With her family at her side, Emily Dale reluctantly passed away at VGH, on Sunday evening, March 23rd, 2014. Emily suffered a fall just before Christmas, followed by a stroke on January 8th.  She fought hard and had just celebrated her 99th at her annual Birthday Party at VGH.

Emily was born at home in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.  She attended Alex Muir Elementary, the Sault Collegiate, Hatfield Hall Boarding School in Cobourg, Ontario, and one year’s sojourn at Halifax Ladies College.  She trained at Shaw’s Business School in Toronto and began her working career at Algoma Steel in the Sault.   After her marriage to Earl Robert (Sonny) Dale and the birth of Barbara, they made their home in Sault Ste Marie.  She worked at Doug Sykes Insurance until she and Barbara moved to Toronto for Barbara’s last year of high school. They returned to the Sault and Emily worked at the Admitting Department of the Plummer Hospital. In 1968, Emily moved to Montreal to care for her mother and worked at the Montreal General Hospital Volunteer Department.  When she retired in 1980, they both moved to Vancouver to be with Barbara and her family.  They embraced the West Coast Life and became a big part in the lives of their family. Her mother, Frances, sadly died in 1985 at age 97.

Emily was a gentle soul who loved life, her family and friends. Emily’s many challenges created in her a strong independence and fortitude.   “Chips” was always an avid bridge player and in her younger days played tennis, winning several cups.  She adored the camp life at her family cottage Port Findlay, near the Sault, and enjoyed catching up with her friends there each year.   She has never missed a summer since 1929. Survived by her daughter, Barbara, and her grandchildren Kirsty Gordon & James Gordon (Kim); Great Grandchildren, Cleo Stratton, Alexander, William and Jack Gordon.  Now joining her parents, Franklin and Frances Smallwood and her brothers, Robert and Joe Smallwood.

A Memorial Service will be held at St Anselm’s Anglican Church, 5210 University Blvd, Vancouver, BC, at 2 pm on Friday, April 4th, 2014.  Emily is resting at Kearney Funeral Services at present but will be interred in eastern Canada.  In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favourite charity.