It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of Emma Hamel, late of North Battleford, Saskatchewan on Thursday, October 29th 2015. Emma, daughter of Alphonse Dupuis and Liatitia Morin was born September 29, 1921 on the farm in Jackfish, Saskatchewan. On December 30, 1947 she married Lucien Hamel and they raised eight children on their farm near Edam, Saskatchewan. In 1975 they sold the farm and moved to North Battleford, Saskatchewan. It was at this time that Emma applied for her ‘first’ jobs. Really, raising eight children was a full time job. She worked in a Dry Cleaner, in Housekeeping at Villa Pascal and Regional Care. She then worked for many years at Treen’s Interior Decorating as a seamstress. Walking into Emma’s house, her creativity was visible. Her windows were covered in beautiful handmade drapes. Tablecloths, doilies and afghans adorned her living room furniture and tables. Emma also enjoyed many crafts which she shared with her children and grandchildren. Emma had a very active social life. If you couldn’t find her at home chances are she was either at bowling, bingo or card parties. She put all her heart into each activity. This was evident with her many bowling trophies. Emma was a woman with a strong faith who chose the path of service. She was very devoted to Parish Life at St. Andrés. Emma enjoyed preparing for the liturgies by taking care of the flowers, plants and other décor. Preparing the schedules for various ministries also kept her very busy. Emma will be remembered for her green thumb and love of gardening. This was obvious in her array of beautiful rainbows of flowers and vegetable gardens. She was never afraid of work and would harvest and preserve large amounts of fruits and vegetables. This was in addition to raising her eight children. We all enjoyed Emma’s hospitality, cooking and baking skills. If you left her place hungry she certainly wasn’t to blame. Everyone enjoyed her apple pies, tourtières, salads and stuffing along with many other delicious meals. Because of her adventurous spirit, traveling was another one of Emma’s favourite things. Her love of travelling took her on many tours through Canada and around the world. Some places which she visited outside Canada were Thailand, Medjugorje, and Las Vegas. Driving across Canada with her brother and sister, Emma enjoyed visiting Manitoba, Niagara Falls and other attractions all the way to the Maritime Provinces. She also had the opportunity to visit the Yukon and even pan for gold. Emma was able to roll with the punches. If one door closed, she was confident another would open. She was denied the opportunity of formal education, but her many accomplishments attest to her determination and spirit. Maman, nous savons que tu continues ta mission parmi nous et prie pour chacun de tes enfants et de tes amis. Merci. Tu es pour toujours dans nos coeurs. A funeral service was held on Monday, November 2nd, 2015 at St. Andre Apotre Roman Catholic Church, North Battleford. Memorial donations can be made in Emma's memory to the Palliative Care Unit c/o BUH Foundation, Box 1358 North Battleford, Saskatchewan S9A 3L8, or to the charity of your choice. The family has entrusted the staff of Sallows & McDonald-Wilson & Zehner Funeral Home.
