Martha Ann O’Kane Emery

Martha was born on December 4, 1932, in Thunder Bay, Ontario. From a early age, she demonstrated the strength, determination, and resilience that would guide her throughout her life. As a young woman, she worked alongside her mother and father in the bush camps of Ontario where she met he first husband, Real LaBrecque. A testament to her tenacity and hardworking spirit; she later worked on the ships along the Great Lakes before relocating to Manitoba where she found love again and married Henry Emery SR. In 1967, Martha moved to British Columbia, where she would spend the rest of her life. For the past 30 years, she has called Cranbrook home.

Martha was a devoted mother, grandmother, and the proud matriarch of a large and loving family. She was blessed with 14 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren, each of whom carry a piece of her strength, love, and spirit. Her family was her greatest joy, and nothing brought her more happiness than being surrounded by those she loved.

She is lovingly remembered by her five children: Malvina (Gregg), Terry (Kathy), Jeanne (Heith), Joanie (Steve), and Henry. Martha was predeceased by her parents, her husband Henry Emery Sr., her eldest son Real, and her brothers and sisters.

Martha found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved fishing, painting, beading, and spending time playing bingo. She was an incredible cook whose kitchen was always filled with warmth and the comforting smells of home-cooked meals. Music was always a part of her life – you could often hear old country and western songs playing in the background as she sang along. Through her love of music, she gave her family a voice to sing and the richness of melodies that will continue through generations.

Above all else, Martha cherished her family. Her strength, resilience, and unwavering love built the foundation of generations who were fortunate enough to call her mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

She will be deeply missed by many and lovingly remembered by all. We are forever blessed to have come from such a strong and remarkable woman whose legacy will love on through the many lives she had touched.