Emma was born in Sittard, Holland in 1956. Her family of seven immigrated in 1960 and landed in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Following their arrival in Canada, the family hopped on a train and headed west, settling in Lethbridge, Alberta.

Emma is survived by three children, eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren and an adopted family of three children, nine grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

A Celebration of Emma’s life will take place in the spring 2026.