OBITUARY

Matilda Emma Padhi

November 3, 1933 – January 3, 2021

Matilda Emma Padhi passed away peacefully at the Rockyview General Hospital Calgary on January 3, 2021.

Born November 3, 1933 in Belleoram, Newfoundland daughter of John and Irene (Rose) Whatley. After graduating from high school Emma headed to Halifax to work in the Moirs chocolate factory until she was old enough to begin nurses training. In 1950 she entered the Halifax Infirmary School of Nursing. Upon graduation in 1953 she headed west to Saskatoon where she worked at the Sanatorium and later as a head nurse at St. Paul’s Hospital. She met her future husband Radhakrishna (Rad) Padhi while working at Fort San and they were married in 1956. The two travelled to Kingston where they started their family, and her husband pursued a career in cardiac surgery. They decided they should travel to Rad’s home country India, so he went ahead to get settled. In November 1961 she travelled with 2 children, while expecting a third child to join her husband. She travelled from Halifax to London and then onto Cairo. She was the only adult female on the inaugural flight of the United Arab Airlines flight from Cairo to Bombay. She loved India, the country, the people, the food… She assisted her husband by running the bypass machine for the first successful open-heart surgery in Wanlesswadi India in April of 1962. They worked alongside each other for 6 years. In 1967 they returned to Canada living in Saskatoon, Regina and settled in Moose Jaw in 1970. She raised a family, continued a nursing career and for a while sold real estate. She loved hockey and was a huge supporter of the MJ Canucks/Warriors. She was president of the Moose Jaw Newfoundlanders club. A member of the Saskatchewan Registered Nurses Association. She occasionally worked in Northern Saskatchewan outposts providing relief to nurses on their time off. Upon retiring in 1987 Emma and Rad decided to travel to Cameroon in West Africa for a 3-year medical mission. Again, Emma helped teach the nursing staff, assisted in the operating room, re-organized equipment and supplies and helped to rebuild the hospital. She continued to volunteer for medical missions (Haiti and Guatemala) after her husband died.

Her religious beliefs were a guiding force in her life. She loved the hymns and took great comfort in reading and reciting verses from the scriptures. Throughout her life she always made time to volunteer whether it was at the church or in the community. She travelled the world and made lasting friendships wherever she went. She was a progressive thinker, accepting of individual differences and always up to date on world affairs. She loved to shop especially for jewelry. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, and reading. She loved life and knew how to have a good time wherever she was. She was devoted to her family and friends and was always there to lend a hand to someone in need.

She was preceded in death by her husband R.K. Padhi (1998). She is survived by her children; Pamela (Kim) Railton, Desmond (Laura) Padhi, Devkumar (Veronica) Padhi; grandchildren Aaron (Jessica) Railton, Sarah Railton (Bernie Banovic), Nathan Railton, Evin Padhi, Krystle O’Brien (Justin) and great-grandson Charlie Railton.

Our hearts are heavy, and our loss is great, but we take comfort in knowing that she is at peace in heaven.

We wish to thank the staff at the RVGH Unit 74 for their wonderful care of our dear mother in her final days. We also wish to thank the staff at Father Lacombe Care Centre which has been her home since her stroke in May of 2016. Thank you for all those special little things you did for mom, it meant so much.

Due to the current Covid restrictions we have decided to hold a celebration of life once things settle and family are able to travel.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the Canadian Down Syndrome Society (https://cdss.ca).

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Matilda Emma Padhi

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Johanna Roskey

January 14, 2021

I was so sorry to hear about your mother's passing. I met Emma at the 55plus social group we both belonged to. Since we both had a grandchild with Down Syndrome, we immediately had a connection. A few summers ago Emma and I went to Eau Claire Market to their annual Food Tasting event. We both really enjoyed that lovely summer day.

William Hatcher

January 14, 2021

Dear Pam,Des and Dev,
We have sadness in our hearts and at the same time wish to celebrate a wonderful life lived. Emma enjoyed life, was kind and generous to others and she loved you all so much! We have many fond memories as she was a big part of our lives growing up in Cape Breton.
I remember when she and Rad left for India. My Mom was so worried but excited for them at the same time. Mom would say that if anyone could do this it was Emma. We loved getting the blue airmail envelopes in the mail. They were exotic and full of exciting adventures that we read over and over.
She opened my eyes to the world and encouraged us to travel. We enjoyed sharing our travel stories with her and she would tell us about where we should go next. She was full of good travelling tips.
In later years Carolyn and I enjoyed our visits with Emma on both Canadian coasts. We shared some good wines and enjoyed her many stories. These we will remember always.
Please take care of each other and love to you all.
Bill &Carolyn

Ann Brown

January 14, 2021

Emma was a very gifted women who shared her light and love freely. She always greeted everyone with a smile and told a joke or story that brightened the day of those in her presence. Emma was a lady of deep faith.

