Passed away as the sun was setting on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. Widow of William, loving mom of Diane (William), William (Elaine), and the late Thomas (Jennifer), adored Grandmother of Robert, Cameron, and Andrew, daughter of the late Thomas and Mary Burns, sister of Elizabeth (late Roy), Margaret (late Alec), late Thomas (late Jean), and late William (late Pat) of Willowdale, Ontario. Emily will also be missed by many nieces and nephews and her Scotland family who always made her laugh. A role model for the modern traveller, Emily worked and saved as a young woman and in 1958 sailed to Europe for a tour, then stayed for several months with family in Northern Ireland. Emily refused to be held back. Even when she moved to the Sault in 2001 she continued to drive to visit family in southern Ontario. Although Emily never learned to swim, she enjoyed sitting on a beach, or on a dock with her feet in the water. A voracious reader Emily loved to immerse herself in stories. Crime fiction was her favourite. Emily held several jobs over her working life but her longest and most fun was as a shipping clerk with Scholastic books. Emily raised 3 children and helped to raise her 3 grandchildren. She encouraged her kids to be kids, to enjoy all that life has to offer and to be kind to one another. She hated cooking and was overjoyed when her kids all took up cooking. In keeping with Emily’s wishes cremation has already occurred and a private interment will take place in the spring, where her ashes will be laid to rest with her youngest son. Many thanks to the wonderful staff of Extendicare Van Daele for the love, care, and support shown to Emily over the past 5 years. Donations (payable by cheque) can be made to the Friends of the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library or the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 25. Arrangements entrusted to the Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. East 705-759-2522). Please visit Arthur Funeral Home website obituaries to leave memories and condolences as a keepsake for the family.
