Emelia Marie Burns Kenny

Emelia Marie Kenny was known as many things to many people. She was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew her best, Emelia will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

       She was the daughter of Andre and Anna Burns. Emelia grew up in Chapleau, Ontario and Hawk Junction, Ontario.

      Emelia was raised with 6 siblings and 4 half siblings. She had three brothers, Adrian, Ned and Jello and three sisters, Theresa, Val and Regina. She also had three half sisters, Rose, Cecile, and Jean, and one half brother, George. Emelia was usually involved in all sorts of activities with her siblings. She and her siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

      Always considered a “good” friend to those she knew, Emelia enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during her lifetime. Later in life, she became good friends with Mary Douglas, Anneke Thompson, Howard McLeod and Pat Russell.

       Empathic and loyal, Emelia was committed to making her new family happy.

      Emelia worked hard to be a good mother to her children and she did her best to fulfill their needs. Emelia was blessed with sixteen children, eleven sons, Vincent, baby boy, Martin, Paul, Philip, Morris, Regis, Mark, Andre, James and Christopher, and five daughters, France, Elaine, Marion, Roseanne, and Grace.

      Fortunately, Emelia enjoyed what she did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, she worked diligently and did her best to succeed in her career. Her primary occupation was a homemaker, but later in life she worked as a cook. She was employed for 10 years by the Ministry of Natural Resources. Emelia always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

      Emelia enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were sewing, making bookmarks for people and sending special cards to loved ones, never forgetting a birthday. She liked to paint watercolour pictures and did a lot of lighthouses. She enjoyed feeding the birds in her backyard and reading. She could make a beautiful craft out of almost anything and never wasted a napkin! She enjoyed making plastic canvas items as gifts for people as well. She was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

      Emelia’s faith was important to her. She was a member of Bethany Baptist Church since May 29, 1994. During that time, she was actively involved with Senior's Bible study and Sonshine Bible Club working with elementary school children.

      Though she never set out to gain individual recognition, Emelia was given accolades for her many and varied accomplishments throughout her life. Her most prestigious award was presented to her every Mother's Day at Bethany Baptist honouring her for having the most children of anyone in the church.

      Emelia enjoyed time away on vacations. It was a chance for her to renew and relax, to visit loved ones. Favorite vacations included time spent with family in B.C., Alberta, Manitoba and anytime she was able to visit Hawk Junction.

       Her new life involved relocating to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. In retirement, she found new pleasure in watercolour painting, staying active in church and enjoying time with family. Even in retirement, Emelia continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Emelia was active in her new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered her.

      Emelia passed away on August 12, 2011 at Plummer Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. She is survived by many precious children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Services were held at Bethel Bible Chapel. Emelia was laid to rest in Pine Grove Cemetary in Hawk Junction, Ontario.

      Simply stated, Emelia was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Emelia leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Emelia Marie Kenny.

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A special letter written for Emelia by her granddaughter Jacqueline Kenny on August 13th, the day after she went Home to be with her Lord and Saviour.

My Grandma

Everyone has that one special person in their lives that is always there. For me, that was my Grandma. Every special event, birthday, Christmas, and concert, grandma would be there. I remember looking out into the audience at any recital, and grandma would be there, smiling so sweet. When I think about my grandma in my child years, I realize I have a lot of memories with her. The ones that are the most special to me are the sleepovers. Yes, I was so fortunate to get to spend at least one night every weekend at grandmas. I remember arriving at grandmas with greenie and my dollys in hand, walking down the hall to that oh so familiar apartment. There was something so inviting about the glow flowing out from grandma's room. As soon as I turned the corner, there would be grandma with a big smile on her face. First things first, were to shoo off mom and dad, it was mine and grandma's time. My most favorite thing to do when I got there was bake a microwave cake. Even though grandma knew it was a waste of food, she never once said no. I still remember lying on the couch watching the 11:00 news till my eyes were droopy. It was grandma's tradition to take a walk over to Dollarama the next morning and go shopping. She would always have a little purse with my name and money in it. Some things never changed. Just a few months ago grandma gave me a little coin purse telling me to go shop at Dollarama. That was my grandma, always thinking of others. My grandma always had a smile on her face, and plenty of lipstick with a hint of coffee kisses for the cheek. She was always a gentle, calm, person who never got angry with me. Well, I guess what I am trying to show here is that my grandma was like my best friend, and she probably was to many other people. I love her so much and she will be greatly missed. I know she is up in heaven running through fields of love with Jesus. I know I will, and I hope you all will be able to see her again someday. I love you so much grandma.

See you someday.

Love,

Jolie Jacqueline

KENNY, Emelia (Bea) (nee Burns) – August 26, 1920 – August 12, 2011. Emelia passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side, at the Plummer Hospital on Friday, August 12, 2011 at the age of 90. She went home to be with her Lord and Saviour and joins her late husband Frank and son Martin. Dear mother of Vincent of Salmon Arm, B.C., late Martin, France of Toronto, Paul (Sandra) of Sault Ste. Marie, Philip of Hawk Junction, Elaine Henderson (late Ron) of Neepawa, MB, Morris of Mount Albert, Ontario, Marion Kenny-Drury (Rick) of Winnipeg, MB, Regis of Wawa, Roseanne Hagen (late Bill) of Hawk Junction, Mark (Carolyn) of Creston, B.C., André of Edmonton, Grace of Sault Ste. Marie, James (Dannielle) of Sault Ste. Marie and Christopher (late Karen) of Winnipeg, MB. Emelia will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Daughter of the late André and Anna Burns. Dear sister of Adrian Burns (late Madelaine) of Sault Ste. Marie and predeceased by Ned Burns (Edie), Jello Burns (Dolores), Theresa Irbite (late Martin), Val McAuley (late Edwin) and Regina Turbin (late Walter). Friends are invited to attend a memorial service at Bethel Bible Chapel (686 Black Rd.) on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at 4 pm. Interment to follow in September in Hawk Junction. Memorial contributions to ARCH would be appreciated. A special thank you to the Plummer Hospital Site staff for the excellent kindness and care given to Emelia

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KENNY, Emelia (Bea) (nee Burns) – August 26, 1920 – August 12, 2011. Emelia passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side, at the Plummer Hospital on Friday, August 12, 2011 at the age of 90. She went home to be with her Lord and Saviour and joins her late husband Frank and son Martin. Dear mother of Vincent of Salmon Arm, B.C., late Martin, France of Toronto, Paul (Sandra) of Sault Ste. Marie, Philip of Hawk Junction, Elaine Henderson (late Ron) of Neepawa, MB, Morris of Mount Albert, Ontario, Marion Kenny-Drury (Rick) of Winnipeg, MB, Regis of Wawa, Roseanne Hagen (late Bill) of Hawk Junction, Mark (Carolyn) of Creston, B.C., André of Edmonton, Grace of Sault Ste. Marie, James (Dannielle) of Sault Ste. Marie and Christopher (late Karen) of Winnipeg, MB. Emelia will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Daughter of the late André and Anna Burns. Dear sister of Adrian Burns (late Madelaine) of Sault Ste. Marie and predeceased by Ned Burns (Edie), Jello Burns (Dolores), Theresa Irbite (late Martin), Val McAuley (late Edwin) and Regina Turbin (late Walter). Friends are invited to attend a memorial service at Bethel Bible Chapel (686 Black Rd.) on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at 4 pm. Interment to follow in September in Hawk Junction. Memorial contributions to ARCH would be appreciated. A special thank you to the Plummer Hospital Site staff for the excellent kindness and care given to Emelia.