart on her
sleeve and would help anyone in need. Her final job as an
electro-fisher was the highlight of her work challenges; in her later
days she was the boss who worked among many young people outdoors and
she didn’t take this as work but a time to enjoy Mother
Earth.
In the late 70’s Emily sat on the BOD for the
Native Women’s Association where she advocated for
Indigenous Women’s Rights such as the discrimination Bill
against Indigenous Women. She was also employed with the Union of New
Brunswick Indians Organization where she advocated and worked on
Indigenous issues. From political to social reform, Emily
was instrumental at all levels. Emily also hosted the first
Miss Fiddlehead Princess Pageant and went on to host the first ever NB
Indian Princess Pageant in the 90’s during the Indian Summer
Games. She loved to work with young Indigenous women to help
them explore all possibilities in life. Emily was a doer,
and she brought many programs and services to the community and sat on
many volunteers’ committees that supported youth.
Her latest role continued as the Elder Representative for the Under
One Sky Board of Directors, where she guided conversations and
initiatives for Indigenous children and youth programs; this role took
her on many adventures but one last adventure that she never forgot
was a trip to Nunatsiavut in the year of 2012.
She loved to travel and had visited the Medjugorje pilgrim a
few times for religious retreat, she would also find a reason to get
in her car and drive to the beat of good ol’ Willie Nelson
“on the road again” she had a special zest for life and when
her health took a toll on her mobility, she found other passions in
painting with the St. Mary’s Senior Group, and taking yearly
senior trips to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré. Emily was
a great lady, and she loved her community with all her soul, and she
spoke with “many” tongues if she wasn’t happy
about things that affected it. She will be greatly missed by
her family and friends.
The Polches family would like to thank the Dr. Everette
Chalmers Hospital Staff on Four-West, and we would like to acknowledge
the compassion and care from the Fredericton Hospice House who all
provided comfort during her final hours.
A special thank you to her home support workers who helped
care for Emily when she was at
home.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the dementia society or
to the Fredericton Hospice House.
www.bishopsfuneralhome.com
1941 2025
Death notice for the town of: Fredericton, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick
death notice Emily Marjorie Polches 1941 2025
obituaries notice Emily Marjorie Polches 1941 2025
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Emily Marjorie Polches 1941 2025 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
