Emma Irene Meronek (more commonly known as Emmy) was born in Neudorf, Saskatchewan on January 1, 1929.

Her family moved to Trail, BC when she was a young girl. It was there that her brother was born. Her mother was a trained seamstress and her father, a mechanic, worked in the smelter. Early on they instilled the belief in Emmy that she could have a career and raise a family. Her childhood was happy, and she often talked about the close friendships she developed while living there.

The family moved to Osoyoos when Emmy was in her late teens. She graduated high school from Oliver Secondary and continued her education in Victoria at Normal School, gaining a teaching certificate. She met her husband Pat at a dance in Osoyoos and despite having a boyfriend, was charmed by the handsome vet. She married him on September 4th, 1947, and immediately started her first teaching job in Kaleden. She recounted that when she drove to school on snowy days during the winter in her old Model T Ford, truckers would wait at the bottom of the hill outside of OK Falls to ensure she made it up, to get to work on time.

Soon after, Emmy got a teaching job in Osoyoos. She taught grade three and four for over 30 years at the elementary school there. She and Pat had two daughters, Diana (Lynn) in 1949 and Joy in 1951. Emmy taught both her daughters. She loved teaching and had many fond memories of students and colleagues. Over the span of her career, she ended up teaching the children of some of her former students.

Upon retirement, Emmy took up golf and enjoyed many sewing and crafting projects. She was keen to travel and went with extended family to Eastern Canada, England, and Australia. She and Pat took a few trips to Hawaii, spent time in California and went on a couple of cruises to Alaska and Mexico. She was always up for a new adventure.

Emmy moved to Penticton in 2004. When her girls retired (also from teaching), they too settled in Penticton. Reunited, they spent many happy times together. Emmy was in care for her last two years at the Vineyards in Kelowna and at Haven Hill in Penticton. The family appreciates the wonderful care she had in both places.

Emmy is predeceased by her husband Pat, her daughter Diana (Lynn) and her son in law Kerry. She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter Joy, her brother Richard, and her sisters in law, Rose and Mary. Emmy has many nieces and nephews. Two of them, Ria and Deb visited her often in her later years…maintaining a close relationship with their aunt.

Emmy will rest in the hearts of all those who loved her.