Mrs. Emily Rose Nash (Reeves) passed away peacefully on June 8th, 2026, at the age of 101.
Born in Croydon, England, on January 19th, 1925, she was one of ten children. Her family continued to grow over the next century, and she passed on a legacy of stubborn strength and love that continues to live on in more than 40 descendants.
Emily joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service to serve in World War II. After meeting the “most handsome man she’d ever seen” she moved to St Mary’s First Nation in New Brunswick. She later travelled to Thunder Bay, living here for the next six decades. For the last 20 years, Emily called Jasper Place home, growing her family to include the wonderful staff and neighbours.
In addition to her service, she held many jobs over the years, including chocolate factory worker, nurse’s assistant, potato picker, tenant assistant with Thunder Bay District Housing, and community worker at the Grenville Community Resource Centre. In the 80s and 90s, she was known as “Mrs. Cash” while working at Indian Friendship Centre bingos. After retiring, she travelled across Canada annually to visit loved ones, occasionally venturing “across the pond” to those in England.
Emily loved to read. She could often be found smoking a cigarette and deep in a favourite book with a good cuppa. She knit tiny outfits for new babies and created many pieces of embroidery and needlework. She also loved music – big band, crooners, classical, opera, and old war time tunes.
Emily will be missed – she truly squeezed the most she could from life.
A celebration of her long life well lived will be held on Saturday, August 15th at the North End Recreation Center from 1:00pm – 4:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Operation Smile Canada.
Condolences may be made through www. nwfainc. com