May you trust that love is stronger than death and draw comfort from the bond that unites you with your loved one.

May you find solace as you grieve the loss of Emma
Blessings of His Comfort
Love Ann Brown

Darlene Romashenko

January 13, 2021

So sorry to hear about the loss of your Mother.
I had the privilege to meet her at a coffee group and visted her at Father Lacombe, very nice lady.
My Deepest Sympathy.

Anne Szabo

January 13, 2021

I met Emma through a club we both belonged to and became fast fiends due to our shared love of travelling. As a result we travelled together for a number of years. A Caribbean cruise, a tour of Turkey, a riverboat journey from Moscow to St Petersburg, Vietnam, Myanmar, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Seoul Korea, a music tour from Nashville to New Orleans, and the Galapagos to name a few.
Emma being a seasoned traveler was totally unflappable when the unexpected occurred whether that was missing a flight from Hong Kong to Hanoi or setting off the security alarms in foreign airports due to all the jewelry she insisted on wearing.
She only had two vices that I was aware of. One was her love of jewelry especially rings which she purchased all over the world and always managed to bargain a great price. Her motto was "if you can't eat it or wear it, don't buy it"! Her second vice was enjoying a glass of wine, often justifying it by saying "it's got to be Happy Hour someplace in the world"!
Emma enjoyed meeting new people all around the world. She would strike up a conversation in the most unusual places and sometimes with some shady looking characters. I recall we stumbled on a Biker rally in a small BC town and Emma started chatting up some suspicious long haired, beer belly biker dudes because she recognized their "Newfie " accents.
I'm quite sure that Emma in Heaven is enjoying her new experiences , riding on the clouds, trying on her new angel wings and finding out where everyone is from. I for one will never forget her.

Ronnie Hatcher

January 13, 2021

Dear Pam, Dev and Des,
We were saddened to get the news of Emma's passing. Your mother was so proud of her children and grandchildren. She lived a good life and accomplished so much. My earliest memories are of Emma and her dear friend and classmate, Marie Howe, coming to work at the Sydney City Hospital and living with us at the time. I was only 8 years of age at the time. She was very close to my Mom ( her aunt Janet) and a big sister to me and my brothers. Emma also baby sat us anytime our parents needed a break or the odd trip to Halifax. Always a fun loving lady.
Please accept mine and Mary's deepest condolences and God bless you all.

Alice Irvine

January 12, 2021

Emma always had a joke to share with our group at RDLUC.
Until I read this obituary, I did not realize that she was Sarahs
grandmother. Please accept my condolences for the loss of
this wonderful lady!
A. Lorraine Irvine

Marj. Den Hoed

January 12, 2021

We are sorry for your loss. Your Mom, Grandma was a special lady and my Mom and I enjoyed visiting her. It was fun to play Rummikub with the two of them. Unfortunately it became too hard for mom to keep coming to see Emma but we talked about her, and the memories of the times they had together. Love Marj. (Doris)

Fran and Andy Porter

January 12, 2021

Dev, Veronica, and Nathan, we have come to know you so much better since our visits to Emma at Lacombe Centre after her stroke. But Andy and I knew Emma from church before that, and we loved her kindness, sense of humour, and all the funny stories she told at Bible Study! Our sincerest condolences go to all Emma's loving family members on the loss of a beautiful lady who will be much missed. No doubt her sparkling eyes and keen wit are now charming them up there in Heaven! May you all take comfort in knowing she suffers no more and will live on forever in your hearts. Love and hugs, Fran and Andy

Katie Mutlow

January 12, 2021

When we moved to our Condo in Evergreen to be a part of Red Deer Lake United Church for a few years we met many special
people. One of those became my dear friend--Emma. We lived
within walking distance of each other so it was easy to drop by.
Emma had so many precious and interesting stories to tell about her life of service. She was such a dedicated witness to works of
human kindness. I will always treasure her friendship and inspiration. Blessings & Peace to the family,
Katie (Bob) Mutlow

FROM THE FAMILY