Emma Taft (nee Emma Ingrid Carolina Gustafson, Feb.27,1923) was the fourth of ten children born to Swedish immigrant parents. Emma grew up in Avonlea, Sask., and worked at Caronport, Sask. for the air force, after graduating from highschool. Emma joined the army on April 20,1944, served in Ottawa, St. John, and Regina, and was discharged from the army in Vancouver on Sept.11, 1946. Emma loved her time in the army and spoke of it often.
Emma met and married Ray Taft in Vancouver. Emma and Ray’s first child, David, was born in Vancouver in 1950. In 1951, Emma, Ray, and David moved to Terrace, Ray’s hometown. Emma and Ray’s two daughters were born in Terrace: Brenda (1953) and Wanda (1955).
Emma worked as a medical receptionist for Doctors Hicks and Boyd for many years. Emma loved playing softball and golf. Emma loved to bowl, play Bingo, and travel. She also made excellent butter tarts.
After Ray died in 1993, Emma’s health steadily declined. In 2002, Emma reluctantly moved from her long-time home on Scott Ave. to the newly built McConnell Estate. In May 2008, she moved to Terraceview.
Emma died on Friday, July 24th, 2009.
Emma is survived by her two sisters, Doris and Ruth, her son, David, her daughters Brenda and Wanda, David’s wife Lorna, David and Lorna’s son, Ewan, and daughter Fiona, Fiona’s husband, Jason, Fiona and Jason’s son Julius, Brenda’s husband, John, Brenda and John’s daughter, Anne, and son, Jesse, Anne’s fiance, Curtis, Wanda’s husband, Eric, Wanda and Eric’s sons Matthew, Soren, Ben, Adam, and Alex, Matthew’s daughter, Kayla, and son, Jayden, Ben’s wife, Liza, and Ben and Liza’s daughter, Claire.
Much thanks to all the health care workers, institutions, and faithful friends who supported, helped, and cared for Emma in her final years.
Memorial service for Emma to be held at the Legion, Thu., Aug. 6/09, 1 p.m.